GARDENING FOR LATE SUMMER

5 Meaningful Gardening Tasks for Mid to Late Summer

As summer progresses here in Ireland, the garden is in full bloom… even if the weather isn’t cooperating! With all its colours and fruits, late summer is an important time for maintaining and shaping our gardens to keep them vibrant and productive. Here are what I believe are the five most important gardening tasks to focus on now.

Off with their heads!

Deadheading is the removal of spent flowers from plants. While it’s one of the simplest gardening tasks, deadheading shouldn't be overlooked as it can greatly improve the appearance of your garden, encourage further blooming, and prevent plants from self-seeding too much. Use sharp snips or secateurs to cut off faded flowers just above a set of healthy leaves or a new bud. This can also help prevent dead flowers from rotting and potentially damaging the plant itself or spreading disease.

Watering… with care

While the climate in the UK and Ireland can be quite wet, mid to late summer often sees periods of dry weather. Ensuring your garden is adequately watered is crucial, especially for newly planted seedlings and container plants which can dry out quickly. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Focus on the base of plants rather than the leaves to ensure water gets where it's most needed. Mulching is a great idea almost any time of year. It will retain moisture and means you’ll have to water less frequently. If you don’t want to do that much work, you could install a leaky pipe or drip irrigation system to deliver water automatically directly to the roots.

The harvest

Now is the time to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labour. Regular harvesting, much like deadheading, encourages better yields and prevents plants from becoming overripe and attracting pests. Use a sharp knife, snips, or secateurs when harvesting to avoid damaging the plants. Check for ripeness regularly, and don't forget to look under leaves and in hidden corners. Don’t forget to keep sowing seeds of your favourite fast-growing crops such as salad leaves, radishes, and peas. These young plants can fill the gaps left by harvested produce, ensuring continued yields, which simply means more delicious produce!

Weeding

Weeds compete with other plants in your garden for water, nutrients, and light. Weeding ensures that your desired plants have the resources they need to thrive. Hand-pull short-rooted weeds or use a hoe for larger areas. It's best to weed after rain when the soil is moist and soft, making weeds easier to remove. For deep-rooted weeds like dandelions, remove as much of the root as possible. My two favourite tools are a small, sharp mini hoe and a dedicated dandelion weeder. When weeding between plants in my raised beds, they are a true revelation.

Pruning and trimming

Mid-summer pruning maintains the shape of shrubs and hedges, encourages healthier growth, and removes diseased or damaged parts. Shrubs that bloom in summer can be pruned after flowering. These include plants like hydrangeas, lavender, and fuchsias. Always use clean, sharp tools to ensure the best results and prevent the spread of disease. When pruning, remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. Trim hedges to keep them neat and under control.

Thinking ahead…

Mid to late summer is also an excellent time to start planning for the future. Consider what you want to plant in the autumn, such as spring-flowering bulbs or winter vegetables. Having a plan is an effective tool and will give you a head start when it counts.

Bio

Niall is a gardener and creator of the YouTube channel “Niall Gardens.” He presents on TV and radio and is the winner of the 2022 Alan Titchmarsh New Talent of the Year Award from the Garden Media Guild.

More Gardening Tips from Niall

Vegetable Garden in the Summer

How to Save Water for the Garden