A monarch caterpillar looks for something to nibble on. (File photo/Postmedia Network)

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It is almost mid-summer and I have been busy making a list of things I want and need to do in the garden before the snow falls again.

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It is important to stay on top of deadheading. If plants spend all their energy producing seeds, they may not have enough energy to survive extreme heat.

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This is the time of year when weather and insects such of aphids can get the upper hand and really stress out plants. The fastest way to see if you have an aphid problem is to look at the leaves of your plants. Are they shiny or sticky. Aphids suck the juices out of plants. When this happens, the aphid produces honeydew, which is a sticky substance which is the waste product from the juices of your plant. A strong blast from the hose can knock off the aphids or a mixture of insecticidal soap sprayed directly on the aphids will help to control them.

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You may also find poop from caterpillars on plant leaves — tiny black or brown droppings in a cluster. You may also see damage on the leaves from where caterpillars have chewed on your plants. In this case, you should use a solution of BTK to help control the spread of caterpillars.

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Weeding seems to be a never-ending task, but as plants grow, they take up more space — shading the ground and blocking light that is needed for \weeds to grow. I just finished a cultivation of my gardens after it rained. I wanted to scratch the surface to break up the hard crust so the next time it rains the water can penetrate deeper into the ground. I did the same with my wood mulch, lightly fluffing it up to allow more moisture to penetrate.

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As a gift this year, I received a solar-powered fountain that works wonderful in my bird bath. I have enjoyed watching birds, butterflies, squirrels and even a raccoon come and use the fountain. Nature requires just as much water as we do and this is a great way to share it with them. Because the fountain keeps the water moving, I do not have problems with misquote larva in my bird bath.

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Gardens are never done. There is always something you can be doing, but when it no longer is enjoyable and becomes too much work then you are doing something wrong and it’s time to make some changes. In the meantime, find yourself a shady spot, get a cold drink and sit down and enjoy your hard work.

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