Late Summer Garden & Landscape Prep

Sempervirens Gardening | Posted on September 2nd, 2024

Hey fellow gardeners! As we drift into late summer, it’s time to give your garden and landscape a little extra love before the cool weather sets in. Whether you’re freshening up your flower beds, reinforcing your garden beds, or adding some new hardscaping features, now’s the ideal time to make those improvements. Let’s make the most of summer’s end and prepare our gardens for a beautiful fall transition. And remember, we’re here to help every step of the way—whether you need advice, tools, or handcrafted garden essentials!

1. Refresh Your Landscape

• Reinforce Garden Beds: Summer’s growth can take a toll on garden beds, so check them for any signs of wear and tear. Reinforce them as needed to ensure they stay strong and support your plants effectively. If you’re in need of a fresh start, we’ve got you covered. At Sempervirens, we craft tall, gopher-proof redwood garden beds right here in-house. Durable and stylish, our handcrafted beds give your garden a fresh, elevated look. Customizable to your preferred size.

• Update Mulch: If your mulch is looking a bit tired, freshen it up. A new layer not only looks great but also helps retain soil moisture and keep weeds at bay. It’s like giving your garden’s floor a fresh coat of paint!

• Add Hardscaping: Consider adding or updating hardscape features like pathways, patios, or garden borders. Late summer is a perfect time to make these improvements before the weather cools down.

2. Plant for the Future

• Fall and Winter Planting: It’s not too early to think about planting for fall and winter. Consider planting leafy greens such as spinach, cilantro, lettuce, and peas, which thrive in the cooler temperatures and will provide you with fresh, homegrown produce even as the weather changes. 

• Join a Community Garden: If you’re looking to expand your gardening efforts or connect with fellow green thumbs, consider joining a local community garden. It’s a fantastic way to share resources, swap tips, and grow together while making new friends. Plus, working in a community garden can give you access to additional space and opportunities to experiment with new plants.

  
  

**Presented above are two valuable resources for your gardening needs: a planting guide tailored specifically for Humboldt County from the Garden of Eatin’ Community Garden in Eureka, CA, and a comprehensive guide to local community gardens by Cooperation Humboldt. For more details, visit cooperationhumboldt.com.**

3. Garden Clean-Up

• Prune and Trim: Tidy up your garden by pruning back overgrown plants and trimming dead branches. This not only keeps your garden looking neat but also encourages healthy new growth. 

• Clear Debris: Remove any fallen leaves, branches, or other debris from your garden beds. This helps prevent pests and diseases from settling in and makes it easier to prepare for fall planting.

4. Optimize Your Garden’s Health

• Check Soil: Test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. Adding compost or organic matter now can improve soil health and set you up for a successful spring. It’s like giving your garden a vitamin boost!

• Monitor Pests: Keep an eye out for any late-season pests or diseases. Treat issues promptly to prevent them from becoming a bigger problem. It’s all about staying one step ahead of those pesky garden invaders.

• Rejuvenate Flower Beds: Give those flower beds some TLC by pulling out dead plants and adding some new, late-blooming varieties. Think of it as giving your garden a second wind for the season.

• Consider Composting: If you’re interested in improving soil health and sustainability, check out our handcrafted cedar two-stage compost bins. Made in-house with high-quality cedar lumber, these bins are perfect for turning garden waste into nutrient-rich compost. They’re a great addition to any garden, helping you recycle and enrich your soil effectively.

We hope you find these resources helpful. As summer winds down, it’s the perfect time to tackle those final garden touch-ups, reinforce your beds, and prepare for fall planting. Don’t forget to get your garden ready for the cooler months ahead. Consider joining a community garden to connect with fellow gardeners, share resources, and expand your growing space.

Happy gardening!

The Sempervirens Gardening Team 🌿