fbtrack
Facebook Share Twitter Share Linkedin Share Pinterest Share
How to Prolong The Life of Your Plants This Summer

How to Prolong The Life of Your Plants This Summer

If you are a gardener, you probably take a lot of pride in your perfectly manicured lawn and gardens and surely don’t want to see them wilt, discolor, and even die throughout the summer. That’s why we have come up with some tips and tricks that can help to prolong the life of your plants this summer!

 

Stay Consistent With Watering

Regular, consistent watering is one of the best things you can do for your garden, especially in summer when warm temperatures, lots of sun and windy days can dry plants out.  Watering is one of the most important things you can do to keep your plants and garden thriving this summer.  

 

How often do you need to water? It depends on the type of plants, their size, and where they’re growing, but during the heat of the summer, be prepared to water every day.  A good rule of thumb is to feel the topsoil and water if it is dry. Be sure you are not overwatering, this can be just as detrimental plants as not watering! You also can take old wine bottles and use them as drip watering systems during the heat of summer or when you are away on vacation to avoid under or overwatering. A bottle turned with a hole drilled through the lid will only release as much soil as the plant needs.

 

Fertilize

With longer days, plants absorb more sun and require more nutrients to stay healthy and put on new growth. Diluting an organic fertilizer that is safe for pets and adding it to your regular watering schedule can promote growth and blooms in the heat of summer.  This is something that you can do weekly with your watering schedule or monthly, depending on sun exposure and growth! 

 

Make Sure to Prune

Pruning and deadheading your plants is an important part of their growth and life span! Not only does the process clean up a plant's appearance, but it also controls the spread of seeds and encourages your flowers and plants to continue to grow thicker and fuller than before. If performed on a regular basis, your plants will last longer and will be healthier during the summer months. You will also want to prune plants back that are overgrowing and potentially taking the space of your other plants.  

 

Choose the Correct Pot and Soil

If you are potting your plants in a pot, it is important to make sure that you are using the right sized pot and potting soil.  You will want to choose a pot that is large enough to fit the entire plant and roots. Plants need plenty of space to grow. If the roots run out of room to stretch out, the plant will become top-heavy, and cause the plant to die faster.

 

You will also want to take a look at your potting soil.  If you’re repotting your houseplant from the container it came in and putting it in a better pot, you’ll also need to think about what type of potting soil you’re using.  Potting soil mixes often contain extra nutrients or fertilizers that will help your houseplant stay strong and healthy.  

 

Keep a Garden Journal 

Keep a garden journal and take notes on your garden’s success and failures while it is still fresh in your mind. Sketch out garden plans for next year and make notes of the climate, conditions, and soil.  This can also be super helpful if you go out of town and are having a neighbor watering your plants for you.  You can go through your watering and fertilizing schedule with them! You could also download the Vera App for plant care! This is an awesome resource to remember what plants need to be watered daily and weekly. 

 

This summer when you are enjoying your garden after it’s planted, make sure that you follow these few tips to keep it thriving all summer long! From pruning to planting in the correct pots, there are so many ways to keep your plants healthy and prolong their life.