Your PNW Summer Garden Guide: Soil Amendments, Watering, and Pruning Tips
Summer days were made for spending time outside…especially in the garden! We are lucky to have a diverse range of flowers that thrive in the PNW, from dahlias and daisies to rhododendrons and wisteria.
Make the most of these long, sunny days in your garden with these tips and watch your garden thrive this summer.
1. Boost Soil Health:
Soil amendments play a crucial role in enhancing the health and fertility of the soil, especially in the PNW, where soil is often acidic. Incorporating organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure can help improve soil structure, enhance nutrient retention, and promote microbial activity. Soil amendments provide essential nutrients for plant growth and help balance the pH level.
Keep in mind that different flowers have specific soil preferences. For example, dahlias thrive in rich, well-draining soil, while rhododendrons prefer acidic soil with good drainage. Check up on what the plants in your garden prefer and adjust your soil amendments accordingly.
2. Master Watering Techniques:
The moderate PNW climate generally reduces the need for frequent watering, but it’s still important to monitor the moisture level of your garden. The sweet spot is a balance between not overwatering and underwatering, as both can negatively affect plant health.
Look for signs of wilting, drooping leaves, or dry soil. These are indications that your plants require water. On the other hand, waterlogged soil, increased pest activity, powdery mildew, easily detachable roots and stunted growth are a few possible indicators of overwatering.
Some good rules of thumb for watering your garden in the summer are: water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth; aim to water in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation; add mulch around plants to help retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
3. Clean Cuts:
Proper hedging and pruning are essential for maintaining the shape and health of your plants. Regular deadheading can help maximize the blooms of many flowering plants. Simply remove spent flowers by cutting them just above a healthy leaf node or bud.
Use sharp, clean pruning tools appropriate for the size and type of plants you’re working with. We are big fans of the STIHL HSA 26, since these lightweight and cordless gardening shears allow you to precisely trim, shape, and deadhead your plants with ease.
For some plants, especially those that become leggy or lose vigor over time, rejuvenation pruning can be beneficial. This involves cutting the plant back to a height of 6 to 12 inches above the ground, stimulating new growth and rejuvenating the plant. However, not all plants respond well to rejuvenation pruning, so check on specific plant requirements before attempting this technique.
Here are some helpful guidelines for pruning popular PNW flowers:
- Dahlias: Regularly deadhead faded flowers to promote continuous blooming. Prune dead or damaged stems to maintain plant health. In late fall (after the first frost), you’ll want to cut back the foliage to a few inches above the ground.
- Daisies: Deadhead daisies to encourage new blooms and prevent self-seeding. Trim back leggy growth to maintain a compact shape. Early spring is the time to divide overcrowded clumps to rejuvenate the plants.
- Rhododendrons: Prune after flowering to remove spent blooms and shape the plant. Avoid heavy pruning, as rhododendrons set buds for the following year shortly after blooming.
- Wisteria: Prune in late summer to control growth and promote flowering. Remove unwanted shoots and tie the remaining ones to a sturdy support structure. In winter, prune again to remove excess growth and maintain shape.
- Bamboo: Control the spread of bamboo by pruning the rhizomes (underground stems). Remove weak or damaged culms (stems) to allow room for new growth. Bamboo generally requires minimal pruning unless it’s the running variety.
- Heather: Trim heather plants lightly after flowering to maintain a compact form. Avoid cutting into old wood, as heathers have difficulty regenerating from bare stems. Over time, rejuvenate older plants by selectively removing older branches.
Cutting bouquets this summer? We’re partial to our STIHL PP 70 hand pruners. Their no-slip handle and high-quality steel blade make them ideal precision pruners.
Seize the summer and maximize your garden’s potential by putting these gardening tips into action.
Whether you’re looking for time-saving tools to help you prune or a little more power to fight back against the blackberries that are trying to overtake your garden beds, stop by Carl’s Mower & Saw and we’ll help you find the right equipment to maximize your time in the garden this summer.
About
Carl’s Mower and Saw has been bringing the best in outdoor equipment sales, rentals, and service to Whatcom, Skagit and Western Washington since 1990. Beyond simply selling equipment, we go the extra mile. We handle warranty filing, provide hands-on machine operation guidance, and offer maintenance tips to safeguard your investment.
Explore our YouTube channel for maintenance tips, sneak peeks, and in-depth reviews on the equipment we carry from brands like Exmark, Gravely, Honda, Husqvarna, STIHL, and BCS America. If you have any questions or need assistance, reach out at 360-384-0799 or email us at info@carlsmower.com.
