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Mid-Summer Garden Reset: Trim, Tidy & Thrive
Is your garden looking a little… tired? You’re not alone. By mid-July, many Bay Area gardens start to show the effects of summer heat, spent blooms, and irregular watering. But don’t worry—this doesn’t mean you have to rip everything out and start over. Sometimes, a good reset is all your garden needs to bounce back and look its best.
Here’s your simple mid-summer checklist to help your garden thrive through the rest of the season:
1. Deadhead Spent Blooms
Give your plants a second wind by snipping off faded flowers. This encourages more blooms on plants like:
- Zinnias
- Echinacea (coneflowers)
- Salvias
- Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susans)
- Petunias
Pro Tip: Grab a pair of ergonomic pruners—your hands will thank you.
2. Cut Back & Shape Overgrown Plants
Certain perennials and annuals benefit from a light trim this time of year. Cut back leggy growth to stimulate new, compact foliage and flowers.
Great candidates include:
- Lavender (lightly shape after blooming)
- Geraniums
- Catmint (Nepeta)
- Coleus (pinch to keep bushy)
3. Remove Tired Annuals
Some spring-planted annuals are past their prime. Don’t be afraid to pull them out and make room for heat-loving stars like:
- Lantana
- Angelonia
- Portulaca
- Verbena
- Pentas
Need inspiration? Our staff can help you build the perfect late-summer container or flower bed.
4. Top Off with Mulch
A fresh layer of mulch not only makes your garden look polished, it also helps:
- Retain soil moisture
- Regulate root temperature
- Suppress weeds
Use organic mulch like bark, wood chips, or straw—and aim for a 2–3" layer (but keep it away from plant stems).
5. Check Your Watering Routine
Inconsistent watering can stress plants. Mid-summer is a great time to:
- Deep water trees and shrubs once or twice per week
- Water early in the morning
- Inspect irrigation systems for leaks or clogged emitters
Ask us about water-wise tools like soaker hoses, timers, and water-saving mulch.
6. Feed What’s Still Growing
Plants still pushing out blooms or fruit need a little boost. Use a balanced organic fertilizer or one formulated for specific plants—like:
- Citrus and fruit trees
- Roses
- Tomatoes
- Container flowers
7. Check for Pests and Disease
Warm temperatures can bring out spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. Look under leaves and around new growth.
Need help identifying a garden pest? Bring a photo or sample to your nearest SummerWinds—we’re here to help.
8. Add a Few Pops of Fresh Color
Not everything needs to be cleaned up—add some new life with bold, heat-tolerant plants that thrive now. Look for:
- Gaillardia
- Zinnias
- Celosia
- Coreopsis
- Drought-tolerant natives
Visit Us for Tools, Plants and Expert Help
Whether you need a pair of sharp pruners, a cart of mulch, or some colorful additions to perk up your patio, we’ve got everything you need to get your garden back on track—and looking great for the rest of summer.
