Your End-of-Summer Garden To-Do List

As the summer starts to wane, it's time to start wrapping up this growing season and moving into fall planting. While the end of summer might feel bittersweet, it's also an opportunity to ensure the health of your garden in the months to come. Here are some helpful tips for your end-of-summer garden to-do list!

Weeding & Deadheading

August can be a challenging time for gardeners. Weeds thrive in late summer's warm, humid conditions, so stay vigilant in your weeding efforts to prevent them from taking over. Removing weeds now reduces their chances of reseeding and causing more future problems. Don't forget to also dedicate some time to deadheading! Removing spent flowers will encourage new growth and keep your garden looking its best.

Harvest & Clear Space

For vegetable gardeners, August is a time of abundance. As you enjoy the fruits of your labor, continue to pick vegetables regularly. This encourages more flowering and growth. As the month progresses, clear out dying or spent plants to minimize the cleanup needed later. By maintaining your garden's appearance now, you'll be better prepared for the changing seasons.

Preserve Your Bounty

Make the most of your harvest by saving seeds from successful plants. Preserving vegetables and fruits through canning or making jams ensures that nothing goes to waste. Harvest any remaining herbs and consider drying them for use throughout the year.

Plan For Fall

Now is the time to start planning for fall. Begin sowing fall seeds for crops like kale, lettuce, and spinach. These cooler-loving vegetables will thrive as temperatures drop. Beets, radishes, and broccoli are also great additions to your garden for a fall harvest. Consider planting cover crops to keep the soil healthy and nutrient-rich.

Mulch & Compost

Start building your compost pile using organic materials like plant scraps and leaves. This will yield nutrient-rich compost that you can spread across your garden beds. Mulching with compost enriches the soil and prepares it for next year's planting season!

Care For Shrubs & Trees

Give your shrubs, trees, and perennials some attention before the cold months arrive. Prune any dead or unwanted growth and provide deep waterings to ensure their health during the upcoming winter.

At LW Short Insurance, we're committed to helping you make the most of every season. Whether it's protecting your home or family, we're here to provide the support and coverage you need.

If you have any questions about your insurance or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us. Just give us a call at 843-357-7493 and we'll be glad to help.

We hope both your family & garden thrive as summer transitions to fall!

– The LW Short Insurance Team