Summer’s nearly here in the Six, which means a couple of scorching months on the horizon. And while most of us humans are accustomed to the annual spike in temperatures, our botanical counterparts still have a tough time with the change. Improperly handled, plants can wilt, bolt, or flat-out perish in the intense sunshine and minimal precipitation.

It’d be a shame to let them suffer, especially for all they do. The benefits of a healthy garden are numerous, providing:

• Shade and privacy in the intense Toronto summers
• Fresh air through carbon dioxide conversion
• Aesthetics and heightened property value (for all you Torontonians aiming to sell in the summer peak)
• Fresh veggies plucked straight from the source
• A continual sense of personal wellbeing, especially for those who enjoy gardening!

To preserve these benefits, your top real estate agents at Harvey Kalles Real Estate have collected a few summer gardening tips for a flourishing season. Here’s how to green-thumb your way to a beautiful outdoor refuge.

Select Heat-Tolerant Plants

The first step is to choose plants suited to the Golden Horseshoe’s hot and humid summers. For flowers, choose sun-loving plants like echinacea, hibiscus, lilacs, marigolds, petunias, and (the aptly named) sunflower. For edible plants, opt for summer classics like tomatoes, garden peas, hot peppers and zucchini.

If you’re unsure whether a plant is heat-tolerant or heat-averse, you can always ask the sales staff at your local nursery. They get this question all the time and can point you in the direction of gorgeous, sun-friendly seeds or seedlings.

Similarly, check out our blog post on planting a bee-friendly garden, which offers advice on choosing pollinator host plants and native plants ideal for Ontario’s seasonal fluxes.

Counter Evaporation: Timing, Deep Watering and Mulch

Water matters in a garden – big time. When you water, how you water, and what moisture-retaining soil applications you use will profoundly impact the health and wellbeing of your plants.

As for timing, it’s typically best to water in the morning, giving the plants some cool lead time to absorb moisture before the sun evaporates it. By that logic, you might assume that night-time watering is preferable; however, botanists contend that night-time drinks, in the absence of any sunshine to dry the plants, can lead to fungal development.

Next, brush up on “deep watering” techniques. Essentially, you’re aiming for a slow, steady stream of moisture that saturates the soil rather than pooling it on the surface. Consider investing in a drip irrigation system, which – in addition to facilitating deep watering – saves you some money on utility bills.

Lastly, consider adding organic mulch to your garden’s soil. Studies have shown that mulch conserves soil moisture on sunny days and prevents rapid evaporation, giving your plants a longer window to enjoy their water.

Shade Your Delicate Plants

Just like some of us, some plants can’t stand too much direct light. But whereas we just turn “lobster-red,” these delicate plants wilt or die.

If you’re planting delicate plants like fuchsias, begonias, hydrangeas or various lettuces, strategically place a few shade cloths or umbrellas in the garden to shield them from intense mid-day rays. For a more aesthetically pleasing sunshade option, consider establishing a trellis or arbour of climbing vines, which will give your summer garden that rustic, bucolic farmhouse vibe.

Make Room for New Growth: Pruning and Deadheading

It turns out plants are their own worst enemies sometimes. They can grow unproductive and unhealthy plant matter that hinders their own ability to flourish. That’s why green thumbs recommend routinely pruning and “deadheading” your plants.

Using pruning shears, snip the spent blossoms at their base and prune away any dead or dormant stems. If you want to get into the nitty-gritty of the process, we can direct you toward a couple of helpful YouTube videos on the topic.

Container Gardening: Quick Tips for Condo Dwellers

If you’ve made it this far only to exclaim, “Hey, wait, I live in a condo – I don’t have a patch of ground!”, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are some quick tips for container gardening:

• Choose containers with adequate drainage holes to prevent pooling at the bottom. Make sure they’re also deep enough for the plant roots to thrive.
• Pick plants tailored to your balcony’s sunlight exposure, whether that’s full sun, partial sunlight or full shade. A nursery employee can help guide you toward the best options.
• Follow the best practices in the sections above by selecting heat-resistant plants, establishing shade, timing your deep watering, and even lightly mulching your potted plants. Prune, thin and deadhead as normal.
• Rotate the pots semi-regularly to ensure that all sides of the plant receive sunlight, which encourages a balanced growth cycle.
• Use a quality potting mix in your containers. This Spruce article lists a few of the best mixes, each readily available for purchase online.

Just because you aren’t planting in the ground, doesn’t mean you can’t have a gorgeous, thriving summer garden.

Find Inspiration Around the Six

Lastly, look around you for inspiration. All over Toronto, you’ll find gorgeous summer gardens, blossoming parks and flower-forward farms.

Peruse our list of the city’s best neighbourhoods for nature lovers to take in the High Park blossoms, manicured front yards of Lawrence Park and brilliant Birchcliff foliage. Head to Toronto’s “ground zero” for all things botanical at Allan Gardens, one of the best places in the GTA for summer activities with your kids. And if you’re heading out of province for a summer road trip, make a pit stop at Humminghill Farm, a powerful example of sustainable gardening in action. There’s lots to learn about summer gardens right at your doorstep.

Hopefully, this article helps you craft the ultimate summer sanctuary in the Six. Follow the tips above to keep your summer garden healthy – so that it, in turn, can keep you healthy. And if it ever comes time to sell your slice of paradise in Toronto, contact the professionals at Harvey Kalles Real Estate to ensure your garden goes to the perfect buyer.