Garden Center at Ft Pierce #283

Set Up For Summertime
As we continue deeper into summer, your garden and landscaping will weather more sun and heat than earlier in the year. That means you'll need to consider how to keep things cool with shade, irrigation, and proper tending. Just like we can get sunburned, plants can dry out, grass can get scorched, and trees can lose their leaves too early. We've got advice to help you, your lawn, and your garden sail through the hotter months with flying colors.

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's going to go dormant and turn brown in the heat of the summer. If that's the case, it won't be a patchy brown, but brown all over. Gently tug out a blade of grass to check the roots: If it comes right out, the grass is likely dead and will need to be replaced with new sod or grass seed. If it doesn't pull right out, it's dormant. That means it's growing and resting under the ground. 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. Avoid overwatering, and let the lawn dry out after major rains before you get out the hose or 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 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 making sure your garden is watered, don't forget about the trees and shrubs. They may need less watering than summer flowers or vegetable plants, but they can still get dry and parched in the summer heat. It's easy to learn how to water shrubs and trees — just be sure to 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 your trees and shrubs. Pests can wreak havoc on your greenery if you don't catch them in time.

Look for leaves full of holes, spots on bark or leaves, 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 ultimately end the life of your tree or shrub.

Vertical Edible Gardening
Grow produce vertically for a smart use of space. Many veggie 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 trellis, pole, or fence with string, plant ties and wires, garden wire, or fabric strips. Be sure to attach each plant loosely. Then, the stem has room to grow wider, and the branches and leaves can sway in the breeze.

Cucumbers, watermelon, strawberries, and tomatoes need support as they bear fruit. Melons and squash require hammocks made of old nylons, string, a sling, 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 have walking room between plants or fit even more of them.

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 as accents, a few more to bear fruit, or a whole mini-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.

A backyard forest can be the stuff of dreams, but research what you're planting beforehand. Consider how deep the taproots go, how far the root ball extends outward, and the full-grown size of the trees you want. Trees will always find the easiest source of water, so be sure to plant them away from your water pipes to avoid roots growing into them. As majestic as trees are, it's important to also consider how and where they'd fall if disease or a storm weakened them.

If you've researched and planned, found trees you love, and know the perfect places to put them, get planting. That way, you can enjoy natural shade and the soothing sound of leaves rustling in the breeze sooner rather than later.

Find Your Summertime Supplies Today
No matter if your perfect summer includes grilling, gardening, relaxing, or knocking out those outdoor DIY projects, we've got the supplies to keep your days flowing with ease. Make the most of these long evenings and early mornings to enjoy all the season has to offer. Shop online at your leisure, on our app anywhere you like, or in the aisles of your Ft Pierce Garden Center.