Current conditions bring a whole host of perils for the garden: moisture loss, an abandon of pests and insects, soil run-off (in heavy rain) and a luxuriant growth that can spoil the bones of your garden in days.
Rather unfairly, too, this is the time of year we want our gardens to look their absolute best for all those summer barbecues - and when we often want to head away for a Christmas or summer break, leaving our green patch neglected.
But keep a check on the threats and you will be rewarded with a thriving, healthy summer oasis, say experts.
"It's a nice time because everything grows so well," says Judy Horton, author of Yates's Gardening Guide.
"Late summer, Hibiscus, sunflowers, vines are in flower, Bouganvillea .. it's a lovely time, you really feel like the tropical conditions will go on forever."
Thankfully these tips will ensure your garden is the envy of your neighbours while also allowing you to prepare for the cooler months ahead.
MULCH, MULCH, MULCH
Mulching is crucial at the onset of summer because it stops water loss from the soil, keeps moisture around plant roots and keeps temperature fluctuations down.
But after a soaking wet July on Australia's eastern seaboard and intermittent rain since, mulching is also going to come into play for very different reasons this summer, says Seven's Better Home and Garden's Graham Ross.
"For the next couple of months it's going to be a case of stopping run-off and soil loss, so mulching is doubly important."
Ross recommends sugar cane mulch, which is cheap, readily available in small quantities and is light and open, allowing the moisture through and stopping the run-off.
Added to that, we're also recycling a waste product that when we were kids, we would have seen burnt, he says.
BANISH SUMMER PESTS
Aphids are breeding like rabbits, caterpillars are chomping through plants like crazy, scale outbreaks are commonplace - especially on lillypillies and roses, and weeds seem to sprout overnight.
"Summer is pest time," Horton says, "especially after the rain because there's so much moisture in the plants and so much leaf growth, there's plenty for them to eat and breed on."
Grabbing them in the early stages is key, she says.
For aphids she suggests just nipping them off and pushing Confidor tablets down into the soil around the plant.
For scale, Ross advises one spray of liquid Confidor or MaxGuard and then regular follow-up sprays with eco-oil or pest oil.
And for weeds, it often takes a bit of old-fashioned elbow grease. "Whenever you go out just grab a few, don't leave it until it becomes such a massive problem that you just can't face it," says Horton. And pay particular attention to snap off any seeds and flowers, to stop the weed spreading everywhere.
Newspapers with mulch on top or commercial weed mats may also do the trick, or you could turn to herbicides - just remember to shield existing plants with cardboard shields.
With higher amounts of summer rain, Ross believes one of the biggest perils this year is fungi and mildew, particularly on crops such as zucchinis, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins and watermelons.
But use caution when seeking out fungicides, because many of the carcinogenic fungicides of times gone by are still on the market, he says.
He prefers a treatment of full cream milk, diluted nine to one, or an organic spray called Eco-Fungicide.
DON'T BE AFRAID TO PRUNE
For some plants, like roses, a summer prune is essential if you're after that "big autumn flush", Ross says.
But many people are nervous about this task, and tend to either over-prune or under-prune.
Summer pruning involves dead-heading the old flowers from spring and cutting them back just a little bit further - about 40 per cent of a winter prune, he says.
Natives - like grevilleas and bottlebrushes - also need a light trim to remove spent flowers.
"People forget about natives because they presume they are forget-all, leave-all," Ross says. "But they shouldn't".
SEW YOUR KITCHEN GARDEN
Wannabe gardeners who think they've missed the boat for planting until next spring need to find another excuse, says Horton.
"Because things grow so quickly at this time of year, you really do have plenty of time in December to get things started."
It may be a little late to plant tomatoes and eggplants, but it's a great time to find a home for beans, zucchinis, cucumbers, squash and sweetcorn.
If you're thinking of growing some winter vegies such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflowers and broccoli, start them off from seed quite soon before the cool weather hits.
And if you live in Australia's coastal zones, this is a great time to get something tropical in, because the plants have got the whole growing period before they have to cope with the first winter, says Horton.
"Mangoes, passionfruit, avocados, pawpaws - they're all fantastic for planting now," she says.
THINK FLORALS
Summer flowers can make gardens look fabulous, and it's not too late to be planting them.
"There's a forgotten season," Ross says, "the spectacular display of perennials that we get straight after Christmas - and it lasts right the way through into autumn."
Salvias, Aquilegias and Granny's Bonnets are spectacular, he says, but his favourites are perennial Petunias such as Million Bells, as well as daylilies and Cannas.
"People see them and they think, `what are they?' These are really easy to grow and they love that heat of summer."
Horton recommends sunflowers or Hydrangeas to brighten up a summer garden - and if you want some shade cover, try planting some New Guinea impatiens, she says.
And as Australia Day approaches, you may want to think about planting some natives.
By Caroline Berdon
You've spelt "SEW YOUR KITCHEN GARDEN" incorrectly. You sew curtains, and sow seeds.