Garden Center at South Fort Worth #529

Set Up For Summer
As we stretch into the dog days of summer, your landscaping and garden will weather more sun than earlier in the season. That means you'll need to consider how to keep things cool with proper tending, shade, and irrigation. 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 make it through the hotter months with flying colors.

Lawn Repair and Patching
Scorched, or burnt, grass has a distinctively shaped discoloration that isn't green. 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 trash can. 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 requires neutralizing after urine damage, you must replace the grass or use patch and repair seed to fix it up.

Whether you're patching a lawn or doing upkeep on your current one, keep in mind which type of grass it is and tailor your lawn care accordingly. Match the grass type to how much sun your lawn gets — or to the existing grass type if you're doing patch repair. 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.

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

Look for leaves full of holes, spots on leaves or bark, or a network of raised lines on the bark that look like artistic decoration. When your leaves look like lace, something is eating them. Spots may indicate a number of issues ranging from fungus to bugs. 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. Research and care for any of these issues as soon as possible, as they may end the life of your tree.

Grow Your Own Herbs
Get fresh flavors to accent garden-fresh vegetables by adding herbs. They're generally low-maintenance and grow easily in pots, both indoors and outdoors. If you grow herbs outdoors, stick to heat-loving herbs that'll endure the summer temperatures, and consider a hanging herb garden. Check out our herb gardening for beginners guide for details.

Planting herbs in the ground can be tricky, as many of them — especially mint — are invasive and will take over your lawn. So just keep them in small plant pots on a sunny window sill, porch, or even in wall planters. Herbs also work as a hydroponic garden, which means they don't grow in soil. Instead, they grow in a mixture of rock chips, perlite, or sand.

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 house framed by beautiful trees can seem picture-perfect, but research the specific trees you want before planting 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. 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 gardening, relaxing, or starting those outdoor DIY projects, we've got the supplies you need to keep you covered. Make the most of lengthy 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 S Fort Worth store.