Garden Center at Chicago Ridge #1935

Take a look at the USDA plant hardiness zone map, as planting zones have changed slightly through the years. Zones with bigger numbers can plant earlier in the year. Choose plants that grow well in your area and increase your odds of successful gardening.

This year, enjoy free mulch delivery from our stores when you hit a purchase threshold. Our associates partner with a third-party, delivering your mulch in a vehicle that matches your project needs. Small orders will arrive in a car with a $3 fee, medium orders utilize our vans for a $35 fee, and large orders come to you via box truck or flatbed at a $79 fee.

Yes, you're welcome to pick up your own mulch. Even better, we're ready to help if you need it. After you purchase mulch in-store or online with store pickup, go to the mulch loading zone or drive-thru if your store has one. An Orange Apron will load your small or medium mulch order into your truck or SUV. For very large orders of any mulch, you'll likely want delivery.

If you have a small bagged mulch order, you can get it delivered to your door via a store-fulfilled local delivery service that uses third-party drivers. Your mulch will arrive in a standard van or car for just a $3 delivery fee. Yard mulch, also called loose or bulk mulch, will come in a truck. If you order a specific number of bags, you may get free delivery. That threshold varies from store to store, but you'll be able to verify the cost at checkout.

When you're ordering pallets of bagged mulch or huge quantities of bulk mulch, you'll qualify for flatbed or box truck delivery. Normally, these are landscapers, serious DIYers, or Pro customers working on a major landscaping project. There's usually a delivery fee and minimum pallet order. Orders that pass a threshold may qualify for free delivery.

Weeds are likely poking through in the garden beds, even if you put down a landscape liner fabric or mulch to keep them at bay. Be sure to get them before they go to seed. Pull out weeds from the root in vegetable or edible flower gardens, and dig up the roots if the weed snaps off without them. If you choose to treat weeds with weed killer, find one that's safe for pollinators and pets — and wear a respirator and durable rubber gloves to ensure that it doesn't get in your lungs or touch your skin.

You'll need to rehydrate those roots. The solution for how to get burnt grass green again is easy: Fix the scorched spot with a good long drink, then continue to water it regularly. It should perk up within the next week. The method for treating grass damaged by dog urine isn't as simple. Grass damaged by pets must be removed, neutralized, and replanted in fresh soil with new sod, grass, or patch and repair grass seed.

If you can water at least once a day, during the evening or in the early morning, that's ideal. When it's the height of summer, twice is better. Watering when it's hottest outside means much of the moisture will evaporate. This applies to whatever you've got growing: trees, lawns, and gardens. Whenever you water, give all the plants a good drink, and don't skip it if it's not the best time. The plants still need hydration, regardless of the time on the clock. Depending on your climate, grass type, and lawn health, you may also want to look into adding a lawn fertilizer.

Once you've gotten your plants settled into the ground, you'll need to make sure they stay hydrated and well-fed. Choose an organic or synthetic fertilizer and give your garden a boost. You can even find one intended for your plants, whether you need a vegetable fertilizer, fruit tree fertilizer, succulent plant food, or a general garden fertilizer. Only apply as often as recommended on the packaging. Always water immediately after, as directed. That way, the plants won't be burned by the fertilizer.

When you need a break from the heat, shelter under a patio umbrella or a covered gazebo. If you have sturdy structures like a shed, make your own shade by attaching awnings and shade sails. But sometimes shade isn't enough because it's just too humid out. That's when a patio mister or misting fan can help cool the air and turn an uncomfortable afternoon into a relaxing day. Return to lounging in the sun when that water-cooled air is ready.

Backyard entertaining doesn't have to be a barbeque party. Some focus on the grill or fire pit, while others concentrate on yard games. Many people simply relax outdoors and chat. Whichever path you take for bonding with friends, extend the fun into the evening with proper outdoor lighting and a bug-free yard without pesky mosquitoes.