Take advantage of long days and warm weather and work on the outside of your home in summer. It’s a good time to reset your garden, work on your lawn, and take on outdoor cleaning projects. Here’s a list of outdoor home maintenance projects to make your outside home space more enjoyable.
Lawn Maintenance
Fertilizing: Fertilize lawns early in summer to keep grass healthy and green throughout the season. Use a slow-release fertilizer to help your lawn withstand summer heat and drought conditions.
Repairing Bare Patches:
- Prepare the Soil: Remove thatch from the area using a garden rake or hand rake, then loosen the soil.
- Spread the Seed Mixture: Follow the product instructions, spreading the seed mixture without overseeding.
- Watering: Water gently with a garden hose and spray nozzle. Keep the soil moist for up to two weeks until germination occurs.
Tips:
- Don’t mow until the new grass is at least three inches high.
- Address the causes of bare patches, such as foot traffic or pests.
- Consider creating pathways to manage foot traffic.
Get a Handle on Weeds
Get weeds under control by taking steps now so they don’t gain ground. Weeds can crowd flowers and foliage and steal nutrients from them.
Weeding Methods:
- Hand Pulling: Use weeder tools or pull by hand.
- Mulching: A thick blanket of mulch suppresses weed growth.
Tip: The best time to weed is just after a rain when you can gently pull weeds up by the roots. Discard weeds in a compost pile or trash.
Layer Mulch
When the garden starts to look run down by the heat, add a fresh layer of mulch. It helps plants remain healthy, retain water, and suppresses weeds.
Application:
- Clean Beds: Rake away debris, remove dead plants, and fill holes with compost.
- Spread Mulch: Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch between plants, increasing to 3 inches around the edge of the bed. Use organic mulch options around edibles.
Mow, Edge, and Trim Lawn
Mowing Tips:
- Mow less often during drought conditions.
- Only take off the top 1/3 of the grass blade to encourage healthy roots.
Edging and Trimming:
- Use a string trimmer or edger to tidy up around shrubs, trees, and borders.
- Choose gas, electric, or cordless string trimmers based on lawn size and conditions.
Pressure Wash Patios and Decks
Summer is a great time to spruce up decks and patios using a pressure washer. Choose from electric, gas-powered, and commercial-grade pressure washers, and look for features like spray wands and other adapters.
Pressure Washer Types:
- Gas-Powered: Best for heavy-duty jobs like cleaning siding or driveways.
- Electric: Ideal for light-duty tasks such as cleaning cars or grills.
Cleaning Solutions:
- Use all-purpose cleaners, mold and mildew cleaners, or concrete degreasers designed for pressure washers.
Renting vs. Buying:
- Consider renting a pressure washer for small, once-a-year projects.
Pot Up Pretty Annuals
Summer is the season for annuals, and one of the easiest ways to enjoy them is in containers displayed on your patio or porch.
Annuals for Pots:
- Zinnias, calibrachoas, petunias, geraniums, begonias, New Guinea impatiens, coleus.
Tip: Trim leggy plants by a third in mid-summer to rejuvenate blooms.
Plant Heat-Loving Perennials
Add tough-as-nails perennial blooms and foliage that can beat the summer’s heat.
Drought-Resistant and Heat-Tolerant Plants:
- Coreopsis, black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, cannas, daylilies, gaillardia.
Tip: Most garden plants and lawns need about an inch of water each week from rainfall or irrigation.
Prune and Pluck
Prune, snip, and deadhead spent flowers and vegetation to encourage more growth and keep track of what’s happening in your garden.
Scouting for Problems:
- Check under leaves for insects and signs of disease.
- Spot larger pests like squirrels and birds and find ways to deter them.
In the Vegetable Garden
Even if it’s just a few tomato plants or pots of your favorite herbs, growing vegetables and herbs is essential to summer.
Mid-Summer Planting:
- Plant seedlings instead of seeds.
- Prepare for a fall garden by planting hardy greens and root vegetables.
Keep Up with the Vegetable Harvest
Stay on top of the harvest to make the most of your vegetable garden.
Tips:
- Pick ripe tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, and herbs regularly.
- Use and preserve your produce creatively.
Watering and Irrigation
Efficient watering is key to maintaining a healthy garden.
Water-Saving Tools:
- Soaker Hose: Slowly drips water to keep plants evenly watered.
- Rain Barrel: Captures and stores rainwater from your roof.
- Watering Wand: Targets water directly where needed with various settings.
- Water-Saving Hose Nozzle: Increases efficiency with pressure compensation and flow regulation.
Around the House
Inspect the exterior for damage to siding, trim, windows, and doors.
Exterior Maintenance:
- Note and repair any problems.
- Check exterior structures like pergolas and fences for necessary maintenance.
Safety Tip: Inspect playground equipment and add mulch to cushion landings.
Conclusion
Gardening in late summer has its challenges, just like early spring. While you enjoy the harvest, take time for care and maintenance of your landscape and gardens. If you need tools or supplies for a summer landscape refresh, remember The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them.