Summer is here in Cincinnati! It is time to relax and enjoy the garden.

Here are some easy summer gardening tips:

11 Summer Gardening Tips

1. First, dead-head spent flowers on annuals, perennials, rose, etc. It will encourage new growth and more flowers.
2. Feed your plants as needed, especially container plantings. This will also promote new growth and more flowers.
3. Watch out for weeds and do not let them flower and seed! Reapply pre-emergent herbicides in the landscape and gardens for summer weed seed control.
4. Monitor for leaf diseases and insect issues. Not sure what it is or whether it needs to be controlled? Take a picture and email it to us questions@natorp.com.
5. Water plants deeply and thoroughly as needed. It is best to water in the early morning or late evening. While established plants like 1″ of rainfall every ten days for optimum growth, newly planted plants may require more frequent watering. Always check before you water. Moisture meters inserted into the root ball can help you determine whether to water.
6. Mow the lawn on a regular basis.  Mow at a higher level rather than lower (2.5 – 3.5 inches), never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade each time you mow. Then, throw those clippings back into the turf (like feeding an extra time), change directions, and keep that mower blade sharpened!
7. Are your annuals getting leggy? Feel free to cut them back and let them re-grow like a fresh new plant.
8. If you need to treat for grubs, apply a grub preventer in June through mid-July.
9. Do not apply insecticides or fungicides when the temps are exceeding 80-85 degrees. Always follow the label.
10. Plan for your fall garden which starts late July and into August. A great place to start is at Natorp’s Plant Store online, where you can save your plant list.  Don’t forget those late-season crops: Beets, squash, cabbage, radishes, collards, carrots, beans, turnips, lettuce, and spinach.
11. Keep harvesting herbs and veggies as needed. If you have grown too much for your family to eat, please consider donating to a food bank.

Cincinnati Gardening Made Simple! Still, have gardening questions? We are always here for you with your gardening answers, please email questions@natorp.com.