The Home Depot 4th of July Sale
Bring on Independence Day with a yard that's dressed to impress. Our big 4th of July Sale can help you do it. We carry outdoor power equipment, including hedge trimmers, lawn mowers, and string trimmers, to get your trees and grass in shape. Another round of mulch or fertilizer might be just what you need to perk up your garden. Continue watering your plants regularly to enjoy a stunning summer garden. With such a beautiful yard and garden, it's easy to create holiday memories to look back on.
As summer rolls in, your garden and landscaping will weather more intense heat and UV rays than earlier in the year. That means you'll want to consider how to keep things cool with irrigation, proper tending, and shade. Just like we can get sunburned, grass can get scorched and trees can lose their leaves prematurely. Let us help. At your Garden Center in Lakeline, we've got what you need to make it through the hotter months with flying colors.
Grow a Healthy Lawn
If you're worried that your lawn has dried-out and brown blades of grass, don't worry just yet. It's possible that you've got a cool season grass that's going to go dormant and turn brown in the summertime heat. If that's the case, it won't be a patchy brown, but brown everywhere. Gently tug out a blade of grass to check the roots: If it comes right out, the grass is likely dead and will need to be replaced with new sod or grass seed. If the piece of grass doesn't pull right out, it's dormant. That means it's resting but still alive beneath the surface. Dormant grass should be watered deeply once or twice a week but not fertilized.
For warm-season grass that stays green in the summer, water a bit every few days and deeply once a week. The amount of water should add up to about an inch, more or less, each week. Avoid overwatering, and allow the lawn to dry out after heavy rains before you get out the sprinkler or hose again. Water your yard when the top two inches of soil is dry to the touch. You can test with your finger. This might happen quicker than you'd think during heat waves. It's ok to let the grass grow a little taller this time of the year, as cutting your lawn too short isn't healthy for it.
Watch Your Garden Thrive
As outlined in these garden watering tips, much of the upkeep comes down to balancing sun and hydration. You'll need both to keep flowers growing and spirits high with summer flowering. A general rule when watering plants and flowers is to aim the water at the roots. A garden hose, drip irrigation system, or sprinkler can get the job done. You don't need to water or even mist the blossoms themselves. Many flowers droop when they get but recover when they dry. Succulents are, of course, the exception to basic watering rules, so look up your specific types of succulents to optimize their care.
In addition to watering, monitor the nutrients your plants are getting. Use fertilizer as recommended. We've even got fertilizers to match the plants you're growing so they'll get the necessary nutrients.
Vertical Vegetable Gardening
For summer gardening, grow vegetables vertically to conserve space. Many vegetable plants are vines and well-suited to climb a trellis or fence, so plant them next to one. Support the stem itself, as well as the junctions just below where the branches grow off the stem. This is so the weight of the plant doesn't snap the branches or stem.
Fasten your plant to a pole, fence, or trellis with twine, plant ties and wires, garden wire, or fabric strips. Be sure to attach each plant loosely. Then the stem has room to grow wider and the leaves and branches can sway in the breeze. Strawberries, watermelon, squash, cucumbers, and tomatoes need support as they bear fruit. Melons and squash require hammocks made of string, old nylons, a sling, or other stretchy fabric to support the heavy produce. All of these plants take up less space on the ground when grown vertically, which allows you to have walking room in between plants or fit even more of them.
Trees as Natural Shade
Trees are the ultimate natural source of shade, and they can change the look of your yard. Whether you plant a few trees or a small forest, remember this is a long-term commitment. Trees live many decades when they're healthy. Before you shop, plan so you know how to plant a tree, whether they're evergreens, deciduous tree saplings, or more mature trees.
Although trees framing a house may look picturesque, you should research the specifics of those trees before you plant them. Consider how far the roots extend outward, the full-grown size of the trees, and how deep the taproots go. Trees will always find the most accessible source of water, so be sure to plant them away from the water lines so they won't be damaged by moisture-seeking roots. A tree with a full canopy of leaves catches wind like a sail, so make sure it's planted a safe distance from your home. If you've planned accordingly, found trees you love, and know the perfect places to put them, get planting. That way, you can enjoy natural shade and the soothing sound of leaves rustling in the breeze sooner rather than later.
Find Your Summertime Lawn Care Supplies Today
No matter if your perfect summer includes relaxing, gardening, grilling, or starting outdoor DIY projects, we've got the supplies you need to keep your days flowing with ease. Make the most of these early mornings and lengthy evenings to enjoy all the season has to offer. Shop online at your leisure, on our app anywhere you like, or in the aisles of your Lakeline store.
