Problem Solved: Common Summer Gardening Challenges

22 Jul Problem Solved: Common Summer Gardening Challenges

Summertime is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the weather. However, as enjoyable as it is to frolic in the sun, it can be a difficult time for gardeners of all levels. Between dealing with pests, trying to keep plants watered properly, and battling the searing summer heat, plenty of things can go wrong for gardeners and their beloved plants.

Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of helpful tips to get you through the summer gardening season unscathed. By following these simple suggestions, you’ll be able to solve some of the most common gardening challenges and enjoy a beautiful, bountiful garden all summer long!

1) Insect Attacks

Perhaps one of the most common problems for gardeners during the summer season is insect attacks. These pests can quickly destroy delicate plants, and once they take hold, they can be difficult to get rid of. Some of the most common summertime insects include aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.

• Aphids

Aphids are small, pear-shaped creatures that can range in color from green to black. They tend to congregate on the undersides of leaves, and they can cause extensive damage by sucking the sap out of plants.

• Whiteflies

Whiteflies are small white insects that are often found in groups on the tops of leaves. They too feed on plant sap, and they can quickly weaken a plant. 

• Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny red or brown creatures that spin webs on the undersides of leaves. They feed by puncturing plant cells and sucking out the contents, and their feeding can cause yellowing or bronzing of leaves. 

• Leaf Miners

Leaf miners are the larvae of various insects, including moths, flies, and beetles. They live and feed between the layers of leaves, and their feeding can cause extensive damage. 

• Scale Insects

Scale insects are small, wingless creatures that feed on plant sap. They can be found on the stems, leaves, and fruits of plants, and they secrete a waxy substance that can cause damage to plant tissue.

Insecticides can be effective at controlling these pests, but gardeners should be careful to choose a product that is safe for both humans and animals. Luckily, there are a number of natural methods that can be used to keep pests at bay.

One is to encourage beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on harmful pests. Another is to use trap crops, which lure pests away from the main crop. Finally, physical barriers, such as nets and barriers, can be used to keep pests from reaching the plants. By using these techniques, gardeners can minimize the damage caused by insects without resorting to harmful chemicals.

2) Wilting Plants

Another common problem for gardeners during the summer season is wilting plants. This can be caused by a number of factors, including drought, heat stress, and waterlogged soil. When plants wilt, their leaves droop and turn yellow or brown. While this may make your garden look less than its best, it can also have a serious impact on plant health. Wilting plants are more susceptible to pests and diseases, and they may eventually die if the problem is not corrected.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent your plants from wilting.

• First, make sure to water plants regularly and deeply, especially during periods of hot, dry weather. But keep in mind: while wilting is often caused by lack of rainfall, it can also be caused by overwatering, which can prevent roots from getting the oxygen they need to thrive. To avoid wilting, gardeners should water plants deeply and less frequently, making sure to water early in the day so that the leaves have time to dry before nightfall.
• Second, you must improve drainage in your garden bed to reduce the risk of waterlogged soil. 
• Finally, give your plants some extra TLC during the summer months by mulching around their base and protecting them from the intense afternoon sun.

By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your plants stay healthy and vigorous all season long.

3) Rabbits And Deer

Rabbits and deer are two of the most common animals that cause problems for gardeners during the summer season. Both animals are attracted to gardens because of the variety of plants that are available. Deer will eat just about any type of plant, including flowers, vegetables, and shrubs. Rabbits, on the other hand, prefer to eat the leaves of plants.

 While both animals can cause extensive damage to a garden, rabbits are generally more destructive than deer. This is because rabbits will often strip the bark from young trees and shrubs in addition to eating leaves. As a result, rabbits can quickly destroy a carefully cultivated garden.

Gardeners who live in areas with a high population of these animals often have to take special measures to protect their plants. Fencing is often used to keep deer out of gardens, while wire mesh is used to exclude rabbits. In some cases, trapping may also be necessary to control these populations.

4) Mildew And Blackspots

Mildew and blackspots are fungal diseases that can cause leaves to yellow and eventually drop off, as well as ruin the appearance of flowers. Mildew is particularly troublesome, as it can spread quickly from one plant to another. Similarly, blackspots are also difficult to control, as they can persist even after affected leaves are removed.

Luckily, there are a few steps that gardeners can take to prevent these diseases from taking hold.

• First, it is important to choose a location for plants that receive plenty of sunlight and have good air circulation.
• Second, be sure to water at the base of the plant, rather than from above, to prevent the foliage from becoming too wet. 
• Finally, regularly remove any diseased leaves or flowers to prevent the problem from spreading. By taking these precautions, you can keep your plants healthy and disease-free all summer long.

5) Weeds

Any gardener knows that one of the most common problems during the summer season are weeds. Weeds can quickly take over a garden, crowding out desirable plants and robbing them of essential nutrients. They can also be difficult to control once they take hold. Fortunately, there are a few things that gardeners can do to combat this age-old problem.

• One method is to smother weeds with a thick layer of mulch. This will prevent them from getting the sunlight they need to photosynthesize and will eventually kill them off. 
• Another option is to pull weeds by hand or use a hoe to slice through their roots. This is often the most effective method, but it can be time-consuming.
• Gardeners can also use herbicides, although this should be done with caution, as some herbicides can also damage desirable plants. 

By taking steps to control weeds early on, gardeners can enjoy a weed-free garden all season long.

6) The Greenhouse Overheating 

Greenhouses are a wonderful way to extend the growing season, but they can also be a challenge to keep at the right temperature. In the summer months, overheating is one of the most common problems gardeners face. If the temperature inside the greenhouse gets too high, it can damage plants and even kill them. There are a few things you can do to help keep your greenhouse cool during the hot summer months.

• One is to make sure that there is adequate ventilation. 
• Another is to use shading materials such as shade cloths or paint to help reflect some of the heat away from the greenhouse. 
• Finally, consider using a fan to circulate air and help keep the temperature inside the greenhouse at a comfortable level. 

7) Droughts

One of the most common problems for gardeners during the summer season is drought. Drought occurs when the soil does not receive enough water to support plant growth. This can be caused by a lack of rain, but it can also be caused by high temperatures and strong winds that prevent water from being absorbed into the ground. Drought can damage plants by causing them to lose moisture, which can lead to wilting and leaf drops. In severe cases, drought can kill plants outright.

To protect your garden from drought, it is important to water it regularly and deeply. Investing in a soaker hose or drip irrigation system can also help to reduce water loss due to evaporation.  

Looking For Assistance To Overcome Summer Gardening Problems? 

Summer gardening can be a challenge, but it’s worth it when you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. At Kel Lake Garden Centre, we want to make sure your gardening experience is a positive one, so we’ve put together some solutions to some common summer gardening challenges. If you need some more expert advice or different gardening products, our team is always happy to help. Come see us today and let us help you overcome these hurdles so you can start reaping the rewards of your garden!