13 Fabulous Summer Gardening Ideas: Tips for a Lush and Colorful Garden

Have you started planting a summer garden? Spring is the time to get ready for summer flowers. I’ve discovered 13 fabulous summer gardening ideas to help you create a lush and colorful garden.

Although I wouldn’t describe myself as an expert gardener, I’ve been choosing and planting flowers for many years. Since this is prime planting season, I found 13 fabulous summer gardening ideas and resources.

There’s something special about being outdoors and getting your fingers in the dirt. (I try to remember to wear gloves!)

I love the way a freshly planted flower bed looks. Watching my plants grow and bloom this time of year is always rewarding. Using our own fresh herbs is every cook’s joy.

Some of us are enjoying the early days of spring, some are in the middle of spring, and some of us are already experiencing warmer weather. We plant in spring to enjoy the colors and beauty of summer flowers.

Nothing is more enjoyable that the beauty of a flower garden. It’s hard work in the beginning but pays off.

If you’re like me and love spending time in the garden, then you’ll want to make the most of the summer season.

With the right tips and advice, you can create a fabulous summer garden that will thrive in the summer heat and provide you with plenty of fresh produce and beautiful blooms. 

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there are plenty of things you can do to ensure a successful summer garden. From choosing the right plants to implementing proper watering techniques, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to summer gardening.

I’ve gathered advice about choosing the right planters for your planting zone, types of plants to combine in containers, best annual plants, best perennial plants, and best heat tolerant plants.

Gardening Resources to Help You Have a Beautiful Garden

Spring and early summer are the best times to get the new garden ready and plant your flowers, vegetables and annual herbs.

When it comes to summer gardening, choosing the right plants is crucial for a successful and beautiful garden.

Here are some things to consider when selecting plants for your garden. Over the years, I’ve discovered some tried and true gardening practices.

Sun and Shade Requirements

The first thing to consider is the amount of sun and shade your garden receives. Some plants require full sun, while others thrive in partial or full shade. It’s important to choose plants that match the conditions of your garden to ensure they grow and bloom as expected.  

Also, check which Planting Zone you are in. You can find out at this USDA Plant hardiness Zone website. We are in the upper part of Zone 8, which means we need sun-loving and heat-resistent flowers.

We look for plants that will do well in the sunny spots of our yard and in hot weather. This is crucial to have a successful gardening experience. 

TIP: When I shop at the garden center for plants, I take a list of how many full sun, partial sun/partial shade, and shade plants I need. It makes plant shopping easy.

Soil and Water Needs

The next thing to consider is the soil and water needs of the plants. Some plants prefer well-drained soil, while others thrive in moist soil. It’s important to choose plants that match the soil type in your garden to ensure they grow and bloom as expected. 

Adding compost and good potting soil for containers or potting mix in the garden is essential before planting. 

Additionally, some plants require more water than others, so it’s important to choose plants that match your watering schedule. Remember that potted plants dry out more quickly than plants in the ground.

If you live in an area where water is at a premium in the summer, choose plants that don’t need as much water. 

I also think you need to consider your time. Do you have time to water all your plants? Would it be better to install a sprinkler system (that’s a must in Texas) or a drip irrigation system?

The larger your garden space, the more plants you will need and the more water they will require. Would it be better to plant more perennials and fewer summer annuals?

Preparing Your Garden

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and get your hands dirty in the garden. To ensure that your plants thrive during the hot summer months, it’s important to prepare your garden properly. 

Planting Your Garden

When it comes to planting your summer garden, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your plants thrive throughout the season. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Spacing and Depth

When planting your garden, it’s important to consider the spacing and depth of each plant. Different plants have different requirements, so read the instructions on the seed packets or plant tags. As a general rule, most plants should be spaced about 12-18 inches apart, with deeper-rooted plants requiring deeper planting depths.

Plants in containers are usually spaced much closer for maximum effect.

Mulching and Watering

Mulching can help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds from taking over your garden. 

Apply a layer of mulch around your plants, being careful not to cover the stems or leaves. We just added 10 bags of fresh mulch to the newly planted flower beds in our front yard. The mulch also gives the flower beds a neat look in addition to holding moisture in.

Watering is also crucial for a healthy garden, especially during the hot summer months. Be sure to water your plants deeply and regularly, but avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot.

Now, let me “turn you over” to these fabulous resources that I discovered. I found every one of them to be informative and full of great gardening advice.

There is some overlap in the information, but I know you will find tidbits of great gardening suggestions helpful. Plus the images of flowers are a sight to behold.

Welcome to 10 or More Fabulous Finds at Bluesky Browsing #87.

Think of Fabulous Finds as a home decor/DIY/Craft/recipe Readers’ Digest.

If you are new to Bluesky at Home, what fabulous finds do I share at Bluesky Browsing?

• ideas to help you in your home decor efforts
• fun holiday decoration ideas
• ideas for better organization and efficiency
• a yummy recipe or cocktail
• fun DIY projects
• the latest trends in home decor
• a quirky new find or two

Summer Garden Planting: 13 Valuable Resources

Focusing on finding new projects, resources, tips, new ideas, and inspiration for you is my main task. I’m constantly discovering fabulous finds to inspire us. My goal is to help you find ideas for your home decor, your crafting, your home organization, and anything about home.

Did you find some new gardening information? Inspired to find a new type of plant or a new variety? I hope so.

Here is another great post all about 10 Ideas to Create a Beautiful Garden.

I’d love to know what subjects you are most curious about. Let me know in the comments and I’ll search browse for them. Be sure to PIN to keep these spring recipes handy.

I’ll be browsing away between writing posts, listening to podcasts, reading, doing various blogging tasks, playing tennis, and walking Nola.

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