Want To Keep Your Garden Glowing? Here’s How To Extend Your Summer Growing Season

cycreation - stock.adobe.com-  illustrative purposes only
cycreation - stock.adobe.com- illustrative purposes only

Gardeners dream about summer– when warm, long days and bright sunshine provide the perfect canvas for flowers to bloom and vegetables to thrive.

But once we turn the page on August and autumn’s chill starts to creep in, most of us will feel a pang of sadness. Most gardeners don’t want to say goodbye to their lush gardens filled with fresh produce and stunning blooms.

If you can relate, there is good news. There are a few ways you can keep your garden flourishing just a little bit longer. With these tips, you can actually extend your summer growing season.

Choose Late-Blooming Varieties

Selecting plants that are known for their late summer or early fall blooming can add weeks of color and life to your garden.

All you have to do is research varieties that are known to thrive in your zone. Then, sow some seeds and enjoy the extended beauty they offer.

Use Cold Frames Or Floating Row Covers

A little protection goes a long way after our hot days begin to turn brisk.

Implementing cold frames or floating row covers can create a microclimate that can extend the growing season by weeks.

cycreation – stock.adobe.com- illustrative purposes only

These tools protect from frost and help trap heat– which is perfect for squeezing a little extra time out of your precious plants.

Mind Your Mulch

Mulching can do wonders and helps to retain moisture. Plus, it can also provide a little extra warmth to the soil.

Adding a layer of mulch to your garden could be the key to keeping those root veggies growing strong even as we say goodbye to summer.

Embrace Succession Planting

While you might get excited and want to plant your crops all at once, you should actually put down the shovel and take a step back.

By planting crops in staggered intervals, you’ll ensure a continuous harvest throughout the summer and into the early fall. Greens like spinach and lettuce are particularly great for this method, and who says salads are only for summer?

Know When To Say Goodbye

Although it is possible to extend your summer growing season, it’s impossible to keep up forever. So, sometimes, the best thing you can do is recognize when it’s time to let go.

Pulling out plants that are done for the season allows room for fall favorites, like pumpkins and squash. Plus, it’s a great time to start planning next year’s garden masterpiece.

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Katharina Buczek graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Digital Arts. Specializing ... More about Katharina Buczek

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