The vegetable garden in summer
In summer the vegetable garden runs at full speed: there is harvesting, care and already sowing ahead for autumn. Now the spring work pays off – at the same time the plants need special attention in heat and drought.
The most important tasks are correct watering, regular care and timely re-sowing for a harvest into autumn.
In short
- Water thoroughly and in the morning, mulch beds against drying out.
- Pinch out tomatoes, support plants, top up heavy feeders.
- Harvest regularly – this encourages new growth.
- Fill gaps immediately with autumn and winter vegetables.
Watering and mulching
In heat the water supply is decisive: rather seldom and thoroughly than often and a little, always at the base and best early in the morning. A mulch layer keeps the moisture in the soil, saves water and protects against drying out. Container plants often need water daily on hot days.
Care tasks in summer
Regularly pinch out and tie up cordon tomatoes, support heavily bearing plants. Heavy feeders such as tomatoes, cucumbers and pumpkins appreciate a top-up feed, e.g. with diluted nettle liquid manure. Remove spent and diseased leaves so the plants stay healthy.
Harvesting and re-sowing
Regular harvesting – for example of courgettes, beans and lettuce – prompts the plants to set anew. Do not leave freed-up beds fallow: from summer you can re-sow autumn and winter vegetables such as lamb's lettuce, spinach, radishes, Asian salads and winter herbs.
Frequently asked questions
My tomatoes are splitting – why?
Usually due to irregular watering after dry spells. Even water supply and mulching help.
Why do my plants set no fruit in heat?
Above 30 °C many fruiting vegetables stop setting fruit temporarily – shade and water, then it continues.
Tip
A rainwater collection container supplies you in summer with low-lime, temperate watering water – ideal for sensitive crops and easy on the wallet.
Caution
Do not water over the leaves in the midday heat – it evaporates uselessly and can cause leaf scorch in full sun.
Even mid-season, re-stocking pays off: with strong young plants you refill empty beds at once. We raise ours robust.