As summer starts to wind down with the last few weeks of Bay Area heat, here are a few tips to help our gardens stay healthy and safe for the Fall. Giving careful care to gardens is always important, prior planning before the season starts helps to prevent plants from withering and dying.

1. Late summer is one of the hottest times of the year making water usage a priority while trying to be conscious of water usage. Watering plants early in the morning and after the sun sets helps to make the most of the water used for gardens. Watering during the daytime often gets dried off quickly, preventing plants from fully absorbing all of the water.

2. Early September is the perfect time to get fall crops in before it’s too late for them to sprout. Gardeners interested in planting vegetables, such as celery, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, onions, and winter squash, will have fresh produce and vegetables to bring some flavor for your Thanksgiving dinners.

3. After a long summer, garden tools have gotten worn down and dirty. Take some time to clean them off and do some maintenance. Dirty tools are nothing to be worried about, but now is a good time to freshen them up a bit. A little bit of water and rubbing alcohol can go a long way to cleaning up and preventing the spread of disease that may be lingering on dirty tools.

4. Feed those hungry flowers that have been working through this hot summer. By the end of summer, most flowers have used a lot of their nutrients and can use a little bit of fertilizer to keep them healthy for next spring. By adding a little fertilizer, or compost for more adventurous folks, you can be sure your flowers are going to be happy and healthy.

5. While most flowers bloom and wither by the end of the summer, now it is not too late to add a little more color to spruce up your garden for the fall. Some plants that are happy to be planted at the end of the summer are Chrysanthemums, Gaura, and Russian sage. Late bloomers are always a great surprise to help keep your garden beautiful in the fall.

More Helpful Articles

Celebrate the 4th of July in the Bay Area!

Celebrate the 4th of July in the Bay Area!

Happy Fourth of July! Independence Day is approaching quickly, and the Bay Area is getting ready to host exciting celebrations fit for the whole family. From impressive fireworks shows and delicious barbeques to lively parades, there is something for everyone to...

read more
Hiking in the Bay Area!

Hiking in the Bay Area!

This summer weekend, escape into the Californian landscape and explore some of the best trails that the Bay Area has to offer! Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll with a nice view, there are trails for everyone to enjoy.  If you are...

read more
Explore Napa Valley from the Bay Area!

Explore Napa Valley from the Bay Area!

As the world-famous wine region’s peak season comes to an end, it is the perfect time to visit Napa Valley's countless wineries and other related activities. Just a short road trip from San Francisco and the Upper Peninsula, Napa offers a serene blend of world-class...

read more