![Patio Furniture Buying Guide](https://dam.thdstatic.com/content/production/4y0b1hNFljwIWwQ9nGgFSQ/KSsqa6IEknu1UlmdKVB2Yw/Original%20file/patio-furniture-buying-guide-section-1.jpg)
When you're ready to seed your lawn, our calculator helps you estimate the amount of grass seed you'll need to get the job done.
Enter your preferred material, the square footage and mulch depth of the coverage space for accurate results.
We'll calculate the amount of fencing you should purchase based on your property needs.
How do I treat weeds in the grass?
Weeds are likely poking through in the garden beds, even if you put down landscape fabric liner or mulch to keep them at bay. Be sure to get rid of weeds before the weeds' flowers dry out and and drop their seeds. Pull out weeds from the root in edible flower or vegetable gardens, and dig up the roots if the weed snapped off without them. If you'd like to treat weeds with weed killer, check that it's safe for pollinators and pets — and wear a respirator mask and heavy rubber gloves to ensure that the chemical doesn't touch your lungs or skin.
Is my grass dead?
It could be, but it's also likely just taking a break during those soaring summer temps. Cool-season grass goes dormant in the summer, so it's alive but sleeping. Here's how you can check on it: If you can easily pull out a blade of grass with no resistance, it's time to plant new sod or grass seed because the grass is a goner. Water dormant lawns deeply but not often. Warm-season lawns need water every few days in the summer. Those lawns stay green if they're healthy.
Is it good to have a vertical garden?
As the veggies and plants grow, the harvest will be easier to keep healthy. You can see any pests or evidence of wildlife eating your produce and act accordingly. When your fruits and vegetables mature and are ready to pick, you'll see them right away, so you can enjoy them at peak freshness. If these same plants grow along the ground, it's easy to miss your first harvest among the shadowy leaves. Supporting the plants as they grow upright means your upkeep will be less overwhelming when they're huge at the end of summer.
When do I fertilize my garden?
After you've planted your plants or flowers, make sure they're well-fed and hydrated. Choose a synthetic or an organic fertilizer that fits your needs and give your garden a boost. You can even find one that's formulated for the plants you're growing, whether you need a shrub fertilizer, fruit tree fertilizer, or a garden fertilizer blend. Only apply as often as suggested on the packaging. Be sure to water immediately after, as directed, so the fertilizer won't burn the plants.
How can I keep cool this summer?
When you need a break from working in the yard, shelter beneath a patio umbrella or covered gazebo. Add awnings and sun sails to the shed or house for shade. However, sometimes shade isn't enough because it's extremely humid. That's when a patio mister or misting fan can help cool the air and turn a stifling afternoon into a refreshingly relaxing day. Go back to enjoying the sun when that water-cooled air is ready.
How can I create an outdoor oasis for entertaining?
Spending time with friends in gorgeous weather makes the season even more special. But you don't need a full patio makeover or to create your patio collection from scratch to do it. Even a minor backyard refresh can make a big difference. A new outdoor rug, outdoor lounge furniture, or even a string of outdoor lights can breathe new life into a backyard oasis.
The Home Depot 4th of July Sale
Greet the Fourth with a yard that's dressed to impress. Our big 4th of July Sale can help you get it done. Let your great outdoors help you enjoy the festivities with your family and friends. That charcoal grill you've been wanting can help you keep everyone fed. Set up new patio furniture to let everyone relax in the shade. Save money now and use these staples of outdoor life for years of future cookouts.
As the calendar turns to summer, your garden and landscaping will weather more heat and sun than earlier in the year. That means you'll need to consider how to keep things cool with proper tending, shade, and irrigation. Just like we can get sunburned, trees can lose their leaves prematurely, perennials can dry out, and grass can get scorched. We've got guidance to help you, your garden, and your lawn make it through the hotter months with flying colors.
Keep Your Lawn Tidy
As the weeks tick by, the grass you planted will grow taller than what's ideal. You'll need to maintain it so it can look fresh and manicured again. Keep the lawn in check with a self-propelled lawn mower and a string trimmer to knock down any tall grass around sidewalks, fences, or buildings.
Trees, bushes, and shrubs climb toward the sun and lose their shape over time. In the summer, they'll be growing fast, filled with buds and blooms before you know it. Prune them back to a more manicured state with garden shears and hedge trimmers. It's best to leave major tree maintenance and tree topping to the pros, but you may want to use a pole saw for minor trims and a chainsaw to shape small trees and bushes.
Watch Your Garden Thrive
As outlined in these garden watering tips, much of the upkeep comes down to balancing sun and water. You'll need both to keep your trees growing and spirits high with summer flowering. A general rule when watering plants and flowers is to aim the water at the roots. A sprinkler, garden hose, or drip irrigation system will do the job. The blooms themselves don't need to be watered or even misted. Many flowers droop and wilt when they get but recover when they dry off. 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 them regularly, monitor your plants' nutrient intake. Add fertilizer as recommended. We've even got fertilizers to match the plants you're growing so they'll get the correct nutrients.
Grow Your Own Herbs
For savory flavors to accent your homegrown produce, try herb gardening. They're generally low-maintenance and grow easily in pots, both indoors and outdoors. If you grow herbs outdoors, stick to heat-loving herbs that'll endure the summer temperatures, and consider a hanging herb garden.
It can be tricky to plant herbs in the ground, as many of them — especially mint — are invasive and will take over your yard. So grow them in small decorative pots on a sunny porch, window sill, or even in wall planters. Herbs also work well in a hydroponic garden, which means they don't grow in regular black dirt. Instead, they grow in a mixture of perlite, sand, or rock chips.
Vines as Decorative Shade
Plant vines near a trellis or arched arbor so they'll climb the structure and give you both beauty and shade. Go with vines that are native to your area to attract bees and other pollinators. Grape vines are a classic choice, but they take time to mature, so you'll have shade without grapes for a few years. Remember to match your vine plants to how much sunlight you receive, as some like full sun and others don't. As a bonus, many vines put out sweet-smelling flowers, so you can enjoy a delightful fragrance in the cool shade.
Find Your Summertime Landscaping Supplies Today
No matter if your perfect summer includes gardening, grilling, relaxing, or starting outdoor DIY projects, we've got the supplies you need to keep your days flowing with ease. Make the most of these lengthy evenings and early mornings to enjoy all the season has to offer. Shop online at your leisure, on our mobile app anywhere you like, or in the aisles of your Allentown South store.
1350 Macarthur Rd
Whitehall, PA 18052
4.06 mi
Store:
Pro Service Desk:
Mon-Sat: 6:00am - 10:00pm
Sun: 7:00am - 8:00pm
5877 Hamilton Blvd.
Allentown, PA 18106
4.38 mi
Mon-Sat: 6:00am - 10:00pm
Sun: 7:00am - 8:00pm
3926 Nazareth Pike
Bethlehem, PA 18020
10.64 mi
Store:
Pro Service Desk:
Mon-Sat: 6:00am - 10:00pm
Sun: 7:00am - 8:00pm