9 Midsummer Flower Mistakes Gardeners Want You to Avoid for Better Blooms

Every season has its gardening perks, but it’s hard to beat the confetti colors and bursts of texture and dimension that come from a summer flower garden. It’s a sensory delight being in one, but it takes a lot of work to keep it healthy.

Knowing what midsummer flower garden mistakes there are to avoid can make all the difference, so we asked two gardening experts what to avoid to get it right.

Getting Watering Wrong

Summer often brings oppressive heat, and that means your flowers’ watering needs will change. In most cases, plants will be thirstier and need more frequent hydration. But that’s not the only place where watering mistakes can crop up.

“Even though we may water our plants regularly, inconsistent watering practices—like too much water one day, and too little the next—cause stress to plants’ root systems,” says master gardener Dr. Pam Stephens Lehenbauer. “This can result in an overwatering/underwatering problem.”

She points out that the issue might show up in a few different ways, from root rot to crispy leaves. One way of solving this is by setting and sticking to a consistent watering routine.

“Always check the soil’s moisture level prior to watering,” she adds. “For most plants, the soil should be slightly damp.”

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Misunderstanding Sun Requirements

On the flip side of getting enough water is getting ample sunlight. However, summer changes things. Even your plants that adore constant sun exposure might start feeling a little too warm in certain spells of weather.

“Make sure to consider each plant’s sunlight needs prior to positioning them in the garden,” Lehenbauer says. “Too much sun will scorch and burn shade-lovers like impatiens and begonias. Too little sun for sun-lovers like petunias and zinnias will produce leggy growth and fewer blossoms.”

If you’re finding that your garden is getting an abnormal level of heat, adjust your watering schedule and avoid watering in the afternoon. If you can, it’s also helpful to find temporary shade or coverings to protect leaves and flowers from scorching and fully drying out.

Neglecting the Soil

Another vital component of a healthy flower garden is treating the soil with care. This directly impacts how your plants hold up throughout the summer.

“Just like we take vitamins to support our immune system, the soil needs to be fed to support beneficial insects and continue to feed the flowers nutrients all season long,” says flower expert Holly Fusco. “My simple go-to for feeding the soil is grass clippings.”

She says these can be shimmied out and around your flower beds. Not only does it benefit the soil, but it keeps weeds from taking over, too.

Overzealous Deadheading

Deadheading is a great thing for many flowers, however, it can pose a threat if you get a little too overzealous with the pruning shears.

“Extreme deadheading can stress any plant, reduce its vigor, stunt future flowering ability, and
potentially open the door to harmful insects that find a way into a weakened plant,” Lehenbauer says.

For your annuals, it’s important to deadhead so they continue blooming. Perennials, on the other hand, won’t necessarily need it as much. Plus, leaving seed heads on perennials will support your local wildlife through the fall and winter seasons.

Not Using Mulch

While it may not look like much, mulch is a goldmine when it comes to supporting plants. It fills the soil with nutrients, keeps weeds at bay, and holds onto water for longer. If you’re dealing with flowers that are constantly thirsty or beginning to look dried out, consider this.

“If you use an organic mulch, like tree bark, remember that these continue to break down as summer progresses,” Lehenbauer says. “Add a fresh layer to help keep plants cool and hydrated.”

Ignoring Future Seasons

It’s easy to get caught up in the whimsy of your summer flowers, but thinking ahead is important too. Fusco says that spring planning should be on your to-do list right now.

“Most people think that spring flowers are only tulips and daffodils, but there are many other seed-started flowers that can ‘overwinter’ or be planted in the fall with some protection for early blooms in the spring,” she says.

You can start getting seeds ready and using a planning app to prepare for next year’s gardening season. There’s a lot that you can brainstorm right now, and she notes that you can even start some flowers now in July for planting and overwintering in October, depending on your hardiness zone.

Planting Too Late

On the topic of scheduling, it’s important to know that this part of the year isn’t the best time for planting. It’s often a bummer if you missed the slot, but efforts likely won’t pay off (which can be even more frustrating).

“While it is tempting to plant in midsummer, most plants do best when they are planted in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall,” Lehenbauer says. “Temperatures are milder, and they have an easier time establishing strong root systems due to less environmental stress.” 

Ignoring Pest and Disease Issues

There is a trifecta of issues to keep an eye out for over the summer: pests, diseases, and invasive weeds. These three factors can quickly lead to the deterioration of a beautiful flower garden in no time at all.

“Knowing which critters are beneficial to our gardens (like monarch butterfly eggs and larvae) vs. harmful (Japanese beetle) helps to support a healthy ecosystem,” says Lehenbauer. “Finally, heat, moisture, and humidity encourage fungal diseases like powdery mildew and blight.”

It’s simply a matter of checking over your plants and reading up if you notice signs of chewing, disease, or infestation. Weeds are another thing to stamp out soon after you notice them, too. In doing so, they won’t gain enough traction to steal your flowers’ sun, water, and nutrients.

Not Enjoying Your Midsummer Garden

As a final note, Lehenbauer points out that gardeners should always take the time to enjoy their gardens—and not doing so is a mistake in itself.

“Interacting with nature, gardening, and being in green spaces have proven to be critical in supporting our well-being,” she says. “You’ve worked hard to make your garden a special place to enjoy and recharge. Remember to make time to sit back, relax, and appreciate the many wonders and joys which nature and gardening bring us.”