28 Jun Tips to Make Your Garden the Best It Can Be This Summer

One of the things we love most about summer is spending time outdoors. And, for many of us, that might involve spending time in the yard gardening. One of the interesting things about gardening is that the process seems so simple: plant some seeds, water them and ‘ta-da’ flowers, herbs or vegetables will grow.

If only it were that easy. A healthy garden takes time, patience and a few key strategies. But, that doesn’t mean it has to take a ton of time. Think of it this way.. Garden smarter, not harder. To help, we’ve compiled some of our favorite tips to help you grow a beautiful garden this summer!

Keep Pots Cool

If you have flowers or herbs that live in pots, they are more vulnerable than plants in the ground to overheating. But, there’s a fine line between too much sun and not enough. To make sure you’ll finding that perfect balance, place them is west-facing sun and lightly mulch. Avoid leaving them in standing water, as this can contribute to root rot and lots of pesky mosquitos. A good trick is to put sand in the saucers holding the plant and keep it moist. If you encounter plants that have dried out, don’t fret. Soak them in some water for about 20-minutes and then drain them.

Water Timing is Crucial

There are a few reasons why picking the right time of day can contribute to healthy plants. One reason is that if you water at the hottest time of day, you run the risk of leaves and buds burning. Another reason is that if you water early, you’re actually helping prevent mildew. Mildew is very common with roses, any type of melon and cucumbers, so you’ll want to keep a close eye on these varieties. One tip is to spray your plants with an all-natural mixture of milk and water. While this doesn’t reverse mildew issues, it does help prevent them.

Add a Little Love to Water

Regular water is obviously a requirement for healthy and happy plants, but sometimes it’s just not enough. Adding nutrients to the water can help feed and reduce any mineral deficiencies that exist. There are a few quick and inexpensive ways to do this with all-natural products that you already have at your home. Here are a few of our favorites.

Bananas: If you have roses, you can actually plan a banana in the hole near the roses. As your roses grow, continue burying bananas or peels into the top layer of soil. This gives plants the potassium they need for proper growth.

Used coffee grounds: Grounds are beneficial for plants that like acid – blueberries, azaleas, evergreens and more. Let the grounds dry completely and then scatter around the area. Avoid creating a dense layer though, as this can lead to mold.

Epsom Salts: Combine one tablespoon of epsom salts with one gallon of water and spray directly on your plants to give them a quick and healthy dose of magnesium and sulfur.

We hope these tips help you create and enjoy a beautiful garden this summer at your home!  Of course, we are here to help with any of your Iowa City Corridor custom home needs, so please contact us if you have questions about a project.

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