Summer Lawn and Garden Checklist

Now that we are in July and the hot weather is definitely here to stay, here are some tips for your lawn and gardening during this month.  With the hot temperatures and little rainfall predicated, your lawn and garden are likely to slow down and conserve energy.  Here is how you can help keep your lawn and garden happy!

Trees and shrubs:

• Stop fertilizing to allow them to reduce growth during the heat of the summer.  
• Water trees infrequently but deeply.  
• Apply extra mulch at the base of the tree to help retain moisture.  
• Prune dead or damaged limbs.

Annuals and Containers:

• Water container plants daily 
• Deadhead faded blooms to increase blooming.
• Pinch back leggy stems to encourage branching.

Lawns:

• Continue to mow as needed but set your mower to the highest setting
• Keep lawn mower blades sharp
• Mulch grass clippings to help shade and feed your lawn

Container Care Tips

Container gardening is a great way to create spots of color and add life to your home.  As you pull out your pots and start your spring plantings, here are a few tips:

1. Never use a dirty container- harmful organisms can linger inside.  Rinse it with 1/4 cup bleach and 1 gallon of water.  Allow to dry.
2.  Start wtih a quality soil mix, not garden or topsoil.
3.  Ensure adequate drainage.  Few plants will thrive in waterlogged soi so its important that containers have at least one drainage hole at the bottom.
4.  Provide sufficient water.  Soil in containers tends to dry out quickly.  To test, stick your finger in the soil up to your second knuckle. 
5.  Know when to repot.  If you see roots poking out of drainage holes, it is time for a bigger pot.