As the last breezes of spring drift through our gardens and the promise of summer lingers in the longer days, it's the perfect time to give our garden beds, borders, and beloved pots a little extra attention. I always think of this season as the garden’s gentle exhale, when everything is lush, the weeds are sneaky, and the sun hasn’t quite hit full scorch mode yet.
Before we start dodging triple-digit temperatures and babysitting thirsty tomato plants, here’s a practical checklist to help you (and your garden) coast into summer with confidence.
Give Your Garden a Last Loving Look Before Summer
Before diving into chores, take a stroll through your garden with a cup of coffee or beer in hand. Notice which plants have flourished since early spring, and which might be calling for a little extra help. I like to call this my “check-in walk”, it’s not just about spotting problems but celebrating progress.
Touch the soil. Smell the blooms. Watch the bees work. These small moments remind me of why I started gardening in the first place.
Weed, Water, and Mulch Before the Sun Takes Over
If spring growth had a superpower, it would be stealth. One week you’re marveling at your snapdragons, the next you’re knee-deep in crabgrass. Late spring is a crucial time to weed thoroughly before invasive plants go to seed.
Tip: I swear by my Twist Tiller for this task. It loosens compacted soil and uproots weeds without a lot of bending or digging. A few good twists and your soil is ready for mulch and your back is still intact!
The Rocket Weeder is great for pulling dandelions and other weeds from your lawn or garden. I once did the whole front yard in under thirty minutes.
Once you’ve weeded, give your garden a deep watering. Early morning is ideal, when the sun is still gentle and evaporation is minimal. Then, top everything off with a fresh layer of mulch. It keeps the soil cool, holds moisture, and gives your beds that tidy, finished look. Think of it as the garden’s version of tucking in a blanket before the summer heat arrives.
Prune with Purpose: But Gently
Now’s the time for some light, thoughtful pruning. Deadhead spent blooms from spring perennials and annuals like pansies and columbine to encourage fresh growth or keep things neat.
If your spring shrubs (like lilacs or azaleas) are done blooming, give them a gentle shape-up before they set buds for next year. Avoid heavy-handed pruning, just a light touch is all it takes to keep things looking their best.
I like using a small hand pruner for this, along with my trusty Yard Butler Garden Kneeler and Seat. It saves my knees and makes kneeling & standing up much easier, which is important after a long day in the dirt.
Support Your Garden, Literally
Summer brings wild growth spurts, especially in the veggie patch. Before your tomatoes topple or cucumbers start crawling across the lawn, give them some sturdy support.
Install cages, trellises, or stakes now while plants are manageable. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re harvesting from upright, well-supported stems instead of tangled jungle vines.
For big summer growers like tomatoes and peppers, garden stakes or cages are a necessity. They’re tough as nails and reusable season after season.
Also, walk through and check any existing supports. Are they straight? Sturdy? Ready to face summer winds and heavy fruits? Better to adjust now than regret later.
Prep Your Summer Stars
Your cool-season plants [think lettuce, peas, and spinach] may be starting to bolt as the days warm up. It’s okay. Pull them up with thanks, toss them in the compost, and make room for the heat lovers: tomatoes, basil, zucchini, eggplant, and peppers.
This is also the time to refresh your containers and herb gardens. Add a few basil or mint plants near the kitchen door. Tuck in some marigolds or nasturtiums to repel pests and add color.
Give everything a good start with a slow-release fertilizer or compost top-dressing. They’ll need the boost heading into the hot season.
Give Your Tools Some TLC
Your tools have worked hard this spring, and they deserve a bit of pampering. Wipe off soil, sharpen blades, tighten any loose screws, and store them properly. A little upkeep now prevents frustration mid-summer.
Check hoses and watering systems too. Leaky connectors or cracked lines are much easier to fix when it’s still pleasant outside. If you’re ready to level up your summer watering game, consider a Yard Butler Sprinkler Stand. It’s perfect for larger beds or tricky-to-reach areas and connects easily to standard hoses. Water early to keep water off your plants' leaves during the hottest part of the day, helping prevent sunscald and mildew.
Add a Splash of Summer Color
Spring may be soft and sweet, but summer loves a little drama. Now’s the perfect time to plant vibrant annuals like zinnias, marigolds, cosmos, and petunias. They’ll thrive in the heat and keep your garden looking lively well into the dog days.
Tuck them into beds, containers, or even hanging baskets. I always plant a few near my patio or kitchen window to brighten up the view (and to cut a quick bouquet for my wife).
Don’t forget pollinator-friendly picks! Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are especially active now, and your garden can be both beautiful and beneficial.
Make Space for You
This is a big one. Your garden isn’t just for growing food or flowers, it’s for you. Clear off the patio furniture. Hang a hammock. Put a bench in that shady corner you always forget about.
Take a moment to sit, breathe, and enjoy what you’ve created.
Better yet, take a picture. Every year I snap a few shots of my garden in late spring. Sometimes it's messy, sometimes it's magical, but it’s always mine. And when summer gets overwhelming, those photos remind me of the joy that started it all.
Conclusion: Savor the Season and Set Your Garden Up for Summer Success
Gardening is a rhythm, not a race. By taking the time now to care for your plants, your tools, and yourself, you’re setting the stage for a fruitful, flourishing summer.
So before the heat rolls in and you're sipping lemonade under the shade of a sunflower, knock out a few of these end-of-spring tasks. Your garden will thank you and you’ll feel the satisfaction that only a little dirt under your fingernails can bring.
Happy gardening, friends! Let’s make this summer one to grow on. 🌼🌿
Featured Tools from Yard Butler:
- Twist Tiller: For loosening soil and uprooting weeds with ease.
- Garden Kneeler and Seat: Protects your knees and back during long garden sessions.
- Sprinkler Stand: Great for deep summer watering with adjustable coverage.
