It’s officially our LEAST favorite season around here: Summer. June through September here in Central Florida are absolutely brutal, with temps soaring, nearly daily thunderstorms, and bugs GALORE. While much of the country is experiencing bountiful blooms and heaps of harvests, we are practically hibernating indoors. Summer seasonal depression is a uniquely Floridian experience.

I have definitely got my work cut out for me

That isn’t to say there isn’t anything to do in the garden. With all of the heat and rain, weeds abound and quickly take over. We usually start pulling plants as early as June, but this year I sustained a hand injury at the beginning of the month, and have only just now recovered enough to start tackling the colossal task of getting the beds back under control. My goal this summer is to just tackle what I can, leave what I can’t, and give myself a whole lot of grace.. Aside from pulling weeds, we will be spreading cover crop to help put nitrogen back in the soil and aerate before fall planting. Our cover crop mix includes several varieties of clover, legumes, and daikon. I will also amend the beds with compost and organic nutrients to restore the health of the soil and put back some of the vital minerals and organic matter depleted during the previous season.

This photo is embarrassing, but I am all about accountability

July is also the month that I start the first rounds of seeds for our fall planting and nursery stock for the fall market season. This round typically includes heat tolerant flowers, herbs, and veggies such as amaranth, marigolds, sunflowers, celosia, peppers, eggplant, tomatoes and more. Starting seeds in July allows us to grow them out for planting in late August/early September. I love using a seed blocker to maximize my space and reduce unnecessary plastic use.

Soil blocking helps us reduce plastic waste and allows us to plant more seedlings in the same space.

Typically during this time of year we will choose colors that complement the upcoming season, such as reds, oranges, yellows, and purples. It stays hot here pretty much until Thanksgiving, so by choosing a fall palate we are able to fake a bit of the autumn feel that other regions are already enjoying by August. Many of the flower varieties planted at this time dry beautifully, and are perfect for all of the seasonal wreath-making to come.

If you are out there struggling during this brutal summer stretch, just know that you are not alone. We are all suffering out here! If you must get out to get those garden chores done, please do not forget to start early, wear sun protection, and hydrate, hydrate, HYDRATE!

Summertime Sadness

Growing outside the garden