In the dead heat of summer, it might be tempting to just board up the house, fire up the air conditioner, set the sprinklers on a timer, and only mow your lawn when it’s absolutely necessary. What many people don’t realize is that their lawns and all their plants are affected by the seasonal warmth, too. If you want your lawn and garden to be the best on the block, there’s so much more summer landscaping that needs to be done. Just follow these tips. You’ll be able to pass them on to all your neighbors when they inevitably ask how you got your lawn to look so good.
Summer Landscaping for the Perfect Lawn & Garden
Getting Your Grass Greener
Think of the front lawn as the doormat to your home. Who’s going to stand on one that’s all discolored, patchy, and torn up? Make sure all the grass throughout your property is taken care of with good lawn care practices.
Mowing for Success
When cutting the grass, its best to leave it on the longer side for the summer months. Taller grass provides the soil with shade to cut down on weeds, elongate roots, and decrease water evaporation.
If you’re mowing at the right height, leave the clippings on the top of the grass. This will save you time as well as money and fertilizer.
Consistently sharpen your mower’s blade. A good blade can usually last about ten hours. A dull blade will only shred your lawn, resulting in less grass coverage and more space for weeds and other harmful plants to grow.
Some Insight on Irrigation
Having a timed sprinkler during the summer can actually hurt your lawn. Save money, water, and your lawn by only using the sprinkler infrequently and always making sure it’s turned off in the rain. Overwatering will lead to shallow roots which results in weak, malnourished grass.
A lawn should only receive about an inch of water a week, ideally from rainfall. Never water your grass every day. Do it sparingly when rain is scarce and never in the afternoon. The afternoon is the hottest part of the day. Most plants and grasses will suffer because water evaporates quickly in the heat. Water in the morning so the roots can fully absorb the moisture.
Gardening for Greatness
Summertime is really a make-or-break period for your garden, its plants, and its flowers. If you want to keep your garden in peak shape, be sure to follow some of these simple solutions to keep your harvest in bloom.
Planting the Proper Produce
Most people don’t realize that there are certain plants and vegetables that are meant for warm weather. These variations are what you should be planting for summer. Some hot-season plants include eggplant, okra, and chili peppers. A few drought-tolerant plants and flowers that are ideal for this weather are geraniums, marigolds, and oregano.
Guarding the Garden
One of the best way for ensuring your garden’s durability is by reinforcing the bedding with mulch during your summer landscaping routine. This will preserve moisture from quick evaporation and reduce watering frequency.
To fight against weeds and other damaging plants, apply fertilizer liberally. If you are ridding the garden of them as they come, the fertilizer will provide the dual benefit of preventing future weeds and sourcing your plants and flowers with the proper nutrients for them to grow.
The Loose Ends
It’s smart to rid your trees and bushes completely of any dead or hanging limbs. Summer has plenty of storms and clearing them might avoid future damage. Also, keep your bushes trimmed because, if not, they can turn into a breeding ground for termites.
If your lawn and garden are maintained properly, your home and property will shine. This also has the dual benefit of raising your property value. The right landscape will be able to assist you in selling your home for more money in less time.
