Summertime in the Pacific Northwest is a gardener’s dream — long days, mild temperatures, and just enough rain (most years!) to keep things lush. From coastal zones to inland valleys, summer in the PNW offers a unique window of opportunity to grow, harvest, and enjoy your garden to the fullest.
Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned green thumb, here are summer gardening tips to help your PNW garden flourish.
1. Know Your Zone
The PNW spans multiple USDA Hardiness Zones, from 6 to 9. In summer, that means a mix of cool coastal breezes and hotter inland stretches. Tailor your plant choices and care routines accordingly.
Coastal gardeners: Watch for fungal issues due to lingering moisture.
Inland gardeners: Prepare for drier heat spells and faster soil evaporation.
2. Maximize the Long Days
PNW summers bring extended daylight hours, especially in June and early July. Use that to your advantage!
To-do list:
- Plant succession crops like lettuce, spinach, radishes, and bush beans every 2–3 weeks.
- Train vining plants like cucumbers and peas on trellises to save space and increase yield.
- Consider a second round of summer sowing in late July for fall harvests (kale, broccoli, carrots).
3. Water Wisely
While summer here is cooler than many regions, it often brings dry stretches in July and August. How and when you water makes a huge difference.
Tips:
- Water early in the morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
- Focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root growth.
- Use mulch (straw, wood chips, or compost) to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
4. Deadhead & Harvest Often
Summer is prime bloom and produce time. Regular harvesting and deadheading (removing spent flowers) keeps your plants productive.
Do this weekly:
- Pick zucchini, tomatoes, beans, and herbs to encourage new growth.
- Trim faded blossoms from annuals like dahlias, petunias, and cosmos.
- Snip herbs before they flower to preserve their best flavor.
5. Support Pollinators
PNW summers bring a flurry of bee, butterfly, and hummingbird activity — and your garden can be part of the ecosystem.
Add to your garden:
- Native plants like yarrow, lupine, echinacea, and Oregon grape.
- Water sources like shallow dishes with stones.
- Avoid pesticides — even “natural” ones can harm beneficial insects.
6. Stay Ahead of Pests and Disease
Warm weather can mean aphids, powdery mildew, and slugs. Prevention and early action are key.
Tips:
- Use neem oil or insecticidal soap for aphids.
- Space plants well to improve airflow and reduce mildew risk.
- Place copper tape or diatomaceous earth around slug-prone areas.
7. Plan for Fall Now
Believe it or not, midsummer is the perfect time to plan your fall garden. As summer crops mature, start thinking about what’s next.
Late July/Early August Planting:
- Leafy greens (kale, chard, arugula)
- Root veggies (beets, carrots, turnips)
- Brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage)
Cover young seedlings with shade cloth during heat waves and use floating row covers to protect from late-season pests.
So, grab your gloves, water can, and a big floppy hat — summer’s calling, and your garden’s ready to grow!
