With the warmth of summer on the horizon, it’s time to prepare your garden for the vibrant season ahead. Transitioning your garden to handle the hot summer months is an essential task for every gardener. This shift not only involves adapting your garden to the changing weather but also ensuring that your plants thrive during the summer months. Here’s our comprehensive guide to help you seamlessly transition your garden and make the most out of the summer bloom.

1. Assessment and Tidying Up

The first step in transitioning your garden is to assess the current state of your plants and garden space. Spring, with its unpredictable weather, can leave some plants in need of care. Remove any dead or diseased foliage and weeds that have taken advantage of the spring growth spurt. This cleanup will reduce competition for nutrients and light, essential for your plants’ growth in summer.

2. Soil Care

Summer brings its own set of challenges for soil health, including potential dryness and nutrient depletion. It’s crucial to prepare your soil for these conditions. Begin by testing your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels; this will guide you on what amendments your garden might need. Incorporating organic matter like compost can improve soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient content, creating an ideal environment for plant roots during the hot months.

3. Watering Wisely

Watering practices need to be adjusted as temperatures rise. Early morning is the best time to water your garden, as it allows moisture to reach the roots before the heat of the day causes evaporation. Consider installing a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses for efficient watering. Mulching around plants can also help retain soil moisture and reduce water loss.

4. Choosing the Right Plants

Not all plants thrive in the heat of summer, so it’s important to select the right varieties for your garden. Opt for heat-tolerant and drought-resistant plants that can withstand the summer conditions. Some popular choices include zinnias, marigolds, petunias, and sunflowers for flowers, and tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and squash for vegetables. You can also always ask your local feed store (like us!) for suggestions.

5. Pest and Disease Management

Summer can bring about an increase in pests and diseases. Monitor your garden regularly for signs of trouble and take action promptly. Using organic pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects or applying neem oil, can effectively manage pests without harming your garden’s ecosystem.

6. Fertilizing for Summer Growth

Your plants will need extra nutrients to sustain growth throughout the summer. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide a steady supply of essential nutrients. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers and fruits.

7. Pruning and Deadheading

Pruning and deadheading are essential practices to encourage healthy growth and blooming. Remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming in flowering plants. Pruning can also help shape your plants and improve air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases common in the humid summer months.

8. Providing Shade and Support

Some plants may need protection from the intense summer sun. Utilize shade cloths or plant taller crops strategically to provide natural shade to more sensitive plants. Additionally, ensure that tall plants and climbers have the necessary support, such as stakes or trellises, to withstand summer storms and winds.

9. Enjoying Your Garden

Amidst all the care and maintenance, don’t forget to take time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Set up a comfortable seating area in your garden to relax and admire the beauty you’ve cultivated. Summer evenings in the garden can offer a delightful retreat from the day’s heat.

Transitioning your garden from spring to summer requires attention to detail and a bit of preparation, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By following these steps, you can ensure that your garden remains a vibrant, flourishing oasis throughout the summer months. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these tips will help you create a summer garden that brings joy and color to your outdoor space.

Buzzing bees, fluttering butterflies, and zipping hummingbirds are super-fun to watch as they flit and zoom from flower to flower, but these pollinators do more than just entertain. They actually help fuel life on this planet. The cucumbers in your salad, the berries in your yogurt, the apples in your pie—none of those would exist without the work of pollinators. These vital creatures will gladly make your yard their home when you roll out the welcome mat with a pollinator garden.

Check out our vital tips to make your home a pollinator hotspot.

1. Mix it up.

Different pollinators respond to different colors. Bees prefer blue, yellow, white and purple, while hummingbirds zoom to red-toned blooms first. Butterflies favor red and purple tones. Fill your yard with flowers in a rainbow of hues, and choose plants that bloom at different times so you’ll have blossoms throughout the growing season. Planting flowers with a variety of bloom shapes—some tall, some short, some wide, some narrow— will help draw a diverse group of pollinators, too.

2. Create drifts.

Many pollinators are nearsighted, so it’s easier for them to find flowers when there’s a large bunch. Arrange your plants in groups of 3 or 5 to mimic nature’s planting style and provide a can’t-miss target for pollinators.

3. Add water.

Like any living creature, pollinators need water to survive. Include a shallow bird bath, fountain, or pond to give pollinators a place to sip.

4. Provide shelter.

Pollinators need places to hide and raise their young, such as a hedge, a compost pile, a dead tree, unmowed grass, or unmulched soil. Be sure to provide just such a retreat near your pollinator garden.

5. Try trees.

Include trees and shrubs in your pollinator plans. A maple or crabapple tree in flower literally buzzes with activity during bloom time. Shrubs like viburnum, butterfly bush, spirea, and summersweet offer nectar-laden flowers that pollinators can’t resist.

