How to Care for Your Fall Plants in the Final Weeks of Summer

As summer comes to a close, it’s easy to feel like you’ve finished all of your gardening, but don’t take a break just yet. Your plants still need plenty of care and attention both as you harvest and prepare for the colder months. Take some time to make a game plan for your end of summer gardening.

Prepare for Harvest

As the time to harvest approaches, make sure you have a plan. Take stock of which plants you have, as well as the varieties. Not all plants are ready for harvest at the same time, so it’s important to know which ones are a priority. If your garden will yield a lot of produce, make sure you have plenty of space to store your fruits and vegetables while also keeping them fresh.

Make sure you are aware of proper harvesting techniques. Harvest your vegetables as soon as they are ripe. Waiting for them to get bigger can often sacrifice the flavor. With many plants, you will need to be harvesting regularly as they may produce several yields.

Keep Them Healthy

The heat of summer can lead to stress and drought among your plants which makes them more susceptible to disease. Be sure to water your plants well to keep them healthy. Keep an eye on your plants and promptly remove any damaged leaves or plant parts. If disease isn’t managed quickly enough, spores can settle in the soil which can lead to a resurgence of disease the following year. Diseases among plants can also be managed by regular pruning to increase air circulation.

You should be aware of common diseases that afflict corn so you have a healthy crop. These include common rust, gray leaf spot, southern rust, and anthracnose. Most diseases can be managed by removing damaged parts of the plant and applying fungicide to your crop.

Preparing for the Colder Months

The end of summer is a good time to tidy up and ready your garden for the next season. Begin by thoroughly weeding. This clears up space and makes it easier for you plants so they don’t have to compete for water or sunlight. Pruning and deadheading improves the look of your garden while also preparing your plants for the colder months. Assess the mulch in your garden and see if it’s in need of a new layer. Now is also the time to take stock of your plants and see what will work well for the next year.

Maintaining a garden is a constant effort. Make sure you stay on top of diseases and your plants’ health. Be ready for the harvest and keep vigilant as your plants continue to produce. Only a few more weeks before you can take a step back!

For more tips, read this next: The Benefits of Composting for Your Backyard Garden

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