Summer in Western New York is short, green, and full of activity. Warm days, cool lake breezes, and the occasional humid stretch make summer gardening in New York a balancing act between keeping plants watered and keeping problems in check. This calendar covers June through August, from planting and watering to rose care, pest control, and attracting pollinators, so your garden looks its best all season.
Summer Gardening in New York: Keep Planting
Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, and Annuals
You can keep planting trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals through the summer as long as you water them well. Plant in the cooler part of the day, and give new plants a deep soaking right away.
Vegetables and Herbs
Continue planting vegetables and herbs for a steady harvest. Quick crops like beans, lettuce, and basil can be sown in succession through midsummer.
Tropical Color for Decks and Patios
Add some exotic color to your deck or patio with tropical blooming plants. Harvest View Greenhouses has a great selection of summer color to choose from.
Summer Watering Tips for New York Gardens
Water Deeply During Dry Weather
Water plants and lawns deeply during dry spells rather than sprinkling lightly every day. Deep watering encourages roots to grow down, which makes plants more resilient in hot weather. Water annuals, perennials, vegetables, trees, and shrubs with a slow trickle or a soaker hose so the water soaks in rather than running off.
Containers and Hanging Baskets
Check containers and hanging baskets regularly, and daily during hot spells. Remember that clay pots dry out faster than plastic ones.
Summer Mulching
Apply a Layer of Mulch
Spread a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch on your garden beds. Mulch conserves moisture in the soil, keeps weeds down, and maintains even soil temperatures. It also gives beds and borders an attractive finished look. Keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and plant stems so it does not trap moisture against the bark.
Summer Houseplant Care
Give Houseplants a Summer Vacation
Houseplants enjoy a summer vacation outdoors. Move them to a shady spot, since direct sun can scorch leaves that are used to indoor light. Repot if needed, fertilize, and check for pests and diseases.
Bring Them Back Inside in Early Fall
Bring houseplants back indoors in early fall, before nighttime temperatures drop into the 50s. Check them for pests before they come in.
Summer Rose Care in New York
Prevent Black Spot and Powdery Mildew
Warm, humid weather encourages fungal diseases like black spot and powdery mildew on roses. Water roses in the early morning and avoid overhead watering when you can, so leaves dry quickly.
Clean Up and Spray
Clean up any fallen leaves, and follow a regular fungicide spray program. Ask our team about a rose care product that controls fungal diseases, and follow the label directions.
Summer Pest Control for Shrubs
Lacebug on Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Lacebug is a common pest on azaleas, Pieris japonica, laurel, and rhododendron. Spray with an all-season horticultural oil to control it, and apply it early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are moderate and no rain is in the forecast.
Summer Pruning and Deadheading
Shape Evergreens
Prune evergreens such as pines, cypress, hollies, euonymus, and boxwood to shape them as needed.
Deadhead and Feed Annuals
Remove faded flowers from annuals regularly to encourage more blooms. Feed annuals with a water-soluble fertilizer on a regular schedule right through summer.
Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies
Plants That Draw Pollinators
Butterfly bush, bee balm (Monarda), hardy hibiscus, lobelia, scabiosa, and coreopsis all attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Plant a few together in a sunny spot for the biggest show.
Visit Harvest View Greenhouses
Find Summer Color and Advice
Stop in for tropical plants, annuals, perennials, and advice tailored to Western New York gardens. Our team is happy to help you keep your garden thriving all summer.
