When we think of gardening, we usually think of springtime. When the days heat up, the soil can become drier and less optimal for plant growth. The good news is, there are many ways to keep your garden thriving during the hottest months of the year.

Eliminate dead parts of plants

Your spring plants, like tulips and daffodils, likely have foliage that will die off in the summer. Watch out for yellowing leaves, which you should remove from the plants. This will ensure that infection does not spread to other leaves on the plant or flower. Make sure you never remove green leaves.

Prep the soil

During the summer months, weeds are more likely to grow in your garden. You can prepare for this and prevent excessive weeds by adding mulch and weed mats. You should also make sure to fertilize your soil so that your plants get the correct nutrients. Ask someone in your local gardening store about which fertilizer is best for your specific types of plants. To water your garden in the summer, use drip irrigation if you can, and water your plants early or late in the day. This will prevent the water from evaporating away during peak sun hours.

You can also till the soil so that nutrients and water can move evenly through it—reaching all the plants. Just make sure to avoid any utility lines or pipes that could lie underneath the soil. You can also add fruit and vegetable skins or eggs to nourish your garden, even if you’re already using fertilizer.

Keep it cool

If you’re trying to start a garden during the summer months, it’s helpful to place it underneath a tree or in a shaded area. If you’ve already planted flowers or vegetables, try planting a small tree near them. For good measure and an extra cooling effect, you can install a small fountain or portable water feature so that the water can evaporate and cool your plants.

Choose your plants carefully

There are many vegetables that actually grow the best during the summer months. This is a great time to plant beans, celery, corn, peppers, squash, and zucchini. All of these vegetables do well in warm soil with extended sunlight hours. You should also keep in mind that insects and hummingbirds can pollinate your garden, helping your plants thrive. Choose native plants to attract different types of insects, along with hummingbirds. Annual sunflowers, zinnias, and wildflower mixes are perfect for attracting pollinators during this time of year.

Take advantage of the warm weather to start new projects

If your garden has a drainage issue that you’ve been meaning to tackle, the warmth of the summer months is the perfect motivator to get you outside and fixing up your space. If you’ve been dying to add in a fence, a pond, or patio, now is the time to do it. Always make sure that your plans follow local building codes.

Summer is the new spring for gardening. There are many ways to keep your garden flourishing during the hottest time of the year.