Summer Garden Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance will help keep your garden in top shape during the summer. Get tips on plant and lawn care in this Better Homes and Gardens video:

1. Deadhead perennials: Cut flowers as soon as they are spent. This keeps the plants looking tidy and prevents the seeds from spreading and becoming a weed problem.

2. Pinch back late-blooming perennials: At least once in early summer, pinch back sedum, aster and goldenrod to keep them more compact until they bloom.

3. Trim dead branches: It’s easy to spot dead branches when trees are leafed out. Trim them off when you see them.

4. Control weeds: The least favorite summertime chore, weeding once a week will actually take less time overall as the weeds will never get out of hand.

5. Fertilize your lawn: Any fertilizer applied in the spring usually starts wearing out by June, so it’s a good time to apply more.

6. Fertilize annuals and vegetables: Fast growing annuals and vegetables are heavy feeders. Apply fertilizer every couple of weeks to keep them actively growing and healthy.

7. Raise your mowing height: Mow your lawn using the highest setting on your lawn mower. Taller grass is more drought tolerant and will stay healthier during the summer heat.