Depending on the type of climate, keeping your lawn healthy and green during summer months can create a challenge. There are also different varieties of grass, and many lawns have a blend of several types. Here are some quick tips to help you maintain a beautiful lawn, even during those hot summer days.
Watering
In extremely arid/dry climates such as in desert areas, you'll need to water your lawn frequently to keep it looking alive and green. Give it a good drenching early in the morning at least once or twice per week to keep the ground and roots somewhat moist. If you live in a humid climate, you won't need to water as often. Notice how long between rain showers. If it doesn't rain for a week or more, then water your lawn generously using a hose or sprinkler system.
Type of Grass
The type of grass growing in your lawn also determines the health of your lawn during summer. Many common grasses have short root systems, which means the grass needs constant watering to remain its green lushness during summer. Try introducing new grass to your lawn with deep root systems, such as fescue grass. Fescue grasses are resistant to drought and tolerant to shade. You can plant fescue grass by over seeding your lawn with fescue seeds in early spring or late fall. There's no need to pull up the existing grass. Keep your newly grown grass well watered for the first season. As the grass gets rooted, the need for watering will be reduced.
You can also introduce clover to your lawn. Clover is beautiful, soft and easy to maintain due to its long root system. It can withstand mowing and still keep its lush, green color. It also enriches the soil with nitrogen and is relatively insect-free! If you're a dog owner, clover is resistant to spotting from dog urine.
Mowing
When mowing your lawn, make sure your mower blade is sharp and on a high setting. Mowing higher helps keep your grass healthier by deterring weed growth and allowing the grass to take deeper root into the soil. A sharp blade provides a clean, even cut without "tearing" your grass.
Other ways to maintain a gorgeous lawn during summer include using organic fertilizer, limiting foot and pet traffic, monitoring your soil's pH (acidity) with a pH tester, choosing grass adapted to your climate and soil, and controlling the build-up of thatch in your grass. As you can see, it doesn't take much effort to beat the summer heat when it comes to lawn care!
Summer is here and what better way to prepare than by livening up your garden!
An appealing outdoor landscape can do a lot to improve the aesthetics of your home while simultaneously adding some outdoor aspects to your life now that the long winter and spring hibernation period is over. Here are a few simple tips to grow and maintain your summer garden:
#1: Move your indoor plants outdoors
-Now that spring has passed, there is no need to worry about certain plants having to deal with frost and cold weather throughout the night. Take them outside and allow them to grow naturally!
#2: Watering
-Just because your plants are outside now doesn’t mean that they will strive on their own. Make sure to give ample water, especially during long dry patches during the summer months.
#3: Grow some vegetables
-Vegetables are a good choice as you enjoy the process from start to finish; from watching them grow as baby plants into a delicious afternoon snack.
#4: Plant perennials
-These include flowers such as daffodils, crocuses and tulips. These are good choices for those that are busy and on the go as perennials are low maintenance and are resilient.
#5: Don’t plant flowers at the same time
-By doing this, you’ll allow for flowers to bloom at different time periods allowing for vibrant colours throughout the summer months.
#6: Enjoy your time outside
-Above all, make sure to enjoy the time you spend outside!
So you've decided to plant a few trees in your front garden. Trees can add beauty, shade from the hot sun, privacy, a nesting place for lovely birds and even edible fruit! But which trees should you plant? This quick guide can simplify the tree selection process.
Tree Facts to Consider
Before selecting trees for your front yard, consider the planting specifics of a tree as well as what its future may hold in your yard. You'll want to research carefully to learn what height the tree will grow to become, how wide the branches may reach, etc. Also know there are two main types of trees - deciduous and evergreen. Deciduous trees will lose their leaves in the fall, thus, exposing your home and yard to more sunlight during winter. Most of the leaves will change over to beautiful fall colors before falling so you can expect to enjoy a beautiful show of nature in your yard each autumn! Evergreen trees keep their foliage all year, such as pine trees and magnolias.
You should also research to find out how long it will take certain trees to grow. Hardwoods such as oak, maple, black cherry, willow, holly, beech, ash, apple, etc. are slow growing but tend to live longer. There are, however, some colorful fast growing trees that are lovely in any yard such as the empress tree, pink/white dogwood, crape myrtle, Bradford pear and tulip poplar. Many softwood trees such as pines, spruces and firs will also grow more quickly. Leland cypress trees are popular trees for homeowners seeking to plant trees to create a fast growing privacy barrier.
Hardiness Zone
You can easily view a hardiness zone map on the Web to determine which zone you live in. The "zones" indicate the general climate of the area. Certain trees can only grow in warmer climates while others can withstand the bitter cold. Hardiness isn't the only factor, however, because type of soil, winds, moisture and other variables can also affect a tree's health and survival in certain areas.
Root Growth
When selecting trees for your front garden, don't only think about what will appear above ground but also below it. Root growth is important because roots can grow outward by a diameter of one to two times the actual height of the tree. So just imagine how far reaching a huge oak tree's roots can become! Roots also grow just 8 to 12 inches below the surface of the earth. Huge, wide trees will often have roots sticking up from the ground in certain spots.
Seek advice from a horticulturist and/or landscaping specialist if you're still not sure which trees to plant. The right type of tree can improve the look of your yard and home as well as bring years of enjoyment!
