While we’ve been pretty fortunate so far this year with relatively mild temperatures, next week is projected to be a scorcher! Hot weather, coupled with our record setting dry climate can be detrimental to your lawn and garden, but it doesn’t have to! Here are a few tips to keep your lawn and garden healthy even in extreme heat.
Keep Mowing Minimal and at a Higher Level with Sharpened Blades
Since our weather has been on the dry side the last few months, you may have noticed that your lawn isn’t needing to be cut quite as frequently as normal. To keep it on the healthier side, try to only mow your lawn as absolutely necessary. When necessary, adjust the blade on your mower so that it isn’t cutting the grass too short and be sure to mow with sharpened blades to avoid ripping or tearing of your grass. If your grass isn’t cut down too low, it’s chances of staying green and not burning up are much better!
Water Your Plants Each Night
Aim to give your plants a nice healthy drink of water each evening, after the sun is off of them. By waiting until the evening hours, the water has a better chance to soak into the soil and your plants keeping them healthy. The same holds true with your lawn. Keeping your watering to the early morning hours or evening hours will prevent scorching the grass and will allow the water to soak into the soil.
Leave Clippings on your Lawn
When you do mow your lawn, leave the clippings behind. Grass clippings return moisture and nutrients to your lawn which will help keep it healthy.
Refrain from Fertilizing
Until the weather shifts and more frequent rain enters our forecast, refrain from using fertilizer on your lawn. If there isn’t enough rain to coat the ground with fertilizer on it, the fertilizer could burn your grass.