Summertime is the perfect season to show off your landscape and gardens, but let’s not forget that soaring temperatures and frequent storms can wreak havoc on it as well…
In order to get ahead of the madness and maintain a picturesque yard, there are a few things you should keep in mind throughout the steamy Summer months. Use these 6 tips as your guide to the perfect Summer landscape.
Lawncare
Not too tall, not too short.
It’s so tempting to cut your lawn as short as possible so you don’t have to mow as often, but this actually makes your grass less drought-tolerant and it can easily turn brown. Also, shorter grass promotes more weed growth. On the flipside, you don’t want your lawn to get so high that it cannot be mowed at all. The ideal height for grass is 3-4 inches. It is best to set a mowing schedule (weekly, biweekly depending on growth ) so that you always have time set aside to take care of it.
Watering
Avoid the hottest part of the day.
In other words, do not water your plants in the afternoon. This is when temperatures are at their highest and water evaporates right off the top of the soil. Water plants in the morning or evening and make sure they are thoroughly soaked through so the soil is hydrated. Use a garden nozzle or soaker hose for best results.
Another important thing to note is that you don’t need to turn on sprinklers for your lawn unless there has been a stretch of days without any rain. Summer gives us plenty of afternoon thunderstorms to help ease the need for daily watering.
Weeding
Weed often!
This is probably the last thing you want to do on a beautiful summer day, but we can’t say it enough…you need to weed gardens regularly! Weeds shoot up fast and the more neglected they are, the faster they will spread. Once weeds get big enough to produce seeds then they can end up everywhere!
Plants & Flowers
Keep it low maintenance.
So, what’s best to plant during these months? Experts say to stick to drought-resistant plants that can withstand the long, hot days. These are also great for conserving water because they need to be watered less, which makes them extremely low maintenance. Plants that do best in the Summer include tropical blooms and bulbs. Unlike many plants, these types thrive in warm weather. Plants that fare best include caladiums, elephant ears, cannas, and lilies.
Vegetables
In-season veggies are best.
Many think that summertime is for planting as many vegetables as possible. However, vegetables are very seasonal and only some varieties of are meant to be grown during these months. The best vegetables to plant in the Summer include okra, sweet potatoes, chili peppers, cowpeas, pole beans and eggplant. Stay away from peas, lettuce, carrots, and radishes as they do better in cooler temperatures and can end up tasting bitter.
Tree Maintenance
Keep your trees strong.
Thunderstorms can be frequent in the Summer, so make sure you take care of any dead hanging limbs or branches that could potentially do damage to your home in the wind. Trees also can be prone to pests such as June bugs that can weaken their overall structure. Consult a pest control company in the spring to prevent them.
No matter the size of your yard, lawn and landscape care should be factored into your Summer routine. High temperatures tend to make everything grow a little faster so staying ahead of things and planning properly is key. You’ll be thanking yourself as you sit back in the sunshine and admire your hard work.
Looking to find the perfect outdoor space to enjoy as a homeowner? Our mortgage loan specialists are standing by to start you on the path to homeownership. Contact us today!