Garden Center at Lake Mary #264

Celebrate Summertime Gardening
As we stretch into the dog days of summer, your landscaping and garden will weather more heat than earlier in the year. 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. We can help. At The Home Depot Lake Mary Garden Center, we've got what you need to make the most of summer.

Lawn Repair and Patching
Burnt, or scorched, grass has a distinctively shaped discoloration that looks yellow. It happens when plastic or metal sits on the grass and bakes in the sunlight, or a reflective surface shines continuously on your lawn. You'll discover it once you move something sitting in the yard, like a garden hose. Car windows or mirrors can also scorch grass when the sun angle is just right.

Water burnt grass well and wait a week or so. You should see the signs of life returning by then. If it's damaged beyond repair by extreme wear or pet behavior, 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 and tailor your lawn care accordingly. Match the grass type to your lawn if you're doing patch repair. When planting new grass, choose a variety that works with the amount of sun your lawn gets. For example, if your lawn is shaded by trees and gets dappled sun or partial shade, make sure you plant grass that's not meant for full sun.

Watch Your Garden Thrive
Make sure to water your garden. That's the way to keep it going between rainstorms and enjoy the summer flowering. A general rule when watering flowers and plants is to aim the water at the roots. A garden hose, sprinkler or sprinkler system, or drip irrigation system will do the job. You don't need to water the blooms themselves. Many flowers droop when they get wet, but they’ll recover once they dry off. Succulents are the exception to basic watering rules, so look up your specific succulent types 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 right nutrients.

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 part of the plant. Fasten the plant to a fence, trellis, or pole with plant ties and wires, string, 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.

Strawberries, watermelon, squash, cucumbers, and tomatoes need support as they bear fruit. Squash and melons 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 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 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. Learn how to plant a tree before you shop — whether you're planting deciduous tree saplings, evergreens, 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, the full-grown size of the trees you want, and how deep the taproots go. Plant your trees far from plumbing pipes, as their strong roots will seek water and creep into piping to get it. 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 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, gardening, relaxing, or knocking out those outdoor DIY projects, we've got the supplies you need to keep your days flowing with ease. Make the most of lengthy 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 Lake Mary nursery.