When summer comes around, many homeowners enjoy diving back into their landscaping to boost curb appeal and create the outdoor spaces they’ve always wanted. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, gardening in the summer presents unique challenges and opportunities.
Today, we’re giving you tips for summer gardening success to make your lawn and landscaping look their best all season long. Learn about protecting yourself from the summer sun, the best plants and flowers for your garden, and tips to make your landscaping thrive.
Protecting Yourself While Gardening in the Summer
When you’re outside doing your summer gardening, it’s essential to prioritize your own well-being. The hot summer sun can be harsh, so take steps to protect yourself from its damaging effects.
Some essentials for protecting yourself while gardening in the summer are:
- Apply sunscreen: Summer gardening days should start with applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Reapply it every few hours, especially if you’re sweating or working near water.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses: Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face, neck, and eyes from the sun’s rays while gardening in the summer sun. These aren’t just a fashion accessory, they’re practical tools for preventing sunburn, dry skin, or other health conditions. Additionally, a hat will help keep you cooler, lowering your risk of overheating.
- Put on lightweight clothing: for summer gardening, it’s best to choose loose, breathable fabrics that cover your skin without making you feel uncomfortably hot. Light-colored clothing can also help reflect the sun’s rays and keep you cooler than darker shades.
- Drink lots of water: Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout your summer gardening activities is absolutely essential. Keep a water bottle nearby and take frequent breaks in the shade to prevent dehydration.
Best Types of Summer Gardening Plants
Summer gardening in Upstate New York requires choosing plants and flowers that can withstand the Capital Region’s specific climate and growing conditions. Landscaping professionals like the NVS team will be able to recommend some of the best plants and flowers to keep your landscaping looking incredible all season long.
Some of our favorite types of summer gardening plants to consider for your backyard flower garden ideas include:
- Coneflowers: Coneflowers are hardy and drought-tolerant perennials that thrive in Upstate New York’s summer conditions. These flowers need full sun and well-draining soil. They have vibrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. Perfect for those planting a pollinator garden, coneflowers attract butterflies and bees to your garden. They’re low-maintenance and provide long-lasting blooms throughout the summer.
- Daylilies: Daylilies are popular perennials that grow well in Upstate New York gardens. They come in a wide range of colors and bloom during the summer months. Daylilies are versatile and can thrive in various soil types but do best planted in full sun. They’re also deer-resistant and may attract hummingbirds.
- Bee Balm: Bee Balm is a native plant that thrives in the Northeast part of the United States. It produces vibrant, nectar-rich flowers in shades of red, pink, and purple, attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Bee Balm prefers full sun and moist, well-draining soil.
- Hostas: Hostas are shade-loving perennials that are ideal summer gardening plants for areas that receive less direct sunlight. They come in various sizes and foliage colors. Hostas are known for their lush, leafy texture and can add beauty and visual interest to the shady corners of your garden. They’re especially popular additionals for landscaping around trees.
- Hydrangeas: Hydrangeas are beloved flowering summer gardening plants that grow well in Upstate New York. They produce stunning blooms in shades of blue, pink, green, and white, depending on the soil’s acidity. Hydrangeas prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, and they benefit from regular watering. It’s important to note these are toxic to many pets, so steer clear of them if you’re looking for more dog friendly landscaping ideas.
Summer Gardening Tips for Your Lawn and Landscaping
Protecting yourself and choosing the right summer gardening plants are just part of a successful growing season. You’ll also want to follow summer gardening tips for your lawn and landscaping to keep them up as the season progresses. You don’t want to do all that work only to have bare spots show up in your yard or weeds take over your flower beds!
Follow these summer gardening tips for your lawn and landscaping to be the envy of the neighborhood:
1. Learn Proper Trimming Techniques for Bushes and Trees
Learning how to trim bushes and cut back trees not only maintains their shape and appearance but also promotes healthy growth. It’s important to learn proper trimming techniques to avoid damaging the plants. Prune dead or diseased branches and ensure adequate airflow and sunlight penetration for the plants in your yard.
Bonus Tip: Trimming and pruning trees takes careful planning and execution. After this article, check out our guide on how to trim a tree for longevity and health.
2. Plant Flowers with Varying Bloom Times
To keep your summer gardening plants colorful throughout the season, consider flowers that bloom at different times. This way, you’ll have a continuous display of beautiful blooms. Choose annuals and perennials with varying bloom cycles, ensuring a constant burst of color from spring through summer and into fall to boost curb appeal or create a stunning backyard space.
3. Follow Proper Garden Watering Techniques
Watering your plants properly is crucial for their growth and health during the summer heat. Overwatering or underwatering can lead to disease, shallow roots, or other negative conditions for your landscaping.
- Water deeply and less frequently: Instead of frequent shallow watering, give your summer gardening plants a thorough watering to encourage deep root growth. This also helps them withstand the Upstate New York summer heat and any potential periods with less rain.
- Water plants in the morning: Watering in the early morning allows your summer gardening plants to absorb moisture before the heat of the day, which can scorch leaves and be damaging to your landscaping. It also helps prevent fungal diseases by allowing the foliage to dry during the day.
- Use mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants. This helps keep the soil moist, regulate temperature, and prevent weed growth.
4. Practice Proper Summer Lawn Maintenance
Practicing proper summer lawn maintenance for the Capital Region will help keep your lawn looking lush and green instead of dry and brown. There’s more to summer lawn care than just cutting the grass!
- Mow at the right height: Set your lawn mower to the appropriate height for your grass type and avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. Taller grass shades the soil, helping to retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth.
- Water your lawn deeply and infrequently: Just like with summer gardening plants, you should water your lawn deeply but less frequently during hotter months to promote deep root growth. Water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and prevent scorching.
- Fertilize as needed: Follow a fertilization schedule based on the type of grass in your yard. Apply a balanced fertilizer to replenish nutrients and promote healthy growth. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions when mixing fertilizer for your yard.
- Weed prevention: Regularly inspect your lawn for weeds and promptly address them. Use appropriate weed control methods, such as hand-pulling or targeted herbicides, as part of your weed prevention efforts. Those looking for more sustainable gardening techniques may prefer using a vinegar mixture instead.
As you dive into your summer gardening, remember that proper care, attention, and planning are the keys to success. Protect yourself from the sun, choose the right plants for your area, and follow summer gardening tips for lawn and landscaping that will thrive all season long. Feeling overwhelmed? We’ve got you covered with the best landscaping services in Albany, Colonie, Saratoga, and the surrounding areas.
Contact us using the form below to discuss services, or give us a call!
