As early summer settles in, some simple, proactive steps will help you to conserve moisture, manage rapid plant growth, and control weeds. These seasonal tasks can make a noticeable difference in your garden’s health throughout the rest of the summer.

In fact, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours accelerating plant growth, this period is widely considered one of the most important windows for garden maintenance in southern Wisconsin. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Mulching. One of the most effective ways to stop weeds before they start is mulching. Applying a layer of organic material over soil blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds, limiting their ability to germinate. According to guidance from the University of Wisconsin Extension, mulch also plays a key role in retaining soil moisture, reducing evaporation during hot and dry stretches.