By Mary-Jane Pilgrim, Master Gardener

As the summer heat ramps up in Ontario, it’s time to get your garden ready to thrive in the hotter summer months. Here are some essential tips to ensure your garden stays healthy and vibrant despite the scorching temperatures that are most likely to hit us by the end of the month.

First, make sure to water your perennial plants deeply but less frequently now to get them used to what’s ahead. Early morning is the best time to water as it allows the moisture to penetrate the soil before the sun evaporates it. Consider investing in a drip or spray irrigation system to deliver water directly to the roots or lower portions of the plants, minimizing water loss through evaporation. Collect water in rain barrels for hand watering.

Newly planted trees, natives and other plants will begin to need extra support to make it through our harsh summer, and it is often a time that gardeners also struggle. Gardening seems so much easier in the spring, when everything is new and fresh, but do not give up when the temperature climbs and climbs! Summer gardening is so important to having a good garden year-round and working outside in the summer has its rewards too.

Native and non-native plants that have been planted this spring are probably not well enough established to be on their own this first summer, so they will need supplemental water this summer. For this purpose, I’ve purchased a couple dozen “pop bottle watering spikes” that screw onto a 2L pop bottle. Cut the bottom off of the bottle, put the spike on the threaded end and invert into the soil. The spike delivers water at a drip pace — I place these bottle waterers at the base of every new addition each year. By next summer, they can usually handle the dry conditions in our area a little better.

Newly planted trees and shrubs get the “holey pail” treatment. Source a small pail like the ones that kitty litter comes in, and drill about 5 holes in the base. Place a pail beside each new tree or shrub. When temperatures soar and rain is scarce, drop a couple of litres of water into the pail. It will trickle out into the soil around the tree at a slow speed that will allow the tree to utilize the water.

Mulching is another crucial step in preparing your garden for the summer heat. Apply a layer of organic mulch on your flower beds and possibly a cheaper alternative such as straw or wood chips around your veggie beds to help retain moisture in the soil, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth.

Don’t forget your trees! Apply 2 to 3 inches (5-7cm) of mulch around your trees, keeping it at least a few inches away from the trunk, avoiding mulch that has been artificially dyed.

Lastly, keep an eye out for pests and diseases, which tend to thrive in warm, humid conditions. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of trouble and take appropriate measures to prevent infestations.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure your garden stays as lush and thriving as possible throughout the hot summer months which are just around the corner!