In this episode of Master Gardeners & Friends on KNCO Newstalk 830, Nevada County Master Gardeners Ellie Lightfoot and Lisa Marsh share timely advice for maintaining a healthy and productive garden during the hottest part of summer.

The conversation begins with summer harvests, including tomatoes, cucumbers and several varieties of basil. Ellie and Lisa discuss the value of keeping a garden journal, taking photographs and recording weather conditions so gardeners can identify what worked and make better planting decisions in future seasons.

Listeners receive practical advice about caring for an aging apple tree, identifying an unwanted volunteer plant and waiting for cooler temperatures before attempting to transplant established plants. The hosts also explain how pinching back young flowering plants such as cosmos can create sturdier stems, fuller growth and more blooms later in the season.

Watering is another major focus. Ellie and Lisa discuss drip irrigation, hand-watering new plantings, applying several inches of mulch and encouraging plants to develop deeper roots through less-frequent but more-thorough watering. They also explore companion planting and using taller vegetables to provide natural afternoon shade for more heat-sensitive plants.

The episode highlights integrated pest management and the importance of protecting beneficial insects. Topics include tomato hornworms, aphids, ladybugs, lacewings, praying mantises and using trap plants to draw pests away from valuable crops. The hosts explain how succession planting and adjusting planting dates can sometimes help gardeners avoid the most active portion of a pest’s life cycle.

Deer protection is also covered, with practical ideas such as planting strongly scented herbs, temporarily protecting new plants, using double fence lines and arranging beds or obstacles so deer cannot clearly see a safe landing area. Rosemary, sage, lavender and thyme are among the aromatic plants discussed as helpful additions to deer-prone landscapes.

Ellie and Lisa also preview the Nevada County Master Gardeners’ booth and educational workshops at the Nevada County Fair. Additional resources discussed include the Western Sierra Foothills Garden Guide, free gardening workshops, the demonstration garden, the Curious Gardener newsletter and assistance available through the UC Master Gardeners of Nevada County.