The summer heat is setting in, and smart gardeners across Tennessee are turning to their tried and true techniques for enjoying the garden despite the hot temperatures, scorching sun, and high humidity.

Read on for smart gardener tips on how to be a happy gardener during Tennessee’s busiest (and hottest) growing season.

1). If you haven’t mulched yet, do so!

Mulch is essential during summer, as mulch holds moisture and keeps plants hydrated and cool. Remember, if you’re feeling hot and dehydrated, your plants probably are too! Pine Mulches like Piney Mulch™, Piney Nuggets™, and Piney Fines™ are perfect for acid-loving trees and shrubs like roses, azaleas, and rhododendrons. Hardwood mulches like Mocha Mulch™ and Chocolate Chip Mulch™ are a popular option when a dark brown color is preferred. Black mulches like Midnight Mulch™ help highlight flower colors. Mulch products like Walking Trailmix™ are preferred for garden rows.

2). Don’t water at night!

Gardeners sometimes choose to water at night to beat the summer daytime heat, but this encourages fungus growth on plants. Summer watering should be done in the early part of the day to maximize plant hydration and beat the heat.

3). Amend nutrient-deficient soil.

By summer, the Tennessee growing season has been ongoing for months. If there are plants in your garden that aren’t doing well by late June, use a soil amendment like Gourmet Compost™ to add nutrients into the soil.

4). Don’t prune during summer.

Plants thrive during summer, but they are also easily damaged. Wait until the cooler months when plants become dormant before you prune. This will stimulate growth when spring arrives.

5). Only work outside when it’s comfortable for you.

Smart summer gardeners do their best gardening in the early morning or right before twilight.

6). When working outside, make the shade your friend.

Outsmart the Tennessee sun by strategically planning your day so you are working in the shade as much as possible. Some plants (like humans) do well in limited sunlight. Design flower beds so they are in the shade for part of the day, and work in them during those time periods.

7). Keep slugs out of the garden by sprinkling eggshells.

Use eggshells when planting new seeds, as the eggshells will deter slugs from coming in and eating the seedlings that will soon sprout from those seeds.

8). Construct wildlife deterrents.

Summer is when wildlife is most active in Tennessee. Use scarecrows, flashy ribbons, and chicken-wire cages to deter deer, birds, and rabbits from entering the garden.

9). Don’t get rid of grass clippings!

Instead, mow with a mulching mower. A mulching mower turns your grass clippings into a fine, nitrogen-rich food for your lawn.

10). Outsmart Tennessee summer insects.

Spray permethrin on your pant legs/shoes (it deters ticks, but don’t get the spray on exposed skin). Spray citronella on other clothing garments and exposed skin (deters biting insects like mosquitos).

11). What can I plant during summer?

Annuals! Give the birds, bees, and butterflies a reason to be in your garden. Petunias, Marigolds, Salvia, and your personal favorites will add a palette of color from now until Halloween.

12). How should I fertilize during summer?

A smart gardener always fertilizes in summer. Fertilize your vegetable garden and your flower beds and shrubs with a slow-release balanced fertilizer, or a fertilizer with low nitrogen. The NPK numbers should be the same, for example, 10:10:10, or have the N (nitrogen) be the lowest of the three numbers. Most farmers’ co-ops stock them and they are reasonably priced. The high-nitrogen fertilizers just “green up” the plants and do very little for the harvest or the flowers. If you want to use an organic fertilizer such as those derived from chicken or turkey manure, or from fisheries, go ahead. But don’t be ashamed to use a chemical fertilizer. All the farmers use them too, just don’t overdo it.

13). Combatting Tennessee’s soil.

Tennessee’s soil is clay-based, so if you want great soil now, get one of Mulch Company’s soils, like Tip Top Soil™, Ultra Soil™, Gourmet Compost™, or Piney Fines™. Then mulch on top of it with a mulch color of your choosing.

14). Build things plants can climb on and create your own secret garden!

Use things like trellises, old bed frames, and rebar to build structures plants can climb on. The sky’s the limit in what you can create!

15). Make use of trees, especially on the periphery of your garden and yard.

Use decorative trees on sloped areas of the yard to help build soil stability and prevent erosion and excessive water run-off.

16). Build walking paths in your garden.

Walking Trailmix™ make great, convenient walking areas to ensure you don’t step on something that’s growing!

17). Visit Mulch Company’s website for Tennessee’s best mulches and soils!

If you need mulch or soil for this season’s outdoor projects, we have the best mulch and best soil in Nashville! Simply visit our website to place an order or call us at (615) 356.2600.

The Mulch Company Promise

The Mulch Company is Nashville’s best mulch yard, producing and selling:

• The best mulch in Nashville
• Superior planting soils for all applications
• Organic compost for boosting plant growth

As a local and boutique mulch yard, our family-owned and operated business takes great pride in delivering beautiful mulches and soils that are aesthetic, healthy, and beneficial to gardens and lawns. If you have any questions about our products or would like to place an order, call (615) 356-2600, or visit our order page.