As the days grow longer and the salt air warms up in Montauk, it’s time to shift your focus from spring sprucing to full summer readiness. Summer in Montauk brings more than just beach days, it’s also prime time for outdoor entertaining, lush blooms, and vibrant lawns. Whether you’re a full-time resident or a seasonal homeowner, preparing your garden now ensures a stunning landscape all season long. Today, we at Mickey’s LawnScapes would like to offer some advice on how to prepare your Montauk garden for the summer season.

How Do You Prepare Your Summer Garden?

1) Start with a Clean Slate. Before planting or decorating, clean up what spring left behind. Remove any dead foliage, trim back early bloomers, and clear out beds. This not only improves the look of your landscape but also promotes healthier plant growth. Don’t forget to rake out old mulch to prevent mold and pests, especially in our humid coastal climate.
2) Feed and Nourish Your Soil. Montauk’s sandy soil can lack nutrients essential for summer growth. Start by testing your soil and then amending it with organic compost or a slow-release fertilizer tailored to your plant types. Deep feeding now sets your garden up for lush, resilient growth through the hotter months.
3) Refresh Your Mulch. A fresh layer of mulch not only gives your beds a clean, finished look but also conserves moisture and keeps roots cool. In Montauk’s sun-drenched environment, this is critical. Use natural mulch like cedar or pine bark, which also helps with weed control and soil enrichment.
4) Plan for Drought and Heat. Summers here can get dry, especially by August. Consider installing or checking your irrigation system for efficiency. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal for gardens, reducing water waste and ensuring your plants stay hydrated without overwatering.
5) Choose Plants That Thrive Locally. Opt for drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant plants, especially if you’re near the coast. Native plants like beach plum, bayberry, and black-eyed Susans do beautifully in Montauk gardens and support local pollinators. For pops of color, consider hydrangeas, which love the East End’s climate.
6) Support Pollinators. Summer is peak season for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Planting pollinator-friendly flowers like echinacea, lavender, and milkweed not only adds color but also benefits your entire garden ecosystem. Consider creating a small wildflower patch or herb garden to attract beneficial insects.
7) Lawn Care. Give your lawn a summer boost by aerating, fertilizing, and seeding any bare spots. Water deeply in the early morning and mow high to promote deeper roots and reduce stress on the grass. If you’re away often, a professional maintenance plan can help keep your lawn green and lush.
8) Design for Summer Living. Finally, think beyond plants. Add outdoor lighting, refresh patio planters, or create shaded seating with pergolas or umbrellas. Summer is about enjoying your garden as much as growing it.

Landscape Design & Construction, Lawn Maintenance & More in Amagansett, Aquebogue, Baiting Hollow, Calverton, Cutchogue, East Hampton, East Hampton North, Greenport, Jamesport, Laurel, Montauk, Nassau Point, Northville, Northwest Harbor, Riverhead, Shelter Island, Southold, Springs, Wading River, Westhampton Beach in East End of Long Island, New York

At Mickey’s LawnScapes, we know that a beautiful lawn doesn’t happen by chance, it takes expert care, consistent maintenance, and local knowledge. Whether you’re in Montauk or East Hampton, our team ensures your lawn stays lush, healthy, and picture-perfect all season long. From mowing and edging to fertilizing and irrigation checks, we handle every detail so you can enjoy a worry-free outdoor space. Trust Mickey’s LawnScapes to treat your property like our own, because your lawn deserves nothing but the best. Contact us today to schedule your summer lawn maintenance and experience the difference of professional care.