August & September MaintenancE

Summer Gardening Tips for a Thriving Lawn and Garden

Summer in Central Florida can be tough on both plants and people! Between the heat, humidity, and sudden downpours, keeping your garden happy takes a little extra care. If you’re new to Florida gardening or just trying to get through the hottest part of the year, here are some timely tips to help your landscape not just survive, but thrive:

🌿 Focus on Florida-Friendly Plants

Now’s a great time to lean into hardy, drought- and heat-tolerant plants that love the Florida climate. Consider natives like coontie, firebush, coreopsis, and sunshine mimosa. These plants are built for the summer heat and require less water and maintenance once established.

💧 Water Smart—Not Often

Florida summers bring afternoon showers, but it’s still important to monitor soil moisture. Water early in the morning (before 9 a.m.) to avoid evaporation and fungal issues. Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong root systems, which makes your plants more drought-resistant.

Tip for new gardeners: Stick your finger a couple of inches into the soil—if it’s dry at that depth, it’s time to water.

🍂 Mulch is Your Best Friend

Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden beds to help keep soil temperatures stable, reduce evaporation, and suppress weeds. Organic mulch like pine bark also breaks down over time and improves soil quality.

🌱 Don’t Fertilize Just Yet

If you missed spring fertilizing, don’t worry, wait until fall to apply a slow-release fertilizer. In the meantime, focus on soil health by adding compost or organic matter.

✂️ Light Pruning Only

Avoid heavy pruning in mid-summer. It can stress plants and encourage tender new growth that's more vulnerable to heat and pests. If necessary, just remove dead or damaged branches and lightly shape fast-growing shrubs.

🐛 Watch for Summer Pests & Diseases

Hot, humid weather is prime time for fungal diseases (like powdery mildew and root rot) and pests like aphids, whiteflies, and chinch bugs. Check plants regularly and act quickly—neem oil or insecticidal soap can help manage most issues without harming pollinators.