Solutions to a Sizzling Summer
Garden Care During the Dog Days
In the dog days of summer we can hide indoors and enjoy air conditioning or spend some time in the water. Our lawn and gardens do not have the luxury of running for shelter from the summer sun. Here are some hints and tips to help your landscape happy and healthy despite soaring temperatures.
Water is the first thing that we all think of supplying our yards and garden with when the summer heats up. Water is extremely important, but make the most of every drop. Try to water early in the morning, between five and nine a.m. to give your plants the most time to make use of that water before it evaporates. Water left on leaves or flowers during the sunniest hours can cause spots of sunburn on your plants.
A soaker hose or hose with old socks tied onto the end will provide the best delivery of water to your gardens. It is best to do this for around half an hour three times a week to provide the best use of the water you provide. Use a sock covered hose to water your evergreens and shrubbery as well, but this watering can wait until midday.
Do not forget to make sure that your watering equipment is in good shape, dirty sprinkler heads or washers that need replacing can cause leaks and waste water while reducing the amount of water that reaches your lawn and garden.
If the weather gets extremely hot, you can create a lean to for shade. Use poles or sticks and cloth so that you have one drop wall and a roof. For the most effect use, build the lean to on the western edge of your garden to block the afternoon sun.
Mulch around your trees with straw, wood chips, or grass clippings to help retain moisture. Grass clippings are also a great mulch and moisture saver for your gardens. Shredded bark is the best mulch for your evergreens and shrubs. Do not be afraid to wrap your tree trunks to prevent scorching.
Recycle used water from baths and washing dishes by using that water supply on your trees, shrubs, flowers and groundcovers. Using a rain bucket or other method to capture and use rainwater for your lawn and gardens can also be a huge help and resource saver.
Published by Sharon Schmidt Tyler
Sharon has her B.A. in English and works part-time as a librarian. She is also the mother of two, wife, gardener, writer, avid reader, drummer and dreamer. Passions include reading, crochet, the outdoors and... View profile
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2 Comments
Post a CommentGood tips, my garden has been wilting lately :( cheers!
Great ideas