6. Include natives.

Include at least a few native plants (that means native to the U.S.) in your pollinator garden, as they may be less prone to pests and disease than imported varieties. Some examples include tall liatris, purple coneflower, swamp milkweed, coreopsis, manzanita, and California poppy. Check with your local extension office to learn about native plants for your area, or visit the Xerces Society for regional native plant lists.

7. Let herbs bloom.

Once you’re done harvesting your favorite culinary herbs, allow them to burst into bloom. Pollinators will mob them! Bees are particularly fond of mint, oregano, basil, dill, fennel, and rosemary flowers, so why not indulge them? (Helpful hint: Get a jumpstart at planting time by planting young herbs from Bonnie Plants® instead of growing from seeds.)

8. Use pesticides wisely.

If you must use a pesticide in your pollinator garden, do so with care. Rely on predator insects like ladybugs and wasps if you can. If you must use a pesticide, use it when bees aren’t active (such as in early evening), don’t spray plants when they’re in bloom, and be sure to follow all of the directions on the product label.

If you’re a gardening enthusiast, you are probably well-aware of the importance of mulching. Mulching is an essential practice that helps facilitate plant growth and improve the overall health of your garden. In simple terms, mulch is a protective layer applied over the soil to regulate moisture levels, maintain soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. However, not all mulch is created equal. Understanding the different types of mulch and their benefits is crucial to determine what’s best for your garden which we will help break down for you.

Organic Mulch:

Organic mulch is made up of natural materials that decompose over time. Common types of organic mulch include bark, leaves, straw, and grass clippings. Organic mulch is best suited for gardens as it enriches the soil, enhances drainage, and improves soil structure over time. Additionally, it helps regulate soil temperature and suppress weed growth, ensuring that your plants thrive. However, it’s important to note that organic mulch decomposes and needs to be replenished frequently to remain effective.

Inorganic Mulch:

Inorganic mulch, on the other hand, is made up of non-biodegradable materials such as stones, gravel, and plastic sheeting. These materials do not break down and remain in your garden for a more extended period. Inorganic mulch is beneficial if you’re looking for a low-maintenance option that requires less upkeep. It’s also useful for areas that experience high winds and rains, preventing soil erosion. However, it’s important to note that inorganic mulch doesn’t enrich the soil, and it can increase soil temperatures during the hot summer months.

Compost Mulch:

Compost mulch is a type of organic mulch made up of decomposed organic materials such as food waste, yard trimmings, and manure. It’s often referred to as “black gold” as it’s packed with nutrients, beneficial microbes, and minerals that boost soil fertility. Compost mulch helps improve soil quality, increases water retention, and provides your plants with essential nutrients. This makes it an excellent option for vegetable gardens, flower beds, and fruit-bearing trees.

Pine Needle Mulch:

Pine needle mulch is a popular choice for gardeners as it’s long-lasting, attractive, and low-maintenance. Pine needles are acidic and work well for plants that prefer acidic soil conditions such as blueberry bushes, roses, azaleas, and rhododendrons. Pine needles also help improve drainage, suppress weeds, and prevent soil erosion. However, it’s important to note that pine needles decompose slowly, so you won’t need to replenish them as frequently as other organic mulch.

Rubber Mulch:

Finally, rubber mulch is a type of inorganic mulch made from recycled rubber tires. It’s often used in playgrounds and landscapes as it’s durable, non-toxic, and requires little maintenance. Rubber mulch doesn’t decompose, and it doesn’t attract insects or rodents, making it a safer option for children and pets. However, it’s crucial to check if the rubber mulch you’re buying is safe and toxin-free. Some manufacturers use recycled tires that contain harmful chemicals and metals that can harm your plants and soil.

Mulching is an essential gardening practice that provides a range of benefits to your plants and soil. Understanding the different types of mulch and their advantages can help you choose the best option for your garden. Whether you prefer organic or inorganic mulch, there’s an option that will work for you!

The arrival of spring presents a prime opportunity for farmers and livestock owners to improve the health of their pastures through proper pasture management. Not only does this help to regenerate growth, but it also ensures that the animals are well-fed and healthy. There are a few steps you can take to improve your pasture management including planning rotations, avoiding overgrazing, and looking out for poisonous plants.

Plan Your Rotation
Rotational grazing is one of the most effective ways to maintain healthy pastures. This practice involves splitting a pasture into smaller paddocks and allowing the animals to graze on each paddock for a set period of time before moving onto the next. Giving the grass time to recover before it’s grazed again is crucial for its health. In addition, rotational grazing provides an opportunity for livestock to graze on nutrient-rich grass as it regenerates. This practice encourages animal movement and even distribution of fertilizer, ultimately resulting in a better-quality pasture.

Avoid Overgrazing
It’s important to resist the temptation to leave all the animals in one area for an extended period. This can lead to overgrazing, a process where livestock consume too much grass, and it is unable to recover. This can harm the overall health of your pasture and reduce its productivity. Overgrazing can increase the presence of weeds, soil compaction, and decreased water infiltration. The best way to prevent overgrazing is to manage your grazing schedule correctly. It’s important not to leave your livestock in any one area for too long.

