As we hit the peak of the growing season, it’s time to give your garden a strong push toward summer success. Wayne Kroon, our Garden Center Manager at Skagit Acres, shares his top seasonal gardening tips to help your plants thrive—whether you’re tending veggies, hanging baskets, or indoor beauties.
🌱 Last Call to Plant Summer Veggies
“If you haven’t planted your tomatoes, squash, or cucumbers yet—do it now,” Wayne advises. “These heat-loving vegetables need 60 to 90 days to mature, and waiting much longer could mean missing out on a full harvest.”
Raised beds and warm soil give these plants a head start, especially in the still-cool Northwest evenings.
💧 Water Early—and Water Deep
“Deep, infrequent watering beats daily sprinkles every time,” Wayne says. Early morning watering helps reduce evaporation and lowers the risk of plant diseases.
Hanging baskets are an exception: they may need watering every day—or even twice during hot spells—to stay lush and hydrated.
🌸 Keep Hanging Baskets Blooming
Want those vibrant hanging baskets to stay full and colorful? Feed them regularly!
“People often forget how hungry those plants are,” Wayne notes. Use a water-soluble fertilizer, like Jack’s Classic 20-20-20, every 2 to 5 days. Regular feeding keeps blooms coming and baskets from going limp.
🧳 Prepping for Vacation? Plan for Your Plants
Going out of town doesn’t mean your garden has to suffer. “There are lots of easy, affordable tools to keep plants happy while you’re away,” says Wayne. Consider watering spikes, hose timers, or moisture-retaining crystals. Stop by Skagit Acres for help picking the right setup for your space and schedule.
🌿 Caring for Indoor Tropicals
Tropical houseplants may be trendy, but they’re not always easy.
“Overwatering is the number-one killer,” Wayne warns. Most indoor tropicals prefer bright, indirect light and should only be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Need help choosing the right tools, plants, or fertilizers? Stop by Skagit Acres and talk with our garden experts. We're here to help your garden grow!