Garden Center at Redlands #1013

As we continue deeper into summer, your landscaping and garden will weather more intense heat and UV rays than earlier in the year. That means you'll need to consider how to keep things cool with shade and irrigation. Just like we can get sunburned, plants can dry out, grass can get scorched, and trees can lose their leaves prematurely. Let us help. At the Garden Center in Redlands, we've got what you need to make it through the hotter months.

Grow a Healthy Lawn
If you're worried that your lawn has brown blades of grass, don't worry just yet. It's possible that you've got a cool season grass that goes dormant and turns 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 grass seed or sod. If the blade of grass doesn't pull right out, it's dormant. That means it's resting but still growing beneath the surface. Dormant grass should be watered deeply once or twice a week — if it doesn't rain — but don't fertilize it.

Warm-season grass stays green in the summer. If you have this kind of lawn, water it deeply once a week. Give it another drink every day or two, depending on your weather. Be careful not to overwater, and allow the lawn to dry out after heavy 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 check with your finger. This might happen quicker than you'd think during heat waves or drought. It's ok to let the grass grow taller this time of the year, as cutting it too short isn't healthy for this kind of lawn.

Watch Your Garden Thrive
As outlined in these garden watering tips, much of the upkeep comes down to balancing sun and hydration. You'll need both to keep your spirits high and your flowers growing with summer flowering. A general rule when watering flowers is to aim the water at the roots. A garden hose, sprinkler, or drip irrigation system can get the job done. Contrary to popular belief, the blooms themselves don't need to be watered or even misted. Many flowers wilt when but recover when they dry off. Succulents are the exception to basic watering rules, so look up your specific types of succulents to optimize their care.

In addition to watering them regularly, monitor your plants' nutrient intake. Add fertilizer as recommended. We've even got fertilizers to match the plants you're growing so they'll get the necessary nutrients.

Grow Your Own Herbs
For fresh flavors to accent your homegrown produce, try herb gardening. It's easy to learn how to grow herbs indoors, but you can raise herbs outdoors, too. 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 keep them in small decorative pots on a sunny window sill, porch, 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 mixture of sand, perlite, or rock chips.

Trees as Natural Shade
Trees are a stunning and natural source of shade, and they can change the look of your yard. Whether you plant a few trees or a forest, remember this is a long-term commitment. Trees live many decades when they're healthy. Before you shop, plan so you know how to plant a tree, whether they're deciduous trees, evergreen saplings, or more mature trees.

A house framed by beautiful trees can seem picture-perfect, but research the specific trees you want before planting them. Consider how deep the taproots go, how far the root ball extends outward, and the full-grown size of the trees. Plant your trees far from water pipes, as their strong roots will seek water and wend into piping to get it. Leave a safe distance from your home, as large trees can catch the wind if not properly pruned. If you've planned accordingly, 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 relaxing, gardening, grilling, or finishing those outdoor DIY projects, we've got the supplies you need to keep your days flowing with ease. Make the most of these early mornings and lengthy evenings 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 Redlands store.