Tips For Helping Your Garden Survive The NC Summer

As the peak of summer approaches North Carolina, your home garden may experience extreme exposure to sunlight and other weather conditions. Have no fear! We are here to help guide you through the southern summer with suggestions to help your garden survive the heat. 

Temperatures are set to reach over 85 degrees most days in the summer, which means your plants may need some extra loving. Consider watering your plants daily since plants absorb more water in the heat. Set a schedule for yourself to allow the plants time to soak up all that you have given them early in the day before temperatures rise to their hottest.

Whether your plants are potted or rooted in the ground, shade may be necessary to keep them looking refreshed in the summer. If you don’t have them near a large tree that can provide some shade throughout the day, consider planting an umbrella to protect your plants from the sun. You can also use a blanket or shade cloth that is big enough to cover your garden. 

Consider adding mulch to your flower beds. You can keep your plant’s soil moist and protected from hot and cold temperatures. If you are in an area where temperatures rise above average, layer your mulch about 5 inches off the ground. Experts recommend using leaves, grass clippings, or even pine needles as a good, inexpensive mulch if you notice you may require more than expected.

Fighting bugs and pests during the summertime doesn’t have to be resolved with chemicals and pesticides. Choosing your plants wisely and inviting plant-friendly insects to your garden can help keep the number of pests down. The more ladybugs and parasitic wasps you have, the less likely you will see your beautiful plants bitten and unhealthy. These beneficial pests can eat or scare away other bugs that may cause harm to your plants. 

Although summers in the south can be sweltering, there’s hope for people who love gardening as these plants can withstand the weather! 

Hibiscus – This beautiful plant thrives in warm weather, but they need moist, well-drained soil. Hibiscus can be planted before the heat waves and nurtured throughout the rest of summer into fall. This plant can withstand the heat but must be watered more frequently to prevent the roots from clogging. Most Hibiscus plants are perennial, although the tropical Hibiscus is known to be annual and mostly kept as home plants. Cold, hearty hibiscus plants go dormant during the winter and come back during the springtime renewed and fresh! 

Crested Iris– These vibrant plants won’t bloom well without enough light. Although it is recommended that the Iris only spends about half a day in extreme heat, planting these within taller flowers can protect them from becoming damaged. Crested Iris’ come in violet, blue, and sometimes white. The iris is the most perennial and easy-growing plant there is! They are easy to adapt to different soils and weather conditions.

Sedum– Also known as stonecrops, these perennial plants can hold up in just about any weather. The Sedum is perfect and extremely low maintenance if you have a rock garden and want a pop of color or something abstract.  

Marigold – The most wanted flower in the summertime, known for its beautiful colors and ability to withstand high temperatures, is the Marigold. This plant is straightforward to grow and take care of in the summertime. They can also be container plants and bedding plants. Be sure to plant them in well-drained soil and allow time for the soil to dry between watering. Most marigolds are annuals but can be mistaken for perennial plants since they come up from the seed. 

Crapemyrtles – Once planted, Crapemyrtles are extremely heat-tolerant as they grow the best in the sunlight! This vibrant-colored plant loves humidity and even changes color during the summer months! Crapemyrtles are perennials and don’t last long in the winter. 

Camellias – There are so many types of Camellias like the Spring Camellia, which is known for blooming in spring and summer weather. Camellias take a Once this plant is fully grown, it can thrive in sunny weather but may need some shade to protect the color of the plants and the leaves from shriveling up. 

Gardenias – Gardenias prefer the full sun, and people savor this addictive scent in warm and hot weather. If you want to add the perfect touch to your summer garden, Gardenias would be the plant for you! Mulch is a great way to keep these flowers alive by retaining water and keeping the soil moist. This plant is perennial and thrives in warm climates, but gardenias can act as annual plants depending on the growing environments.

If growing a vegetable garden is your thing, the summer heat can be challenging in the south. But, never fear! The South is chock-full of bountiful vegetable gardens! 

Vegetables like tomatoes, okra, and peppers do their best in the year’s hottest months. Unlike lettuce and broccoli, summer vegetables can not tolerate an ounce of frost and will need way more sunlight than cool weather. Vegetables like cucumbers, eggplant, squash, and zucchini make enjoying homegrown vegetables a favorite in the summertime. When buying seeds or containers for your vegetable garden, the package will typically tell you the mature date and the best time to plant these vegetables. It is best to wait until the cold season has passed, so your vegetables have warm soil to grow in. If you are in the North Carolina area, the good news is that the cold weather typically ends earlier in the year. We talk more about planning for an outdoor space you’ll love in a previous post catered to finding the proper vegetation for your home in the Triangle area!

If you have recently relocated to the Triangle area and miss your days spent in your garden, there’s no need to worry. You can perfect a beautiful garden in the South with some patience and knowledge.

If you have recently relocated to the Triangle area and miss your days spent in your garden, there’s no need to worry. You can perfect a beautiful garden in the South with some patience and knowledge.

Nurseries and garden centers hold a beautiful selection of plants and supplies that you’ll need to prepare your garden for the southern heat. There are so many garden centers that are highly suggested, so be sure to research and find the best one that is most convenient for you! If you are looking for a local garden center in the Triangle area, we have recommended some of them below!

Campbell Road Nursery – 2500 Campbell Rd., Raleigh, NC 27606 – A family-owned and operated nursery where you can find a trained horticulturist on staff! 

Logan’s Garden Shop – 707 Semart Drive Raleigh , NC 27604 – A family-owned garden shop full of beautiful plants, expert knowledge, and a cafe. 

Gunter’s Greenhouse – 4618 Angier Ave, Durham NC 27703 – A plant nursery and family-owned greenhouse perfect for beginners or seasoned gardeners looking for a wide variety of plants. 

Macon Gardens – 2704 Burlington Mill Rd Wake Forest Wake Forest, NC 27587 – Located on a family farm, this garden center offers everything from annuals and perennials to wild birding supplies.

If you have recently relocated to the Triangle area and miss your days spent in your garden, there’s no need to worry. You can perfect a beautiful garden in the South with some patience and knowledge. Ready to learn more about what beautiful listings are in the area for your dream garden? Give us a call, and we’ll gladly help you start the process!