GARDENING
summer
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by Bryan Traficante & Wiley Geren
Summer is not far off and it’s
important to protect your
gardens from the heat and
drought that will surely afflict
some warm-weather states.
Research and knowledge are
key as you protect your fruits
and vegetables from the harsh
summertime elements.
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ummertime gardening comes with its own set of
challenges and obstacles. Winter may be bleak and
unfriendly to gardens, but the summer heat and drought
can be just as devastating. Gardeners in hot-weather
zones (Hardiness Zones 7 and higher)—southern and
western states like Florida, Texas, and California—can
expect hot summers and/or droughts capable of killing
gardens. That’s why veteran gardeners have a few tricks
to ward off the heat and plant vegetables that can handle
the sun’s overpowering rays.
Square foot gardening, watering grids, shade, proper
soil, and mulching can make the difference between a
scorched garden and a vibrant one. Of all the advice
given, however, none is more important than research.
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