KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – DISTRESSED LAWN AND GARDEN

KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – DISTRESSED LAWN AND GARDEN

This has been one of the warmest and driest summers I can remember in all my 53 years. We have not really had any measurable rain for almost six weeks. This in conjunction with many days of 90+ temperatures is really putting a lot of stress on our plants trees and bushes.

Well established trees and shrubs will make it through the drought with little damage but trees and shrubs planted in the last two years will need a little help. Long soaking with a trickling hose is the best for trees and shrubs. Lay the open hose a foot or so from the tree and let it slowly trickle for at least 3 or 4 hours overnight if possible.

Garden plants need extra attention too. We’ve been watering every third day. Tomatoes usually do well in hot weather and ours are growing like crazy. There is danger of blossom drop if the heat gets too extreme but there is really nothing you can do for that. Our cucumbers are in a cage we built to keep the critters out so we actually put a piece of cardboard over the top to shade them from the most intense afternoon sun. Cucumbers peppers and lettuces are cool weather crops and we need to keep them as moist and shaded as possible.

Flowers in pots will need water every other day and hanging baskets need water every day as they dry out very quickly. A good long soak once a week will keep the lawn going as well. It will look a little stressed but should come through alright. You can also just let the grass go dormant it will come back as soon as we get some rain.

With a little help our lawn and gardens will get through this hot drought.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO