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 might start peeking through in the garden beds, even if you put down mulch or a fabric liner to keep them at bay. Pull weeds from the root in vegetable or edible flower gardens, and dig up the roots if the weed snapped off without them. Be sure to get them before the weeds' flowers dry out and and drop their seeds. If you'd like to treat weeds with weed killer, check that it's safe for bees, other pollinators, and pets — and wear a respirator and heavy-duty rubber gloves to ensure that it doesn't touch your lungs or skin.
Is my yard dead?
It could be, but it's also likely napping during those soaring temps. Cool-season grass goes dormant in the summer, so it's alive but sleeping. Here's how you can check: If you can easily pull out a blade of grass with no resistance, it's time to plant new grass seed or sod because the grass is a goner. Water dormant lawns deeply and infrequently. Warm-season lawns need water every few days in the summer. Those lawns stay green if they're healthy.
When should I water my lawn?
Ideally, water early in the morning. The next best time is in the evening, when the sun is setting. Watering during the heat of the day means a lot of the moisture will evaporate. This applies to whatever you're growing: plants, veggies, trees, and grass. Give all the plants a thorough drink, and don't skip it because it's not the best time. The plants still need hydration regardless of the time on the clock. Depending on your grass type, lawn's health, and climate, you may also want to look into applying a liquid lawn fertilizer.
How do I fertilize my plants?
Once you've planted your flowers or plants, you'll need to make sure they're well-fed and hydrated. Choose an organic or a synthetic fertilizer that fits your needs and give your garden a boost. You can even find one that's formulated for whatever you're growing, whether you need a vegetable fertilizer, flower fertilizer, or a general garden fertilizer blend. Only apply as often as directed on the packaging. More is not better here. Be sure to water immediately after, as directed, so the plants won't be burned by the fertilizer.
How can I keep cool this summer?
When you need a break from working in the yard, shelter under a patio umbrella or covered gazebo. If you have sturdy structures like a shed or house, make your own shade by attaching awnings and sun sails. However, sometimes shade isn't enough because it's extremely humid out. 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 do a quick patio makeover for entertaining?
Spending time with friends in gorgeous weather makes the season even more special. But you don't need to do 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. New outdoor lounge furniture, outdoor rugs, or even a string of outdoor lights can add character to a backyard oasis.
The Home Depot 4th of July Sale
Welcome the Fourth with the yard of your dreams. Our huge 4th of July Sale can help you do it. Freshly pruned bushes, a beautiful lawn that's growing full and lush, and cheerful blooms punctuating your gardens can make your great outdoors feel like home. It's time to enjoy the festivities with your friends and family. With a yard like this, it's easy to create holiday memories to look back on — whether it's a luxurious day of lounging on patio furniture or a day-long feast of food cooked up just right on a new gas grill.
As we stretch into summer, 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 and shade. You might also need ways to beat the heat. Let us help. At your Garden Center in Mattoon, we've got what you need to make it through the hotter months with flying colors.
Lawn Repair and Patching
Scorched, or burnt, grass has an oddly shaped discoloration that looks yellow. It happens when metal or plastic sits on the grass and bakes in the sunlight or a reflective surface shines continuously on your lawn. You'll discover it once you disturb something that's been sitting out in the yard, like a garden hose or sprinkler. Car mirrors or windows can also scorch grass when the sun angle is right.
Water burnt grass well and wait a week or so. You should see the signs of life returning by then. If it needs neutralizing after urine damage, you'll need to replace the grass or use patch and repair seed to fix it up.
Whether you're doing upkeep on your current lawn or patching the bare spots, keep in mind which type of grass it is. Match the grass type to how much sun your lawn gets — or to the existing grass type if you're doing patch repair. For example, if buildings shade your lawn so it gets dappled sun or partial shade, make sure you plant grass that's not meant for full sun.
Watch Your Garden Thrive
Summertime garden upkeep comes down to balancing hydration and sunlight. You'll need both to keep your spirits high and your garden growing with summer flowering. A general rule when watering flowers and plants is to aim the water at the roots. A sprinkler or sprinkler system, drip irrigation system, or garden hose will work well. You don't need to water or even mist the blossoms themselves. Many flowers wilt and droop when wet, but they'll recover just fine when they dry. Succulents are an exception to basic watering rules, so look up your specific types of succulents to optimize their care.
In addition to watering, keep an eye on the nutrients your plants are getting. Apply fertilizer as recommended. We've even got fertilizers to match the plants you're growing so they'll enjoy a balanced diet with the proper 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 just keep them in small decorative pots on a sunny porch, window sill, or even as a beautiful hanging garden on a wall. Herbs also work well in a hydroponic garden, which means they don't grow in regular black dirt. Instead, they grow in a mix of perlite, sand, or rock chips.
Vines as Decorative Shade
Plant vines to climb an arbor or trellis to provide both shade and beauty. Viney plants that are native to your area are a good choice for success and attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Morning glories, honeysuckle, and clematis are common options for creating a shady and beautiful archway or pathway. Remember to match your vine plants to how much sun you receive, as not all of them thrive in full sun. As a bonus, many vines put out sweet-smelling flowers with a delightful fragrance you can enjoy as you cool off in the shade.
Find Your Summertime Landscaping Supplies Today
No matter if your perfect summer includes grilling, relaxing, gardening, or starting outdoor DIY projects, we've got you covered. 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 Home Depot mobile app anywhere you like, or in the aisles of your Mattoon store.
820 Bloomington Rd
Champaign, IL 61820
45.21 mi
Mon-Sat: 6:00am - 10:00pm
Sun: 7:00am - 8:00pm