Summer is one of the most beautiful times of year in the garden—but it's also when plants face some of their biggest challenges. Between Alabama's intense heat, humidity, heavy afternoon storms, and increased insect activity, it's normal to notice changes in your landscape.

The good news is that many summer plant problems are easy to identify and even easier to correct when caught early. Here's what to watch for and how to help your plants stay healthy all season long.

Wilting Plants

Few things worry gardeners more than walking outside to find drooping flowers or wilted leaves.

Possible Causes

• Hot afternoon temperatures
• Dry soil
• Newly planted flowers, trees, or shrubs
• Damaged roots

What to Do

• Check the soil before watering. If it's still moist a few inches below the surface, your plant may simply be responding to the afternoon heat.
• Water deeply when the soil is dry.
• Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch to help retain moisture.
• Water early in the morning whenever possible.

Andy's Tip: Many plants naturally wilt during the hottest part of the day and recover by evening. If they're still wilted the following morning, they likely need water or further attention.

Yellow Leaves

Yellowing leaves don't always mean a plant is dying.

Possible Causes

• Too much water
• Too little water
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Natural aging
• Poor drainage

What to Do

• Check soil moisture before watering.
• Improve drainage if water tends to stand around the roots.
• Feed plants with the appropriate fertilizer if nutrient deficiencies are suspected.
• Remove older yellow leaves to improve appearance.

Brown Leaf Edges or Crispy Leaves

Leaf scorch is common during hot Alabama summers.

Possible Causes

• Heat stress
• Drought
• Inconsistent watering
• Hot afternoon sun

What to Do

• Water deeply and consistently.
• Apply fresh mulch around plants.
• Consider temporary afternoon shade for newly planted flowers.
• Avoid heavy pruning during periods of extreme heat.

Flowers That Stop Blooming

If your flowers looked amazing in spring but seem to have slowed down, don't panic.

Possible Causes

• Spent blooms
• Heat stress
• Lack of nutrients
• Irregular watering

What to Do

• Deadhead faded flowers.
• Feed blooming annuals according to fertilizer directions.
• Water consistently.
• Continue removing old blooms throughout the season.

Many summer annuals will reward you with fresh flowers when given a little extra care.

Insect Damage

Summer is peak season for many garden pests.

Common visitors include:

• Aphids
• Japanese beetles
• Whiteflies
• Spider mites
• Tomato hornworms
• Squash bugs

What to Do

• Inspect plants regularly.
• Remove insects by hand when possible.
• Identify the pest before applying any treatment.
• Use products according to label directions.
• Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings whenever possible.

If you're unsure what insect is causing damage, bring us a photo or a sample leaf, and we'll help identify the problem.

Powdery Mildew and Leaf Spots

Warm temperatures combined with high humidity create ideal conditions for fungal diseases.

Signs to Watch For

• White powdery coating on leaves
• Brown or black spots
• Yellowing foliage
• Premature leaf drop

What to Do

• Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly.
• Water at the base instead of overhead.
• Remove heavily infected leaves.
• Avoid watering late in the day so foliage has time to dry.

Vegetable Garden Problems

Summer vegetables sometimes slow down during periods of extreme heat.

You may notice:

• Tomatoes dropping blossoms
• Peppers slowing production
• Bitter cucumbers
• Cracked tomatoes

In many cases, these issues are caused by heat or inconsistent watering rather than disease.

Continue watering consistently, mulch around plants, and harvest regularly. As temperatures become more moderate, many vegetables will begin producing again.

Weeds Taking Over

Warm temperatures and frequent rain create ideal growing conditions—not just for your plants, but for weeds too.

Keep Them Under Control

• Refresh mulch throughout the summer.
• Pull weeds before they go to seed.
• Water your desired plants directly rather than the entire bed.
• Stay ahead of weeds with regular maintenance instead of waiting until they're overwhelming.

A little effort each week goes a long way.

When to Ask for Help

Sometimes, it's difficult to know exactly what's causing a problem.

If your plants continue declining despite proper care, don't guess.

Bring us:

• A clear photo
• A damaged leaf or stem
• Information about where the plant is growing
• Details about how often you water

Our knowledgeable team can often identify the problem and recommend the best solution.

Visit Andy's Creekside Nursery

Every gardener experiences challenges, especially during the hottest months of the year. The key is catching problems early and knowing how to respond.

At Andy's Creekside Nursery, we're here to help you grow with confidence. Whether you need healthy replacement plants, mulch, fertilizers, pest control products, or simply expert advice, our team is always happy to help.

Stop by this summer and let us help keep your landscape healthy, colorful, and thriving.