Summer Maintenance in the Garden

Several years ago I wrote a post with a printable checklist for spring home maintenance. That’s when you clean, review, and repair after winter is over. Spring is the perfect time to perform routine maintenance to prevent flooding and fires. 

Summer starts on June 21st. If you have any left over activities from the spring checklist, start a list of projects for these hotter months. Some can be done in an hour, a weekend, or even in steps over the next month. Let’s look at 6 steps to get your garden in top shape for summer and to keep it that way.

1) Get rid of debris

The first step to achieving a clean garden and to preventing fires is to eliminate any debris that may be present. This includes stacked lumber, leaves, twigs, and branches. If you have a lot of debris, you may want to consider hiring a professional to help you remove it. Otherwise, you can remove it yourself. One option is to use a leaf blower. This will help you quickly remove any leaves or other light debris that may be present. Another option is to use a rake. This will take slightly longer than using a leaf blower, but it will allow you to remove heavier debris such as twigs and branches. If you live in an area that has hot, dry summers that can have fires, such as California, remove all flammable materials within 30 feet of your home to create defensible space, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

2) Remove weeds 

Weeds can quickly take over a garden, so removing them as soon as you see them is essential. The best way to remove weeds is to pull them up by the roots. This will prevent them from growing back in the future.

Applying mulch to your garden beds is a great way to prevent weeds from growing in the first place. Mulch is a material that you spread over the soil surface. It helps block sunlight and prevents weed seeds from germinating. There are many different types of mulch available, so be sure to choose one that is right for your garden.

3) Trim your plants

Trimming your plants is a great way to make them look neat and tidy. It’s also crucial for the health of your plants. When you trim a plant, you remove dead or dying leaves, flowers, and branches. This allows the plant to focus its energy on new growth. You should trim most plants at least once per year. However, some plants, such as evergreens, can be trimmed more frequently if needed.

4) Trim your trees

Trees can also benefit from being trimmed regularly. Trimming helps remove dead or dying branches, improving the tree’s appearance and health. It also helps to prevent storm damage by reducing the amount of wind resistance. Most trees should be trimmed at least once per year. If you have a lot of trees, you may want to consider hiring certified arborists to trim them for you. This is especially important if the trees are tall or close to power lines. Here in Florida I trim trees close to my house as tropical storms could cause a limb to break and damage my roof.

5) Deep clean your grill

Summer is grilling season. Make sure your grill is ready to hold up to plenty of backyard barbecues by giving it a deep cleaning. A clean grill works more efficiently and prevents flare-ups. If you have a gas grill, be sure to check the fuel line for cracks and clean out any clogged burner holes. Clean the grates and interior with a grill brush and wash the exterior with warm, soapy water.

6) Tune up your lawn mower & garden tools

Sharp tools are safer and do a better job. Take your lawn mower and clippers in for a sharpening and tune-up so they’re ready to work hard. Keep garden tools in good shape throughout the season by wiping them off with a damp cloth after use, drying them well and coating them lightly with a few drops of a multipurpose oil.

In conclusion, summer is the time to maintain your garden and tools while planning ahead for special projects. Make a list of jobs to do whether you clean out the garage, put up a pergola, or add a fountain. Make a schedule for the jobs and any budget needed. Happy Gardening!

This is a collaborative post but all opinions are my own.

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