Late summer often feels like the sprint before a marathon: blooms still blazing, heat still high, yet autumn whispers on the breeze. As a gardener who’s tripped over half-dead zinnias while dreaming of pumpkin spice, I know that awkward in-between feeling well! Taking deliberate steps now will ease your garden into a productive, beautiful fall...
Late summer is the perfect time to tuck away those spring-blooming bulbs before the ground cools—ensuring you’ll be greeted next year by a spectacular display of color after a long winter. As a gardener who’s eagerly scraped back mulch to reveal early crocus or snowdrops poking through frost, I know how magical that first burst...
Late summer’s surge of fragrant herbs can feel overwhelming—one minute you’re harvesting sprigs of basil, oregano, and mint for dinner, the next you’re staring at baskets overflowing with foliage! As a gardener who’s battled wilted herbs and empty spice jars alike, I know that sinking feeling when the season’s bounty slips through your fingers. But...
Late summer is the perfect time to dream about next year’s water garden—when the heat begins to ease, you can plan and prepare without the frantic rush of spring planting. As a gardener who’s been both thrilled and humbled by aquatic experiments, I know how tempting it is to dive in headfirst without a roadmap—only...
Late August in desert gardens can feel like the ultimate test of your green thumb—scorching days, relentless sun, and soil that could give a cactus a run for its money! As an avid desert gardener, I know how daunting it is when drought-tolerant beauties start to wilt under the late-summer blaze. But with the right...
Late August brings a unique magic to the garden, where the heat of summer softens into balmy evenings perfect for lingering among blooms. As a gardener who eagerly watches for those final flushes of color, I find this transitional period both challenging and thrilling. It can feel discouraging when early bloomers fade, but it’s such...
Morning glories (Ipomoea purpurea), with their trumpet-shaped blooms unfurling at dawn, can be utterly captivating. I remember the first time I sowed seeds directly into a border without giving them any support—it was such a bummer to watch the vines slither through every nook and cranny, tangling my favorite daylilies and petunias! While these hardy...
Late summer is the perfect time to think ahead to next year’s wildflower extravaganza. As the sun slants lower and days begin to cool, your meadow is ready for the groundwork that will yield a carpet of blooms next spring. I know how disappointing it can feel to sow seed in spring only to watch...
Neem oil, pressed from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) native to the Indian subcontinent, is a true multitasker in the garden—kind of like a Swiss Army knife for plant care! I know how demoralizing it can feel when aphids swarm your basil or whiteflies turn your coleus into a sticky mess. That’s...
Late summer’s warmth brings a lush bounty to the herb garden, and there’s nothing more satisfying than knowing your plants are both beautiful and truly useful. If you’ve ever been frustrated watching white-knuckled bugs chew on tender seedlings, take heart—these ten selections thrive in August’s heat and will reward you with potent leaves, flowers, and...
Late August can be a challenging time for succulents. The intense summer sun may have scorched tender leaves, while irregular watering schedules can leave soil alternately bone-dry and soggy. I know how disheartening it is to notice your favorite echeverias (native to Mexico and Central America) dropping leaves or your jade plant (Crassula ovata, native...
Late summer often brings mixed feelings: the excitement of autumn’s cool days and the frustration of watching your harvest taper off. I know how disheartening it is to see empty trellises when you’re craving fresh salad greens! With a few strategic moves, though, you can stretch your veggie bounty well into September and beyond. These...
