Full Bloom: Caring for a Thriving Garden

Your summer garden is planted and growing strong—but now the real magic happens. The sun is high, the bees are buzzing, and your plants are stretching toward the sky. This phase is all about nurturing what you've started and keeping the momentum going.

Welcome to Full Bloom, where we dive into how to care for a garden that’s already thriving.

1. Daily Checks, Weekly Wins

Your garden doesn't need round-the-clock attention, but a quick daily walk-through helps catch problems early. Look for:

• Wilting or yellowing leaves

• Chewed foliage or signs of pests

• Plants that may need support or pruning

A few minutes each day makes maintenance easy and your plants happy.

2. Water with Intention

The summer sun can be unforgiving. While overwatering is just as risky as underwatering, the key is consistency.

• Water deeply 2–3 times a week, rather than light daily sprinkles.

• Aim for the base of the plant, not the leaves.

• Early morning watering is best to reduce evaporation and avoid fungal growth.

Bonus Tip: Stick your finger in the soil up to your second knuckle—if it’s dry, it’s time to water.

3. Feed the Need

Once plants are established, they get hungry. Support them with natural fertilizers like compost tea, fish emulsion, or a balanced organic mix every few weeks. Leafy greens need more nitrogen, while fruiting plants like tomatoes and peppers crave phosphorus and potassium.

Garden hack: Crushed eggshells can help tomatoes by adding calcium to prevent blossom-end rot.

4. Prune for Power

Don't be afraid to snip! Pruning helps air flow, reduces disease risk, and channels energy to growth and fruiting.

• Remove dead or damaged leaves.

• Pinch off suckers on tomato plants.

• Trim herbs like basil regularly to encourage bushy growth.

5. Keep Pests in Check—Naturally

Your garden is part of an ecosystem. Encourage beneficial insects (like ladybugs and lacewings) that prey on pests. Try neem oil or insecticidal soap for stubborn issues. And remember, not all bugs are bad.

Nature note: Companion planting can act as a natural pest deterrent. Try basil near tomatoes, or plant garlic to keep aphids away.

Celebrate the beauty of this phase. It’s not just about the harvest—it's about observing life in motion, nurturing growth, and learning your garden's unique rhythm. You’ve planted the seeds—now watch your efforts flourish.

Next up in the series? We’ll talk Harvest Time—how to pick, preserve, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.