Beware of Poisonous Plants
It’s essential to be aware of the different poisonous plants that can be present in your pastures. These plants can adversely affect the health of your livestock if ingested, and some can even be fatal. Such plants include poison ivy and poison oak. Be sure to remove these plants from your pastures, and observe closely whether they are growing back. Consider fencing off any areas in which these plants are known to grow, or uprooting and replanting any areas where they may be present.

Spring pasture management is crucial when it comes to keeping pastures healthy and robust. Proper rotational grazing, grazing management, and attention to poisonous plants will ensure your pasture remains healthy, providing sufficient and nutritious feed for your livestock. Whether it’s your private collection of animals, or livestock that provides for your livelihood, it’s important to prioritize their health and well-being by maintaining healthy pastures. Take these three factors into account to ensure the health and longevity of your pasture and in turn your livestock.

Potatoes are a staple in many households across the world. They are versatile, tasty, and easy to cook. However, not many people know about seed potatoes and how they can significantly affect the quality and quantity of your potato crop. We’ve put together some information about seed potatoes and tips for planting, so you can reap the benefits of seed potatoes too.

What are seed potatoes?
Seed potatoes are potatoes that have been carefully selected, stored, and saved from the previous year’s potato crop. These potatoes are precisely picked based on their size, shape, and quality and are free from any diseases or pests. Seed potatoes ensure that only the best potatoes get planted the following year, resulting in a higher yield and crop quality.

Why are seed potatoes important?
Seed potatoes are critical for any gardener who wants to produce a healthy and fruitful potato crop the following year. Using seed potatoes from a previous crop means that gardeners are not only using potatoes that have been carefully selected and verified but are also avoiding any possible disease or pest infestation.

How to choose the right seed potatoes?
Choosing the right seed potato is essential for producing a healthy potato crop. Gardeners should select potatoes that are firm, free from blemishes, and have a good shape. The chosen potatoes should be stored in a cool, dry place before planting. Before planting, gardeners should also inspect the potatoes to ensure that they are disease-free.

How to plant seed potatoes?
Gardeners should plant their seed potatoes in the spring, 2-4 weeks before the last frost date. The selected potatoes should be cut into small pieces, each containing at least 2-3 eyes. Patios should be planted in the ground with the eyes facing upwards, ensuring that they are covered with soil. As the potatoes grow, gardeners should continue to cover the plants with soil to promote growth.

When to harvest seed potatoes?
Seed potatoes should be harvested in the summer or fall when the plants start to die back. The potatoes will be ready for harvest when the leaves turn brown and start to wilt. Gardeners should carefully dig the potatoes out of the ground to avoid damaging them.

Seed potatoes are a great option for gardeners who want to get a head start on their potato crop. They help produce a healthy, high-yield potato crop. Keep our tips in mind when choosing and planting seed potatoes in your garden for a successful yield. Remember, a healthy and fruitful potato crop results from using healthy seed potatoes!

Are you a gardener who wants to add more variety to your vegetable garden? If so, you might want to consider growing onion sets. Onion sets are small onions that are grown from seeds and then transplanted into your garden. They’re a great option for gardeners who want to get a head start on their onion crop without waiting for a full year. In this guide, we’ll talk about the benefits of planting onion sets and how to grow them successfully.

Let’s go over some of the benefits of using onion sets. One of the biggest advantages is time. By planting onion sets in the fall, you’ll be able to harvest your crop in the spring or early summer, rather than waiting an entire year for onions to mature. Onion sets are also easier to plant than onion seeds, as they don’t require a lot of time or effort to get started. Additionally, onion sets are less prone to disease and pests.

So how do you grow onion sets? The first step is to choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. Onions prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 6.0 to 6.8. You can test your soil’s pH using a kit from your local garden center. We have pH kits to choose from in the garden department of our store that are perfect for the job. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, prepare the soil by tilling it and adding compost or other organic matter.

When planting your onion sets, make sure to space them about 4-6 inches apart and plant them at a depth of about 1 inch. Push each set into the soil until the tip is barely visible. Onions don’t need a lot of water, but make sure to keep them well-watered during dry spells. You can also mulch around your onions to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

As your onions grow, be sure to keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Common onion pests include onion maggots, thrips, and onion flies, while common onion diseases include downy mildew, onion smut, and white rot. If you notice any issues, remove affected plants and treat the surrounding soil with an organic fungicide or insecticide.

Finally, you can harvest your onion sets. Onions are ready to harvest when the tops dry out and start to fall over. At this point, stop watering your onions and let them cure in the garden for a week or two. Once the outer skin is papery and the tops are dry and brittle, you can harvest your onions. Hang them in a cool, dry place for a few weeks to allow them to fully cure before storing them in a cool, dry spot.

Growing onion sets is a great way to add a quick and easy crop to your vegetable garden. With the right growing conditions and care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown onions in just a few months. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to a bumper onion crop in no time!