Garden Center at Bellevue #722

As we continue deeper into summer, your landscaping and garden will weather more heat and sun than earlier in the year. That means you'll want to consider how to keep things cool with proper tending and irrigation. You might also need ways to beat the heat. We've got guidance to make it through the hotter months.

Grow a Healthy Lawn
If you're worried that your lawn has dry and crispy blades of grass, don't panic. 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 everywhere. 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 the piece of grass doesn't pull right out, it's dormant. That means it's resting but still alive beneath the surface. Water dormant grass deeply once or twice per week, 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. Avoid overwatering, and let the lawn dry out after heavy rains before you get out the garden hose or sprinkler again. If it's especially hot out, water when the top two inches of soil is dry to the touch. It's ok to let the grass grow a little taller this time of the year, as cutting it too short isn't healthy for this kind of lawn.

Care for Your Shrubs and Trees
When you're making sure your garden is watered, don't forget about the bushes, trees, and shrubs. They may need less watering than vegetable plants or delicate flowers, but they can still get parched and dry in the summer heat. It's not hard to learn how to water trees and shrubs — just make sure you aim the water at the roots. It'll help grow strong leaves and flowers. If it's a fruiting tree, it'll also help give it enough moisture to put out blossoms and fruit and keep it from drying out.

Also, check for damaged areas on the trees and shrubs. Pests can wreak havoc on your greenery if you don't catch them in time. Look for strange raised scars on the bark, spots on leaves or bark, or leaves full of holes. When your leaves look like lace, something is eating them. Spots may indicate many issues ranging from fungus to bugs. Those scar-like lines on tree bark could mean your tree is infected with borers, an insect that lays eggs inside the bark and then burrows out after it hatches. Any of these issues should be researched and cared for as soon as possible, as a severe case may kill all or part of your shrub.

Vertical Vegetable Gardening
Grow produce vertically to save space. Many vegetable plants are vines and well-suited to climb a trellis or fence, so plant them next to one and watch them climb. The key to success is supporting the fruit, branches, and stem. This is so the weight of the plant doesn't snap the branches or stem.

Fasten the plant to a trellis or pole 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 leaves and branches can sway in the breeze. Strawberries, tomatoes, squash, pumpkins and cucumbers need support as they bear fruit. Melons and squash require hammocks made of string, old nylons, a sling, or other stretchy fabric to support the weighty produce. All of these plants take up less space on the ground when grown vertically, which allows you to have walking room in 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, 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 evergreens, deciduous tree saplings, 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 underground plumbing, as their strong roots will seek water and wend 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 planned accordingly, 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 Garden Supplies Today
No matter if your perfect summer includes gardening, relaxing, grilling, or knocking out outdoor DIY projects, we've got you covered. 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 Bellevue store.