KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – LAWN CARE DURING HOT SUMMER WEATHER

KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – LAWN CARE DURING HOT SUMMER WEATHER

Well Chicago is experiencing the hottest weather of the summer. It can certainly take a toll on your lawn and garden. It is even more important than ever to stick to long deep soakings of the lawn and garden. Earlier in the summer once a week was sufficient but with this extreme heat it may be necessary to water every four days especially if rain is spotty. Around our area lately rainfall is varied with some places getting inches and others barely a sprinkling. It is also a good idea to mulch around plants and trees to conserve water. Compost hardwood chips leaves or peat mosses are all good choices.

Along with summer heat normal use can take its toll on your lawn. A good pick-me up is a dose of topsoil. Spread all over the lawn and lightly rake it in. Give the lawn a good water. If we get some cooler weather and the lawn needs a bigger boost spread a pound of grass seed with the topsoil. You can also use this mix to fill in bare spots. Add more grass seed and keep it moist!!! Most grass seed will germinate in 7-21 days. It must be kept moist until the grass is a least 2 inches.

It’s been a brutal summer all around Chicago and the Midwest. Don’t worry if the lawn and garden look a little ragged. I’ve had the best year in a long time for vegetables. Do your regular maintenance.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO