Add Zest to Your Late Summer Garden

Learn how to revitalize your garden in the dog days of summer with these expert tips.
By: Maureen Gilmer

August is nearly over, and you realize the plants don't look as exuberant as they once did. There's less new growth. Lower leaves are turning brown and dropping off. Spider mites are spotting the leaves. The soft tips are wilting in the heat of the afternoon. The fruit is ripening more slowly. Fewer new flower buds appear.

These symptoms of late summer malaise can rob you of an abundant late-season harvest. Mature plants need more water than youngsters. The goodies you tilled into the soil at planting time have either been taken up by plants or leached away. In short, your garden is running out of gas.

Annual veggies and herbs are very heavy feeders. They need to grow from seed, mature, flower and set seed for next year (all in the span of a few short summer months). This is an enormous amount of work. When supplies of soil nutrients and water fall on the short side, the work slows down.

Water Is Vital

As late summer and fall arrive, atmospheric humidity declines. This causes soil moisture to evaporate more quickly. The water regime used in early June is not enough for late August and September. You must supplement with regular deep soakings to ensure the entire root zone, now substantial, is fully saturated.

One way to supplement your watering is to set a dripping garden hose at the bottom of each plant for a couple of hours. Repeat this every few days. Try creating generous watering basins around the base of each plant. Make them big enough to hold a lot of water directly over the root zone so it may gradually percolate down into the soil. Soaker hoses and sprinklers will also help if left on long enough to penetrate deeper than the top few inches of soil.

The abundant supply of nutrients in your garden also has begun to wear thin. And the nutrient drought doubles if you garden in problem soils that normally have low natural fertility. To sustain consistent growth and maximize fruit size, adding a second helping of fertilizer in August can make a big difference.

Select a fertilizer carefully, particularly if you are growing organic. Too much nitrogen can sacrifice flower production. Rather than using a single form such as manure or compost, try organic fertilizer blends that contain a diverse formula of minerals and nutrients. They are as easy to apply as any synthetic product. These are manufactured locally, so each region of the country will have its own brands. You'll find them at quality garden centers.

For best results, combine deep watering with fertilizer applications. Gently cultivate organic fertilizers into the soil so the surface crust is broken up. Then use your deep watering technique to thoroughly saturate the soil and speed the dry fertilizer right to the root system. While organics do not work as quickly as synthetic fertilizers, they are wholesome snacks that hang around to keep your kitchen garden producing well into the fall.

Next Up

How to Pet-Proof Your Garden

Learn how to keep the peace between your garden and pets with these nine simple tips.

How to Grow Strawberries

Here’s what you need to know to plant strawberries and grow summer’s juiciest, sweetest fruit.

How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing in the Winter

Follow these tips to prevent bursting water pipes during cold spells.

How to Repair a Burst Pipe

Learn how to repair a broken pipe using a soldering kit or push-to-connect fittings.

Growing Satisfying Summer Flowers

The budget gardener's trick to growing satisfying summer flowers is to do it from seed.

Tips to Perk Up a Bleak Winter Garden

Recommendations for adding cold-weather appeal to the garden.

Plan Your Spring Garden

As one growing season ends, next year's can be taking shape. Fall is the perfect time to plan, plant and dream for a glorious new beginning in your garden.

Tackle Early Spring Gardening Chores

Eager to get outside? Check out these early spring gardening chores that you can start now.

Harvesting Pumpkins, Storing Seeds

Check out these tips for harvesting the fruit of pumpkins and storing the seeds.

The Lowdown on Garden-Friendly Bugs

Learn about a variety of insects that can help prevent garden pests from terrorizing your yard.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.