Summer Gardening Tips

Summer Gardening Tips

Are you ready to transform your garden into a captivating oasis this summer? As an experienced landscaper with two decades of expertise, I've witnessed firsthand the incredible impact that proper gardening techniques can have on the overall aesthetic of homes and businesses. However, there's one critical mistake that many enthusiastic gardeners make: failing to prune their plants when necessary. Believe me when I say that neglecting this essential task can quickly lead to a disastrous-looking landscape.

Fear not! If you make a pruning mistake, don't fret—it's akin to a bad haircut that eventually grows out. But don't let that give you an excuse to prune blindly! Always exercise common sense and take the time to read my previous articles on pruning, which provide invaluable insights into this art form.

Summer's arrival brings not only warm weather but also high humidity that can spell trouble for your beloved plants. To combat this, a simple precautionary measure is to avoid watering your plants just before twilight. Ensuring that your plants are adequately dry before tucking them in for the night significantly reduces the risk of fungal infections wreaking havoc on your garden.

One particularly common fungal culprit is powdery mildew, a whitish film that coats the leaves of ornamental plants. Plants like Dogwoods and Purple Sandcherry are often susceptible to this pesky invader. While powdery mildew may not inflict severe harm upon your plants, it does damage the foliage and stunts growth once it takes hold. For those looking to regain control, your local garden center will likely have a general fungicide that can help combat this nuisance. Fear not, as most plants recover their vitality and beauty once they defoliate in the fall.

Attention all gardeners in northern regions: If you have Perennial Rye Grass in your lawn (which you likely do), be extra cautious not to leave your grass wet overnight. The highly humid conditions during summer provide a breeding ground for a menacing fungus known as Pythium Blight. This pernicious enemy specifically targets and destroys perennial rye grasses. Given that most northern lawns are a blend of fescues, perennial ryes, and Kentucky Blue Grass, a Pythium blight outbreak results in patches of significantly darker green grass, courtesy of concentrated Kentucky Blue Grass.

The presence of this fungus is easily detectable in the early morning, resembling delicate white cotton candy delicately laid across your lawn. It tends to appear along walkways and driveways, particularly where the soil is moist due to watering. To safeguard your lawn against Pythium blight, water as early as possible during the day, ensuring that the grass dries thoroughly before nightfall.

Now, let's shed light on another nemesis that thrives during summertime: Fire Blight. This relentless attacker targets ornamental plants, such as Apple trees, Crabapple trees, Cotoneasters, and Pyracantha. Identifying Fire Blight is relatively straightforward—the affected branches wither and turn a striking reddish hue, while the leaves generally retain their position but transform into reddish-brown shades. Damage typically initiates at the branch's extremity and progressively extends toward the plant's main stem. Unfortunately, little can be done to save the affected branch other than promptly pruning it, ensuring to remove as much of the infected area as possible.

Beware! Fire Blight is highly contagious among plants. Therefore, it's crucial to burn the pruned branches to prevent the spread of this lethal fungus. Additionally, it's advisable to dip or wash your pruning shears in rubbing alcohol after each cut to mitigate the risk of inadvertently disseminating this destructive invader.

Prepare yourself for the revelation of an unpleasant summertime assailant—the mulch-dwelling fungi. Among the myriad fungal species that thrive in mulches, one stands out for its intriguing behavior: the "Shotgun Fungus." As it matures, this captivating fungus swells before suddenly exploding, splattering your house with tiny brown specks. Aptly named, isn't it?

These minuscule brown specks can skyrocket up to eight feet in the air, firmly adhering to your house or windows like stubborn glue. I can already picture people across homes exclaiming, "Remember those mysterious brown specks all over the house? I finally know what caused them—it's the mulch!" Trust me, I've heard it all, from blaming spiders to even extraterrestrials.

While prevention is challenging, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk. Keeping the mulch loose to facilitate air circulation significantly reduces fungal growth. Avoid the temptation to layer mulch year after year around your house. Instead, alternate by loosening the existing mulch every other year. By gently raking and flattening the mulch, you can create an illusion of freshly mulched surroundings. Remember, mulch serves a vital purpose, but don't allow it to compact excessively. Loosen it at least once a year to maintain a vibrant and healthy garden.

With these expert tips in your arsenal, you're well-equipped to tackle the challenges that summer presents to your cherished garden. Unleash your green thumb, embrace the beauty of nature, and revel in the stunning transformation of your outdoor sanctuary. Happy gardening!