Summer is the most rewarding - and the most demanding - season for gardeners. It brings sunshine and abundant growth, but also intense heat, sudden downpours, and an uptick in pests and predators. If left unprotected, your plants can suffer from sun scorch, dehydration, root rot, and even total crop loss.
Thankfully, there are smart strategies and affordable tools to shield your garden from the summer extremes. From expert shading solutions to time-tested watering techniques, here are some tips on how you can keep your garden thriving all summer long.
1. Shield Plants from Harsh Sunlight with Scorch Guard
When the midday sun blazes at its peak, it can burn tender leaves, dry out soil, and cause vegetables and fruit to spoil before they ripen. Dalen’s Scorch Guard is a professional-grade shading cloth that protects plants from intense UV exposure without blocking the light they need to grow.
Made to be light yet highly durable, Scorch Guard reduces direct sunlight while maintaining airflow and moisture balance. It’s perfect for:
- Tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens prone to sun scorch
- Young or recently transplanted plants
- Flower beds needing protection during heatwaves
Simply drape Scorch Guard over stakes or a trellis and secure with clips. It’s reusable, lightweight, and can be easily cut to different sizes to fit your needs.
2. Master Smart Watering Techniques
Summer heat increases water evaporation, meaning your plants may need more frequent watering. But over-watering can be just as damaging. Follow these guidelines:
- Water early in the morning to avoid evaporation and fungal issues.
- Use mulch to retain moisture and insulate roots.
- Install drip irrigation or soaking hoses to deliver water efficiently.
Keep in mind that watering needs will vary based on regions. While some US areas will receive frequent rain and not require much manual watering, others in the Southwest and western plains may require a lot more management. If your plants begin to try up, it will sometimes be challenging to get them back to growth this year.
3. Use Bird-X Netting to Block Pests & Predators
Birds, squirrels, rabbits, and even deer are especially hungry in summer, and they will eat your garden's tasty treasures! Bird-X Netting keeps animals out without harming them, or your plants.
Bird-X is perfect for:
- Berries, fruit trees, and grapevines
- Tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash
- Raised beds and patio gardens
The Bird-X netting is UV-resistant, easy to install, and reusable. Just drape it and secure it with garden stakes or landscape staples. You can buy it in multiple sizes, or cut it to match the areas you want to cover.
4. Guard Against Summer Storms and Garden Intruders with Pop-Net
Thunderstorms, hail and curious animals can wreak havoc on your garden overnight. The Pop-Net is an instant, pop-up protective dome that defends vulnerable plants from rain, wind, birds, and critters, all without complex setup or tools.
Designed with breathable mesh sides and a durable frame, Pop-Net provides a gentle but effective shield against the elements while maintaining sun exposure and airflow. It's especially useful for:
- Seedlings, herbs, and young vegetable starts
- Container gardens and raised beds
- Temporary storm protection
Simply open the unit and place it directly over your plants. Secure with the included stakes and enjoy peace of mind through summer’s unpredictable weather.
5. Prune and Trim Strategically
Plants can easily get overgrown in the summer, and cause problems with others around them. Sometimes they can also get browned from the sun. To fix this, summer pruning cleans up your garden, improves airflow, and redirects plant energy. Here are some plants to trim:
- Yellowing or scorched leaves
- Dense canopies to reduce disease risk
- Overgrown herbs to encourage fresh growth
- Overhanging small branches or plants that block paths
By proactively pruning and trimming, you can keep your garden looking better year-round.
6. Add Shade-Loving Companion Plants
Another attractive way to protect and better grow plants in the sun, is to use taller plants to shade delicate ones. For example:
- Grow lettuce behind corn or sunflowers
- Use beans to create natural trellises for smaller herbs
By creating this tiered system of your garden, you can create a fun and healthy eco-system in your yard.
7. Do Daily Evening Garden Checks
Besides being a nice way to wind down your day, daily evening check-ins help you catch problems early. Look for:
- Wilted or sunburned leaves
- Animal or pest activity, including any animals that could be caught in netting
- Proper netting and shade placement
- Coverings and other tools are still standing correctly
This is also a great time to move your owl decoys, which are good to place in different locations to keep birds and other predators surprised and guessing!
Final Thoughts
Summer doesn’t have to be a battle. With the right mix of planning, tools, and observation, you can maintain a lush, thriving garden all season long - and have fun doing it! Products like Scorch Guard, Bird-X Netting, and Pop-Net make it easier to protect your hard work from sun, storms, and hungry critters.
Explore more summer garden solutions and get everything you need to beat the heat, naturally.
