(WJHL)-- As we continue spring ploughing into summer, the emphasis on gardening begins to change.Andrew Walke with Evergreen of Johnson City says you should be aware of how you water at this time of year. 

"The best thing you can do right now, to be honest, is water it, water it heavily and deeply," he explained.

He strongly recommends watering in the morning.Otherwise, less is more when it comes to working in the garden.

"Plants -- whether they're trees, shrubs, annuals, vegetables, perennials -- have a lot of stress -- environmental stress on them, "Valk explained.You want to minimize what you're really doing in order to try to save what you can do, so whether it's saving water, saving growth, saving or extending flowering time."

Experts say the mulch retains a lot of moisture, which is probably a good thing because we're entering the summer peak season and the sun is beating down on your garden.However, if the afternoon sun is too strong, find a way to cool the soil.

"You can easily put a light shade cloth on top or next to the north to south side," says Valk.

Maybe you're itching to grow something new.Valk recommends sticking with trees and shrubs this summer.

"If you do set them up correctly and get well-drained soil and establish roots, trees and shrubs, you can really take advantage of a huge opportunity to plant during the summer months," he explains.

But don't forget to take precautions to avoid unwelcome guests, such as insects, birds or rodents, so your garden can stay healthy all summer long. 

"You have to start early, because once they're established, they can really cause damage."Walk around newly planted plants, especially succulent tomatoes, or something like that, "Valk says.

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