How To's
Summer Gardening
By
Jan 23, 2003, 13:45

It's hard to believe that we are finally in the hot season -the time of year when the weeds won't stop and we have to keep everything watered. At least that's how it is here in West Tennessee! Here are some tips to keep your garden beautiful:

When watering, consider soaker hoses or some similar system to avoid using an overhead sprinkler. If this is not available there are some other methods you can utilize. First, simply take your water hose and hold it right down at the roots so that you are not wasting water. The water is going right where it is needed without evaporating. Make sure the water is a slow trickle. This takes longer but is more effective and also reduces the chance of disease. Second, you can take a 2-liter bottle, cut the bottom off, turn it upside down and bury the spout next to a plant. Fill it up with water and the water will slowly soak into the soil right by the roots. And, of course, water in the morning so the plant is not sitting wet overnight. This also reduces the chances of diseases.

Consider putting a 2" layer of mulch on your garden beds. This not only helps the soil retain moisture but it helps prevent weeds - and it looks pretty!

If you are growing vegetables, keep up with your harvesting. If you let things go to seed your production will slow down or even quit.

For your flowers, keep them deadheaded (removing the spent flowers)this will allow the plant to put its energy into producing more flowers rather than seed and will look beautiful for a long time!

Most of all, enjoy your garden! It won't be long and it will be fall clean-up!


For more garden information, visit a href="http://www.hergardenweb.com">HerGardenWeb

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