Hot summer days and warm, golden evenings have our Castle Rock gardens bursting with life. Tomatoes are ripening into vibrant reds, corn is stretching past your knees, and zucchini? Coming in by the bushel. With a little attention to detail, your garden and landscape can thrive through the season—keeping flowers blooming and produce producing beautifully.
Vegetables: Feed, Protect, and Pollinate
- Feed Regularly: Vegetables are heavy feeders this time of year. Use an organic fertilizer—compost tea or a fish-based liquid fertilizer works wonders and keeps your garden naturally nourished.
- Pollinate Squash: If your squash isn’t setting fruit, it may need a helping hand. Gently pick a male flower, remove the petals to expose the stamen, and brush it against the pistil of a female flower. One flower can pollinate several.
- Fight Insects Naturally: A light dusting of diatomaceous earth can deter pests, and homemade insecticidal soap (or a store-bought version from your favorite garden center) helps protect tender leaves.
Annuals: Pops of Summer Color
Container gardens and hanging baskets bring life and color to patios, porches, and entryways. To keep them looking lush:
- Deadhead blooms regularly to encourage new flowers.
- Water deeply and often, especially on hot days.
- Design with intent: Think thrillers (a tall, eye-catching center plant), fillers (colorful mid-height blooms), and spillers (trailing vines or flowers that soften the edges).
Lawns: Lush, Green, and Summer-Ready
- Water deeply to encourage strong roots and help grass handle summer heat.
- Mow high: Keep blades at 2–3 inches to reduce stress and prevent weeds.
- Address pests early, such as grubs, to avoid long-term damage.
- Stay on top of weed control to maintain a manicured look.
Castle Rock in summer is nothing short of spectacular—and your garden should be too. With a little love, patience, and local know-how, you’ll enjoy the fruits (and flowers) of your labor all season long.
Gardening is more than a lifestyle to me, it is my passion. After 25 years in landscape design, I still spend every moment I can nurturing my garden, watching it grow and sharing my harvest. Whether it is vegetables or flowers, I hope I will encourage everyone of you to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and get your hands dirty. Let's grow together. Happy Gardening!