For most avid gardeners, there are no better ways to really enjoy the bounty and beauty of summer gardens than to potter around in their yards spending time on important gardening tasks. These tips for late-summer gardening can help to make the season of summer last longer and to make sure your beautiful garden looks fantastic throughout the year.

• Water, Water, Water

Water will evaporate fast during the long hot summer days, especially in the middle of the day. Water flower beds and lawns in the early morning which will allow the moisture to seep down into the thirsty roots.

• Grateful Deadheads

Extend how long your late-summer blooming-perennials last by deadheading the flowers as they start fading. Rather than expending all their energy into the seeds, they will carry on sending out new buds while the weather permits.

• Mow Your Lawn Strategically

Lift the lawnmower’s cutting height. When the grass blades are longer it will make sure the roots remain cooler on the hottest summer days. If possible only cut your lawn in the early evening, which will give your lawn sufficient time to start recovering.

• Tackle Any Weeds

It is a much easier approach to control any weeds in your garden by making sure you pull them out as they start appearing. If you don’t it becomes much harder to rip them out once they have established strong root systems.

• Divide And Conquer

Late summer is usually the best time to start thinking about dividing plants such as Iris and Day Lilies, as soon as these flowers stop blooming. Plants that are divided are more resistant to diseases and pests.

• Brush Up On Your Pruning Skills

Spending a bit of time on making a couple of strategic cuts for shaping a tree, shrub, or rose bush, will often reward your efforts with thicker foliage and more flowers. Deal with any suckers that tend to start from the plant’s base to stop them from interfering with the growth of a plant.

• Convert Your Clippings Into Mulch

Use your grass clippings to provide mulch to any younger plants in your garden. Just ensure that these clippings do not contain seeds or weeds.

• Start Composting

You can also use your lawn clippings to start your own compost heap. Layer these clippings with vegetable waste (from your kitchen) and soil. When the waste starts to decompose you will be left with nutrient-rich compost.

• Stay On Top Of Pest Control

Check for aphids that can damage your plants. These pests are small enough to wash away with a garden hose if you have caught them while the populations are still small.

• Shop For Seeds

Now is the best time to start looking for seeds for the next spring bloom. Order or buy your seeds now so that you have them on hand to plant before the frost sets in. Visit Thetreecenter.

After all of this take a bit of time to appreciate all your efforts and hard work. Investing time into planning, planting, and pruning will reward you with spring color and a beautiful fall harvest.