Garden plants and flowers bring out the creativity in all of us who have a passion for the outdoors. Complement your home or garden by growing flowers in the summer months or all year long. These flower gardening tips for beginners can help you get started without hassle.
Get the Right Tools and Do Some Planning
Growing your own flower garden can be fun and easy with the proper tools. Consider investing in a good spade and shovel for digging, along with a high quality garden hose for proper watering. Purchase a pair of pruning shears for trimming your flowers and plants once they begin to grow. Other garden tools you might want to consider for flower planting include garden shears, a wheelbarrow, a pair of scissors and a tape measure.
Once you've purchased all the necessary tools, you are probably ready to take a visit to your nearest flower and garden shop. This is where you'll find a huge selection of plants and flowers to beautify your home and garden. But how will you choose among so many? Don't worry...just select a variety of colors to brighten your garden. You'll find flowering bulbs such as daffodils, hyacinths and tulips, which require little maintenance. These will also grow back year after year.
Adding a variety of easy-to-grow perennials will also make your flower garden beautiful. The most popular among these flowers is the daylily, which blooms in all colors except white and blue, and the geranium in colors of magenta, pink and purple. Both flowers can be planted in the sun or partial shade and will bloom year after year.
Perhaps you are looking for an inexpensive way to change your garden plans yearly. Annuals would be your perfect choice since they grow during the spring and summer months for one growing season. Planting such commonly grown annuals as snapdragons, impatiens, petunias and coleus will create the perfect flower garden theme with all your favorite colors.
How to Get a Flower Bed Ready
Select a flat and sunny site to prepare good bedding. This is the key to successful gardening for flowers. Before planting, you will need to remove all grass, debris and loose leaves from your garden bed. Spread two or three inches of leaf compost, manure or peat moss over your entire flower bed. With a roto-tiller or garden spade, turn the soil over to a depth of eight inches while breaking up heavy clods and then rake evenly. You can also mix in rich potting soil if the soil contains lots of clay or if it is difficult to break up. The potting soil will add nutrients to the soil and help to nurture the young flowers. Plant the flowers according to the instructions and be sure to measure the distance accurately between each planting to allow room for root growth. The soil should completely cover the roots when planting potted flowers. Pack the soil loosely around the flowers but use enough soil to keep it from washing away if a heavy rain occurs.
Once your flower garden is in full bloom, then you will need to persistently water, weed and fertilize your flowers. You can control weeds and add nutrients to your garden by spreading two to four inches of mulch around the flowers in spring and late fall. Be sure not to over-water the flowers; water new flowers only every few days with a good soaking from the hose if there has been no significant rain during that time period.
Use these flower planting tips along with your own creativity to set up a lovely garden.
Have you always dreamed of growing your own vegetable garden so you can enjoy delicious, fresh veggies every year? Growing vegetables isn't as difficult as you may think. In fact, it's easy to grow vegetables at home if you know how to follow just a few simple steps. Use these guidelines to start your own vegetable garden.
Location, Location, Location
Before planting, take time to carefully choose a location for your vegetable garden. Consider the size of garden you want and whether you plan to expand it in years to come. If you want to start small and expand later, be sure there's enough room for expansion. Also, pick a sunny area of your yard that's free from long periods of shade throughout the day. Don't plant your vegetable garden near large buildings or barns that will block the sun for the good part of the day. Gardens need plenty of sunlight.
Also, be sure your garden is within reach of a water hose for those dry times during summer months. Choose a spot that's not prone to weed growth (except normal grass) and be sure the garden will have good drainage. Avoid planting on steep slopes. If you must plant on a slope, you'll need to add small trenches to capture water and prevent run-off. Once you choose a location, it's time to till the ground and prepare for planting.
Smart Design for Your Garden
Having a small vegetable garden doesn't mean you can't diversify. Plant a few mini-patches of several vegetables. Plant the vegetables that have differing nutritional demands side by side. This prevents over-depletion of the soil. Diversifying your vegetables also helps control pests. You can plant the garden row upon row (with parallel lines) or in garden beds (vegetables in raised plots without rows). Bedding your garden will save space if you have very little yard space to work with, but these tend to be less organized.
Consider the tenderness or hardiness of a vegetable before planting. Your area's climate will determine what and when you can plant. If temperatures tend to be below 55 degrees F at night in your area, avoid planting very tender plants such as watermelon, pepper, cucumber or cantaloupe. Tender crops that can withstand cooler nights (but not frost) include tomatoes, corn, lima beans and winter squash. Half-hardy vegetables include Irish potatoes, lettuce, beets and carrots. These can withstand light frosts but not hard freezes or frosts. Hardy vegetables can withstand frost but not deep winter. Vegetables in this category include garden peas, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, turnips, kale and onions. Consider planting very tender vegetables indoors in pots during cooler weather.
Speak with the Experts
Visit several gardening centers or greenhouses in your area. Speak with folks at the local farmer's market about the planting season. Most will be more than willing to help out a beginner! Ask questions about which vegetables grow best in your climate and when to plant/harvest your vegetables. Experienced farmers can help you more than any textbook.
Once you've planted your garden, check on it each day if possible to be sure animals, pests and weeds aren't harming your plants. If you have a dry week, don't forget to keep your plants watered often. If you have children, teach them about gardening and allow them to help from the initial planting until the harvest. Once harvest time arrives, your family can enjoy preparing, canning and cooking your new tasty veggies!
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