In the past, it was enough to just plant a few seeds and wait for harvest. But with growing season increasingly limited, it’s important to plan your garden from start to finish in order to have the best possible results. By investing time in planning your garden this summer, you’ll be able to get the most out of every space and grow healthy produce throughout the year.
Given that most people don’t have a large yard or even a small one, planning your garden this way can seem much more challenging than it needs to be. However, there are so many ways you can make this process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Here are some tips on how to create an efficient and productive summer garden:
Plan your garden before you plant
When planning your garden, it’s important to plan what you want to grow before you plant. This way, you won’t be wasting your time or money on plants that won’t thrive in the conditions.
Water and feed before you plant
Planting your seeds too close to the end of the season will cause them to be overly dependent on their neighbors for nutrients. That’s why it’s a good idea to water and feed your garden before you plant it. The best time to do this is in early fall, as that is when your plants will be most receptive to these treatments. If you wait until the end of summer, you may have trouble getting your plants to focus on growth due to lack of water and nutrients.
Use shade cloth to protect tender plants
It’s important to start your summer garden as soon as possible in order for plants to get the proper amount of sun. The quickest and easiest way is to use a shade cloth, which provides an umbrella of protection from the intense sunlight.
Choose the right plants for your space
Your garden will be the most effective when you choose plants that are appropriate for your space. If you have a small yard, focusing on vegetables may not be the best idea. Maybe instead, you can plant a few flowers to add beauty and decor to your space while still giving yourself access to fresh produce.
Create a simple, vertical layout for your garden
One of the best ways to simplify your garden is by creating a vertical layout for your plants. Vertical gardens conserve space and allow you to maximize on each square foot. A vertical garden also has fewer chances of getting weeds from the bottom because plants such as lettuces, spinach, and basil will grow straight up.
Add a pop of color in the summer months
If you have a small garden, one of the best ways to add some extra color is by planting flowers. Plus, flowers add such a lovely touch of life to any space and make it feel more welcoming during the summer months.
Another great way to add color in your garden is by planting annuals. These plants will flower for the short-term and then die off just as quickly, giving your garden a new burst of life every few weeks or so.
Conclusion
Now that you have a plan, it’s time to get in there and create your own productive summer garden.
Before you plant, you should plan your garden, think about what plants will do well in your space and how much sun they will need. You can also find inspiration for your garden layout by looking at other people’s gardens.
After you plant, you need to irrigate and feed your plants so they are well-prepared to grow. You should also use shade cloth to protect tender plants and create a simple, vertical layout to make the most of your garden space.
In the summer months, add a pop of color to liven up your garden with perennials and annuals that are in season.
