Garden Center at Bloomington #2805

Set Up For Summertime
As we stretch into the dog days of summer, your garden and landscaping will weather more sun and heat than earlier in the season. That means you'll need to consider how to keep things cool. Just like we can get sunburned, trees can lose their leaves prematurely, grass can get scorched, and plants can dry out. Let us help. At The Home Depot Bloomington Garden Center, we've got what you need to make the most of summer.

Grow a Healthy Lawn
If you're worried that your lawn has crispy and brown blades of grass, don't panic. It's possible that you've got a cool-season grass that basically goes to sleep and turns brown in the summer sun. If that's the case, it'll be brown overall instead of in patches. Gently pull out a blade of grass to check if it’s still got live roots: If it comes right out, the grass is probably dead and will need to be replaced with new grass seed or sod. If it doesn't pull right out, it's dormant. That means it's growing and resting 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. Take care not to overwater, and let the lawn dry out after major rains before you get out the sprinkler again. Water your lawn 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 extreme hot spells or periods of drought. It's fine to let it grow a little taller this time of the year, as cutting your lawn too short isn't healthy for it.

Care for Your Trees and Shrubs
When you're ensuring your garden is watered, don't forget about the trees and shrubs. They may need less watering than delicate flowers or vegetable plants, but they can still dry out in the summer sun. It's not hard to learn how to water trees and bushes — just make sure you aim the water at the roots. It'll help prolong the greenery and keep it from turning brown or yellow. Also, check for damaged areas on the trees and shrubs. Pests can wreak havoc on your greenery.

Look for holes in leaves, spots on leaves or bark, or a network of raised lines on the bark. When your leaves look like lace, something is eating them. Spots may indicate a number of issues ranging from bugs to fungus. Those scar-like lines on tree bark could mean your tree is infected with borers, which are insects that lay eggs inside the bark and then burrow out after they hatch. Any of these issues should be researched and cared for as soon as possible, as they may end the life of your tree.

Vertical Edible Gardening
Grow produce vertically for a smart use of space. Many vegetable plants are vines and well-suited to climb a fence or trellis, so plant them next to one. The key to success is supporting the stem, fruit, and branches. This is so the weight of the plant doesn't snap the stem or branches. Fasten the plant to a fence, trellis, or pole with string, plant ties and wires, garden wire, or fabric strips. Be sure to attach each plant loosely. That way, 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. Squash and melons require hammocks made of string, a sling, old nylons, or other stretchy fabric to support the weighty produce. All of these plants take up less space on the ground this way, which allows you to fit even more plants or have walking room in between.

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, keep in mind this is a long-term commitment. When they're healthy, trees live many decades — and some for hundreds of years. 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 root ball extends outward, how deep the taproots go, and the full-grown size of the trees you want. Plant your trees far from plumbing pipes, as their strong roots will seek water and creep into piping to get it. 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 diligently planned, found trees you love, and know the perfect places to put them, get planting. That way, you can enjoy the leaves rustling in the breeze and dappled shade sooner rather than later.

Find Your Summertime Supplies Today
No matter if your perfect summer includes grilling, relaxing, or finishing those outdoor DIY projects, we've got everything to keep your days flowing with ease. Make the most of long evenings and early mornings to enjoy all the season has to offer. Shop online, on our app anywhere you like, or in the aisles of your Bloomington nursery.