The past month has been grueling for gardeners. Heat and drought have tested our endurance. Sometimes we feel like we're competing in Olympic events. It's important to keep your resolve and do your best in these events: Harvesting: Pick fruit and vegetables on time. Try to stay ahead of squirrels and other critters. Keep picking vegetables such as peppers, beans and tomatoes to keep the plants producing. Fertilizing: Flowers and vegetables are stressed from relentless heat. They need nutrients. Most will benefit from a bloom booster formula. Deadheading: Remove not just the faded flowers but cut stems down to where new buds will form. This encourages the plants to produce more flowers rather than spending energy on seed production. We're all in awe of all the Olympic athletes from all nations. And we're also in awe of gardeners who do their best every day to keep their gardens beautiful and productive. More local videos here: https://youtube.com/@9news Subscribe to NEXT: https://youtube.com/@Nexton9NEWS Stay connected: 9NEWS Website: https://www.9news.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilike9news Twitter: https://twitter.com/9NEWS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9newsdenver/ Download the 9NEWS App: https://www.9news.com/appredirect/ Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER: https://www.9news.com/email 9NEWS (KUSA) is located in Denver, Colorado.