Summer is approaching, and living in the Black Hills area, it is important to be prepared for the elements that the season can bring. From hail to excessive heat, to surprise visits from uninvited guests (critters), your garden can easily be in danger. Not to worry – Jolly Lane Greenhouse is here to provide expert tips on how you can protect your plants this summer from the season’s harsh conditions. With summer-proofing tips and strategies, we will help ensure that your plants are on the right track to thrive throughout the summer months.
Beat the Heat
Your plants do require enough direct sunlight to grow strong, but too much sun exposure can leave your garden sunburned. Excessive heat can damage the soil, wilt leaves, and stress plants to their limits. Here’s how you can shield your plants from the sun’s rays:
- Water Management: Establish a regular watering schedule, ensuring your plants receive an adequate amount of water without drowning their roots. Pro Tip – water during the morning to give them time to absorb the water which will help them get through the long, hot day, minimizing evaporation, reducing stress, and, overall, supporting plant health.
- Shade Solutions: Place shading structures, either natural or man-made, around your garden. If your garden is filled more with shade-loving perennials, consider planting them near taller, sun-loving plants.
- Heat-Tolerant Varieties: If you are looking for low-maintenance, sun-resistant plants that are well-adapted to hot climates, read about our Plant Psychology blog which features plants that thrive under the sun.
Critter Control
From nibbling rabbits to pesky insects, summers can be filled with uninvited critters who like to crash a good plant party. These unwanted guests can decimate a garden in no time. Take these steps to protect your plants:
- Physical Barriers: Install fences, netting, or row covers to avert animals and insects from accessing your garden.
- Companion Planting: When protecting your plants from critters, why not make it a team effort? Harness the power of companion planting by intermingling species that repel pests and animals and attract beneficial insects. Pro Tip – plant lavender and daffodils to deter rabbits and deer. Plant basil to repel mosquitoes and flies.
- Animal/Insect Repellent: Invest in deer/rabbit and insect repellent. Shop at Jolly Lane Greenhouse for all your repellent needs. We’ve got a variety of repellents that will discourage unwanted visitors without harming the environment.
Shielding Against Hail
If you live in the Black Hills area, you are no stranger to the aggressive and damaging hailstorms that summers can bring. Here’s how you can safeguard your garden before hail strikes and wreaks havoc:
- Hail Netting: Invest in hail nets, garden cloches, or portable structures to shield your plants from hail damage during storms.
- Pruning: Regularly prune your plants or remove dead or weak branches that are more susceptible to hail damage. Pruning also helps improve air circulation and reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
- Monitor Weather Forecasts: Sometimes, the best remedy is to just simply be aware. Stay informed about weather conditions in your area. When hail is predicted, take proactive steps to protect your garden. Pro Tip – keep burlap sacks, a blanket, or a tarp handy for any (surprise) South Dakota storms that roll your way.
Start Your Summer Off Right with Jolly Lane Greenhouse
You are your garden’s guardian, and with these tips in mind, you can effectively protect your plants from the perils of summer. If your garden is in need of repair or extra protection, visit Jolly Lane Greenhouse. One of our friendly and knowledgeable crew members would love to guide you and provide you with the necessary tools and resources that will safeguard your garden from whatever season it faces.