Garden Center at S Philadelphia #4101

As summer stretches on, your landscaping and garden will weather more sun and heat than earlier in the season. That means you'll want to consider how to keep things cool. You might also need ways to beat the heat. Let us help. At the Garden Center in S Philadelphia, we've got what you need to make it through the hotter months.

Lawn Repair and Patching
Burnt, or scorched, grass has an oddly 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 find it once you disturb something that's been sitting out in the yard, like a sprinkler or garden hose. Car windows or mirrors can also scorch grass when the sun angle is just right.

Water scorched grass well and wait a week. You should see the signs of life returning by then. If it needs neutralizing after urine damage, you'll need to use patch and repair seed to fix it up or replace the grass.

Whether you're doing upkeep on your current lawn or patching the bare spots, keep in mind which type of grass it is. Match the kind of grass 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 buildings shade your lawn so it gets dappled sun or partial shade, make sure you plant sod that prefers shade.

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

In addition to watering, keep an eye on the nutrients your plants are getting. Use 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.

Grow Your Own Herbs
For fresh flavors to accent your homegrown produce, try herb gardening. 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.

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 just keep them in small decorative pots on a sunny porch, window sill, or even in wall planters. 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 rock chips, sand, or perlite.

Trees as Natural Shade
Trees are the ultimate natural source of shade, 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, look into how to plant a tree, whether they're deciduous trees, evergreen 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. Think about how far the root ball extends outward, the full-grown size of the trees you want, and how deep the taproots go. Trees will always find the most accessible source of water, so be sure to plant them away from the water lines so they won't be damaged by moisture-seeking roots. 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 ideal 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 Landscaping Supplies Today
No matter if your perfect summer includes gardening, grilling, relaxing, or starting outdoor DIY projects, we've got you covered. Make the most of these lengthy evenings and early mornings to enjoy all the season has to offer. Shop online at your leisure, on our mobile app anywhere you like, or in the aisles of your S Philadelphia store.