As summer begins to take hold, it’s the perfect time to dive into your garden with enthusiasm. With rapid growth and harvests approaching, there are plenty of essential tasks to keep your green space thriving. From harvesting early crops to planting new ones and taking care of garden staples like tomatoes, let’s explore how to make the most of the season!
1. Harvest Early Potatoes for a Tasty Start
If you’ve planted early-season potatoes in containers, you might be noticing their vibrant, lush foliage. These potatoes, often ready within three months, can be harvested a bit earlier when grown in a greenhouse. To check their size, gently feel around the soil in the container. When satisfied, tip over the container onto a tarp to reveal your first crop. These early potatoes are perfect for fresh, new-season salads!
2. Pick Fava Beans Before They Get Too Mature
Fava beans, which were planted in spring, should now be approaching harvest time. Pinch off the tops of the plants to deter black bean aphids from settling on the tender growth. Keep an eye on the pods, picking them once they’ve filled out and are nice and plump. Be careful not to damage the plants during harvest. These beans are ideal for steaming and enjoying in salads with mint, radishes, crumbled feta, and toasted pine nuts.
3. Let Asparagus Ferns Rest and Recharge
Midsummer marks the end of asparagus harvesting, which should be cut off cleanly when the spears reach about 6–8 inches. After the last harvest, allow the spears to grow into feathery fronds, known as asparagus ferns. These will help recharge the plant’s crown, ensuring continued harvests next spring. In autumn, cut the ferns back to ground level to remove any pests hiding in them.
4. Train Tomatoes and Cucumbers for Optimal Growth
Tomatoes and cucumbers, particularly vining varieties, require support as they grow. Tie the stems to trellises and remove any side shoots or suckers. In cooler climates, pruning is essential for redirecting energy from stem growth to fruit production. In warmer areas, tomatoes often fruit readily, reducing the need for heavy pruning.
5. Protect Brassicas from Cabbage White Butterflies
As we move deeper into summer, cabbage white butterflies are becoming more abundant. These pests love laying their eggs on brassica plants like broccoli and cauliflower. To avoid spending hours removing caterpillars, cover these plants with butterfly netting or insect mesh. Ensure the netting doesn’t touch the foliage to prevent the butterflies from laying eggs through it.
6. Plant Leafy Greens for Fall and Winter Harvests
Leafy greens such as kale and chard are not only nutritious but will continue cropping well into the cooler months. Plant these now, ensuring they’re spaced appropriately—chard about a foot apart, and kale about 18 inches apart. Adding garden compost or balanced organic fertilizer will enrich the soil, promoting healthy growth. For kale, cover with insect mesh to keep pests away.
7. Succession Planting for a Continuous Harvest
With the growing season in full swing, now is the time to sow succession crops. These include fast-growing vegetables like lettuce, as well as hardier options like sprouting broccoli. Succession planting ensures your garden remains productive throughout the season, even after earlier crops have been harvested.
8. Keep Your Greenhouse Cool for Healthier Plants
As temperatures rise, maintaining a cooler environment in greenhouses is crucial. High temperatures, especially above 90°F (32°C), can negatively impact tomato pollination, as pollen becomes too dry to stick to the stigma. To combat this, keep greenhouse vents open, and consider shading the roof to reduce heat. Damping down hard surfaces by sprinkling water will raise humidity and keep spider mites at bay.
9. Sow Basil for a Flavorful Summer
Basil thrives in warm conditions, making early June the perfect time to sow it. This herb grows best when seeded in pots, with a clear plastic cover to retain warmth and moisture. After germination, transplant seedlings into individual pots. For a steady supply of fresh basil throughout the summer, make a second sowing next month.
10. Repot Peppers for Better Growth
If your peppers, whether sweet or spicy, have outgrown their pots, it’s time to repot them into larger containers. Check the roots to see if they need more space. A mix of all-purpose potting soil, coir, and perlite works well for drainage. Once repotted, feed peppers with a potassium-rich liquid fertilizer, such as tomato feed, to support fruit production.
By staying on top of these tasks, you’ll help your summer garden flourish, leading to abundant harvests and a productive season. From harvesting your first potatoes to sowing basil for flavorful dishes, every step ensures your garden remains vibrant and rewarding. Enjoy the process and share your gardening adventures with others!