Smart Solutions for Late-Summer Garden Problems: Overwatering, Overcrowding, and More
In the dog days of summer, the heat and humidity are relentless, and by now, most gardens are showing very clearly which early-season decisions helped or hurt your plants. Whether your garden is lush and productive or looking more “jungle gone wild,” late summer is the most revealing, and sometimes most challenging, time for home gardeners. Let’s break down some of the most common late summer problems, how to address them right now, and easy tips to set yourself up for a more successful fall and future seasons.
The Overwatering Trap: How Much is Too Much?
When the temperatures soar, it’s tempting to shower your plants with daily water, thinking you’re helping. But as we discussed in Episode 264 of Just Grow Something, overwatering is one of summer’s biggest mistakes. Here’s why:
Roots Need Oxygen: Excessive water fills the air pockets in soil, depriving roots of needed oxygen. This leads to stressed plants, sad tomatoes, and invites root rot and fungal diseases.
Tailor Watering to Actual Need: Instead of following a set watering schedule, check soil moisture first. Use the “finger test”: insert your finger 3-4 inches into the soil. If it’s still damp, skip watering.
Deep, Infrequent Watering: Water deeply enough to moisten soil to about six inches. This helps roots grow deeper, away from the hot, dry soil surface. Raised beds and containers dry out quicker, but the principle remains: less frequent, more thorough watering, and check moisture first.
Mulch is Your Best Friend: Even if you haven’t mulched yet this season, it’s not too late! Mulch conserves moisture and keeps soil cooler, making it a must for late-summer survival.
Overcrowding: Giving Plants (and Yourself) Some Breathing Room
Packed in too tightly? You’re not alone. Many gardeners (including me!) get ambitious in the spring, tucking in extra seedlings and interplanting for maximum yield. But by August, all that enthusiasm can result in a crowded, airless tangle.
Why Overcrowding Hurts: Crowded plants compete for light, nutrients, and airflow. Stunted growth, increased pests, and more disease are common side effects.
How to Fix It: Don’t be afraid to thin your plants or prune back overgrown sections. You can even transplant an overcrowded plant to a container to save it.
Container and Raised Bed Tips: Give tomatoes a five-gallon bucket each; use square-foot gardening guides to ensure proper spacing for all your plants. If plants look crowded in containers, simply move pots apart for better airflow.
Poor Plant Pairings: Companion Planting Lessons Learned
Companion planting is a favorite strategy, but not all combos work out. Sometimes plants compete for resources, as with thirsty plants paired with drought-tolerant neighbors, or tall ones shading out the smaller ones.
When Good Pairings Go Bad: As I shared in that episode, experiments with kale and beets, or collards and cucumbers, sometimes lead to unexpected results. Some pairings turn out great, but others may delay harvests or result in nutrient competition.
What To Do: Observe your garden and don’t hesitate to sacrifice underperforming combinations. Note these lessons in your garden journal so you remember what worked, what didn’t, and what just needs to be tweaked a little to be a success.
Speaking of the Garden Journal …
No matter how much experience you have, memories fade. That’s where your garden journal comes in:
Track What Worked, What Didn’t, and What Was Different: Note planting dates, varieties, harvests, pest problems, and weather quirks. Which interplantings were successful and which were not? How did the light in the garden change from spring through the late summer and how did it affect the garden?
Make Next Season Easier: By writing things down, even just once a week, you’ll have a record of what to repeat and what to change.
Any Format Works: Fancy apps, a plain notebook, or a spreadsheet - just find what works for you!
Late summer doesn’t have to be a time of garden burnout. With a few smart tweaks – watering wisely, thinning where needed, learning from plant pairings, and jotting it all down – you can salvage your sanity and your season and set yourself up for even greater success next year.
Your Friend in the Garden,
Karin