Summer Gardening Tips for Success

We often get the question: Will Italian seeds grow well here in America? Our answer is a resounding, Yes! The US and Italy lay along similar latitudes on our Earth. We both have a similar variety of climates across our countries; mountain regions, hot dry regions, coastal regions. We can learn a lot from what Italians grow this time of year and how they get the most out of their summer gardens. Here are some ideas to help make your garden more successful.

1. Watering: Check to see how well your watering is permeating the soil by pushing your finger one knuckle deep into the soil. If that layer is still dry, you need to be watering more. Best practice is to water deeply at the roots in the morning when the water will evaporate more slowly and is therefore more likely to be absorbed by your plants.
2. Beat the Heat: Add mulch 2-3 inches deep to cover any bare dirt. Not only does this reduce the soil temperature, but it can also help suppress weeds. Shade covers can be used if plants are getting scorched. We also love to plant densely in our garden beds, nestling plants that prefer some shade under tall plants (think lettuce being shaded by tomatoes and marigolds).
3. Keep Flowers Blooming: Add deadheading your flowers to your list of small, daily tasks. This keeps your flowers blooming bringing you fresh bouquets all summer and giving pollinators much needed food. 
4. Harvest Now to Harvest Later: Much like the tip above, harvesting from your plants tells them to keep producing. Make sure you're harvesting regularly to keep the bounty coming. Out of town on vacation? Tell a friend they can keep anything they pick and you'll come back to a garden that is still producing.
5. Consistency: Work these gardening tasks into your daily life. Water the garden while drinking your coffee. Have the kids dry off from the pool while picking vegetables. Bring extra flowers and produce to your neighbors or a group gathering. 

Bonus: Italians plant by the phases of the moon. Check out our blog on Summer Solstice Planting for a list of what to plant during the summer.