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Gardening tips for Western Washington’s unique summer climate

Stories by The Olympian journalists, with AI summarization

Gardening in Western Washington's unique climate requires careful planning and understanding of its temperate, often wet conditions. Timing is critical, as seen in advice for planting cool-season crops like lettuce and kale early, while waiting for soil to warm for heat-loving plants such as tomatoes. Drainage is essential, with container gardening recommended for species like calibrachoa and daffodils to prevent water-logged roots. Techniques like winter pruning and mulch application address overgrowth and water management.

Local gardeners are also encouraged to repurpose materials, propagate plants via cuttings, and use natural resources, such as compost or leaf mold, to enhance soil health while saving money.

Calibrachoa, which look like small petunias, have become very popular for hanging baskets.

NO. 1: GET YOUR CONTAINERS READY, PUGET SOUND GARDENERS. SOME BLOOMING ANNUALS CAN GO OUTSIDE NOW

It’s safe now to add geraniums, lobelia, and alyssum to containers. | Published April 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Marianne Binetti

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NO. 2: TIPS FOR SPENDING LESS BUT GROWING MORE IN YOUR WESTERN WASHINGTON GARDEN

Gardening columnist Marianne Binetti shares tips on pots, soil and bartering with friends and neighbors. | Published June 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Marianne Binetti

It’s much too early to plant heat-loving plants such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplant in Western Washington, which can experience cold, frosty weather into mid-May. By Unsplash/Dispatch

NO. 3: HERE ARE SOME WISE WORDS FOR THOSE TRYING TO GROW HEAT-LOVING TOMATOES IN WESTERN WASHINGTON

Plus how to keep your beautiful roses happy. | Published June 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Marianne Binetti

California poppies bloom south of Folsom on Thursday, March 28, 2024. By Hector Amezcua

NO. 4: PROBLEMS WITH POPPIES OR BLUEBERRY-LOVING BIRDS? GARDENING EXPERT HAS TIPS

Now’s the time to protect your berries with a variety of strategies. | Published July 13, 2024 | Read Full Story by Marianne Binetti

Lilacs in Western Washington can be thinned out by removing weak or crossing branches and by cutting the oldest stems or trunks close to ground level. This gives the younger side shoots a chance to take over.

NO. 5: NEED INSPIRATION? HERE ARE OUR GARDENING COLUMNIST’S TOP 5 PLANTS FOR NORTHWEST GARDENS

These plants seem to thrive in the Western Washington climate and adapt to many different types of growing conditions. | Published April 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Marianne Binetti

A bed of Boston lettuce ready for harvest. Now’s the time to plant cool season crops such as beets, lettuce, spinach, Swiss Chard and radishes for a fall harvest. Succession planting will give you a continuous supply of leaf greens. By MIKE MERGEN

NO. 6: AS PUGET SOUND GARDENERS DIG IN, HERE ARE TIMING AND LOCATION TIPS FOR FLOWERS AND VEGGIES

It’s still too early for some heat-loving plants. But it’s a great time to sow yourself all the salad fixings. | Published May 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Marianne Binetti

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.