By late summer, even the healthiest gardens can begin to look a little tired. Flowers may fade, weeds become more noticeable, containers lose their sparkle, and the heat can take its toll on plants. Fortunately, a little attention now can refresh your landscape and prepare it for a beautiful fall season.
Use this simple garden reset checklist to keep your yard healthy, colorful, and ready for the months ahead.
✓ Water Deeply
As temperatures remain warm, continue watering wisely.
Focus on:
- Deep watering instead of daily sprinkling
- Watering early in the morning
- Checking newly planted trees and shrubs regularly
- Keeping containers evenly moist
Healthy roots now mean stronger plants later.
✓ Pull Weeds
Weeds compete with your plants for water and nutrients.
Take time to:
- Remove weeds before they go to seed
- Clear around shrubs and perennials
- Keep vegetable gardens clean
A little effort now saves time later.
✓ Feed Your Plants
Many flowering plants continue growing well into fall.
Give them a boost by feeding:
- Annual flowers
- Hanging baskets
- Container gardens
- Flowering shrubs
- Vegetable gardens
Use a quality fertilizer according to label directions.
✓ Prune and Deadhead
Light pruning helps many plants stay attractive and encourages continued blooming.
Remove:
- Spent flowers
- Dead or damaged stems
- Yellowing foliage
- Leggy growth
Avoid heavy pruning on shrubs that bloom on old wood.
✓ Refresh Tired Containers
Summer containers often need a quick makeover.
Freshen them by:
- Replacing struggling plants
- Trimming overgrown flowers
- Adding fresh potting mix if needed
- Fertilizing regularly
Even a few new plants can completely transform a container.
✓ Add Fresh Color
As summer flowers begin to fade, introduce new color with:
- Late-blooming perennials
- Colorful annuals
- Ornamental grasses
- Pollinator-friendly plants
These additions help bridge the transition into fall.
✓ Check for Pests and Disease
Walk through your garden every few days and inspect plants for:
- Chewed leaves
- Wilting
- Yellowing foliage
- Insect damage
- Signs of disease
Early action helps prevent larger problems later.
✓ Prepare for Fall Planting
Now is the perfect time to begin planning.
Consider:
- Trees and shrubs
- Spring-flowering bulbs
- Cool-season vegetables
- Fall perennials
- Seasonal containers
Getting a head start means you’ll have the best selection when fall planting begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I still fertilize in late summer?
Many annuals, containers, and vegetables benefit from continued feeding, but avoid heavy fertilizing on trees and shrubs late in the season.
Is it okay to prune plants now?
Light pruning and deadheading are beneficial, but avoid heavy pruning on shrubs that bloom on old wood.
Should I replace tired annuals?
Yes. Fresh annuals and late-season bloomers can keep your garden looking vibrant into fall.
Is late summer a good time to plant?
Yes. Many trees, shrubs, and perennials establish well when planted before fall arrives.
Why should I start planning now?
Planning ahead gives you the best selection of plants and allows time for roots to establish before winter.
Visit Us
Whether you’re refreshing containers, replacing summer flowers, planning a fall landscape, or looking for expert gardening advice, Bayview Garden Nurseries has everything you need to help your garden transition from summer stress to fall success.
Bayview Garden Nurseries
2711 Zion Road
Northfield, NJ 08225
Avalon Design Center
2819 Dune, Unit 6
Avalon, NJ 08202
Hours
Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Visit one of our locations and let our knowledgeable team help you prepare your landscape for a beautiful finish to the growing season.