Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it can also be tough on your lawn.
If you’re not careful, brown, brittle grass can take over your yard and leave you feeling frustrated and embarrassed.
But don’t worry, we’ve got some summer lawn care tips to help get your yard looking green and healthy again.
Keep reading to learn how to care for your Maryland yard this summer.
How to Care for your Yard in the Summer
Here are some tips to help you get your yard looking great this summer:
Water your lawn regularly.
One of the most important things you can do to keep your lawn healthy and green during the summer is to water it regularly.
Most experts agree that a weekly inch of water is adequate for most plants in vegetable and flower gardens planted in the ground (as opposed to containers).
One inch is enough to satisfy the plant’s immediate needs while also allowing the soil to retain a little moisture until the following watering.
Watering at least once a week, and preferably more often, will help ensure that your grass gets all the moisture it needs to stay lush and green.
Additionally, be sure to water early in the day so that the sun can help dry out the lawn.
If drier drought conditions persist, consider investing in a sprinkler system to keep your lawn looking its best. Just be sure to check with your local municipality to see if there are any watering restrictions in place before you start using your sprinkler system.
Mow it Properly
Another important summer lawn care tip is to ensure you’re properly mowing your grass. Be sure to mow at the correct height for your type of grass.
If you cut your grass too short, it will be more susceptible to disease and pests.
Check with a professional to see the best cutting frequency for your lawn grass type – some grasses require more frequent mowing than others.
Make sure your mower blades are sharp so you’re not tearing the grass. Torn grass is more susceptible to disease and will have a harder time growing back.
Additionally, make sure to mow properly in a pattern that allows the grass to recover between mowings.
Leave it too long, and your lawn will be more likely to suffer from thatch, which can lead to brown patches and an overall unhealthy appearance.
Fertilize it Well
Ok, here’s where it gets tricky.
Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Restriction protects homeowners from overusing fertilizer while still ensuring that their lawns are sufficiently fertilized.
Lawn fertilizer accounts for approximately 44 percent of the fertilizer sold in Maryland. Reducing your use of fertilizer is not only better for your wallet, but better for our rivers and streams. #lawnfertilizerweek #forgetthefertilizer pic.twitter.com/Fq0i0j6H9k
— Blue Water Baltimore (@BlueWaterBmore) April 2, 2018
The legislation sets out common-sense actions for maintaining a healthy lawn without excessive nutrients and best management practices that support grass health.
In addition, localities may have their own fertilizer ordinances that are even more restrictive than the state law.
Before applying fertilizer to your lawn, make sure to check with your local authorities to see what restrictions are in place.
Weed it Regularly
Weeds can also take over your lawn during the summer if you’re not careful. Be sure to pull them up by the roots on a regular basis to prevent them from spreading.
If you find that you’re struggling to keep up with the weeds, you may want to consider hiring a professional lawn care service to help you out.
Select the Proper Plants
Selecting the right plants is also important for keeping your lawn healthy during the summer. Be sure to choose plants that are appropriate for your climate and soil type.
If you’re not sure which plants to choose, consult a local garden center or landscape professional. They will be able to help you find plants that will thrive in your yard.
Hot Season Vegetables
Take advantage of summer’s plentiful heat and sunshine by planting these heat-loving edibles: okra, sweet potatoes, chili peppers, cowpeas, yardlong beans, and eggplant.
- Okra produces prolific pods all summer long and is drought-tolerant as far as vegetables go.
- Sweet potatoes make an excellent temporary ground cover in veggie gardens and flowerbeds, shading out weeds until the arrival of cold weather when they can be harvested.
- Chili peppers are known to thrive even in hot and dry conditions, so they’re perfect for summer gardens.
- Cowpeas or black-eyed peas are an excellent source of protein and are drought-tolerant, so they can grow well in hot weather.
- Yardlong beans grow up to 4 feet long and can be harvested several times throughout the growing season.
- Finally, eggplants require lots of heat and plenty of water, making them perfect for summer gardens.
Use Drought Tolerant Plants
Drought-tolerant plants are all the rage, and not just because they conserve water. They’re low-maintenance, so they can survive whether or not you are in the garden all the time.
That being said, being ‘drought-tolerant’ does not mean that you can plant it and forget it.
Keep the soil moist until the plant takes off on its own.
This will help it to develop deeper roots that can withstand long periods without water. Once the plant is established, you can cut back on watering.
Some heat and drought-tolerant plants to consider for your summer garden include:
- Moss Rose (Portulaca grandiflora) – Moss roses are heat-loving annuals that produce a profusion of showy flowers in shades of pink, yellow, red, orange, and white.
- Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria) – This silver-leafed perennial grows up to 1 foot tall and has stunning lobed leaves that provide a perfect backdrop for other plants.
- Living Stones (Lithops) – These plants are native to Africa and get their name from their resemblance to small stones or pebbles. They come in a variety of colors, including shades of yellow, green, brown, and red.
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – This low-growing herb is popular for both its culinary and ornamental uses. It grows in a variety of climates and thrives in hot weather.
- Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii) – These drought-resistant shrubs are prized for their brilliantly colored flowers that bloom.
These are just a few of the many drought-tolerant plants you can use to create a beautiful, low-maintenance summer garden.
Conclusion
The Summer months are the perfect time to enjoy the beautiful Maryland weather. Following these tips ensures that your lawn and garden will be healthy all summer long.
Our team of experts is always here to help if you have any questions or need assistance. Contact us today!
