first “essential garden prep for the summer” idea
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Getting the Garden Ready
Notes:
Most of us don’t think about getting our garden summer-ready until the first heatwave kicks in. However, if you want to get the most out of your outdoor space in the summer months, a little preparation goes a long way.
In warmer weather, a well-tended garden will amplify your living space. You can start getting your garden ready for the height of summer as early as the previous autumn. Think of it as domestic facility management that will pay off big time in the long run.
View some of the essentials needed for the perfect summer garden:
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Start With The Lawn:
If it’s been a while since you’ve enjoyed your outdoor space, your lawn is likely overdue some attention. Most gardeners choose to reseed their lawns in September. Generally speaking, aim to do this once the highest temperatures have passed and the grass isn’t likely to experience any more drought.
- Once you’ve recently resown a lawn, it’s also good practice to aerate your garden. This promotes more robust root growth. If you’ve got a rake to hand, gently work it over the lawn to allow more light and rainwater to penetrate to the root layer.
- If you’re dealing with a barren patch of soil, you’ll need to think about establishing a new lawn from scratch.
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- If your lawn is prone to weed growth, these will need to be dealt with. Even innocuous clovers and daisies can wreak havoc on your garden. Remove them as soon as they sprout, being sure to remove the root and stem. This will make it more difficult for them to proliferate.
- With all that taken care of, it’s time to reach for the lawnmower. There’s nothing better than a freshly mowed lawn. However, be careful not to cut the grass too short. If you crop your lawn too short, it’ll look sparse and undo all your hard work.
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About Lawn Maintenance:
You need a green lawn to keep up with the rest of the neighborhood, but how are you watering it?
You can drag out the hose and remind yourself every 10-12 minutes or so to move it to another spot.
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Or you can automatically set up an irrigation system that you control via WIFI to schedule when and how much to water.
View how an irrigation system can be setup for your yard n’ garden watering needs.
Irrigation Mapping (resource information) Irrigation Mapping Diagram view images Irrigation Symbols view images How to Measure Yard view info Planning Irrigation System view info Mapping Your Irrigation System youtube Importance of Irrigation Mapping youtube view post: (new win) 7 Things To Consider Before Getting a New Irrigation System - —— next topic ——
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Keeping Weeds In Check:
Even the smallest garden can suffer from weed infestations. If left unchecked, weeds can get out of hand quickly. In addition to removing any established weeds, you’ll want to inspect any plants you plan on introducing into your garden.
- It’s not uncommon to find some garden center plants contaminated with unwanted weeds. Giving each potted plant a once-over before you bed it into your borders is a must.
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- You need to commit to weed inspections regularly. Keep an eye on your borders and flower beds in the hunt for unwanted additions. Trace your pathways and the paved edges for any sign of weed growth.
- It’s possible to keep on top of weeds just by uprooting them. However, if you’re fighting a losing battle, it may be time to invest in herbicides or a call in the services of a weed control specialist.
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Identifying Lawn and Garden Weeds
The type of weeds that grow depends on the area where you live. Some weeds such a crabgrass, dandelions, thistles, etc. are found in almost all areas and can be easily identified.
But there are other local weeds that you may not be familiar with. You should check with local garden centers of what type of weeds affect local gardens and what remedies you have to control them.
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The menace of weeds is that they are prolific, can grow fast, and take over a garden or lawn within a matter of weeks if unattended. Weeds can crowd out other garden plantings and absorb most of the nutrients from the soil.
Likewise weed seedlings can fall within crevices of sidewalks, driveways, and patio pavers. As they grow, they become unsightly – and they can loosen the elements of that keep top surfaces together.
There are some benefits of weeds – if you manage them correctly. Milkweed for example, which is beneficial for survival of monarch butterflies, is not actually a weed, but is often perceived as one. And dandelions are a favorite of bees and have some nutritional value. So you can balance good weeds with garden plantings in your landscape design.
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Fence Paint and Treatments:
A harsh winter can cause significant damage to garden fences and wooden furniture. By the time summer rolls around, you’ll likely need to carry out some restoration work.
- Fence paint and garden stain products are relatively inexpensive. Look for products that will add a protective layer to your fence panels and stave off damage from high temperatures and UV exposure. If you want to overhaul your outdoor spaces, a bold new color is a great way to go.
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- Outdoor furniture requires a little more effort. If the winter months have been particularly punishing to your bistro set or outdoor tables, you may want to bring out the belt sander before reapplying wood oils and finishes.
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Make It Colorful:
Who says garden furniture needs to be boring? Why not add some colorful furniture pieces that will make your deck or patio area pop?
You can either buy colored garden furniture or take your existing pieces and either paint or wood stain them in a color that adds to your landscaping look.
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If you don’t want to paint your furniture, perhaps some colorful cushions or pillows can be used to highlight the look. Another option is to mix up the colors – blend two or more colors together to get your neighbors and friends complimenting on your choice.
Garden Furniture Color Ideas Red view ideas Orange view ideas Yellow view ideas Green view ideas Blue view ideas (google images) Purple view ideas Black view ideas Gray view ideas Tan view ideas White view ideas - —— next topic ——
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Outdoor Organizing:
If you’re something of a hoarder, you’ve accumulated piles of items you don’t need. Once we run out of closet space indoors, it’s tempting to relegate surplus clutter to the garden shed.
- Clearing out your garden shed should be a priority for the summer. After all, outdoor storage sheds are a valuable commodity. First, remove every item you have stockpiled away. Next, decide which items you need and which items can be disposed of.
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- You may need to schedule a visit to a local recycling center to get rid of your surplus. Alternatively, you can think about selling your second-hand garden equipment if it’s still in decent condition.
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What Goes Into The Shed:
The purpose of sheds is to store “everything garden” so that your garage doesn’t have to. Garages are for autos, bikes, and DYI tools. Sheds are for lawnmowers, rakes and fertilizers.
The challenge is keeping your shed organized and clutter-free so that you find the tools you need to sustain the garden needs.
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Sheds can also become harvest centers for such items as potatoes, onions, carrots, and other tubular plants that need a cool place for storage. You could set the shed up as a storage unit for those items that store best in controlled temperatures.
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Enjoying Your Garden:
Once all the yard work and heavy lifting have been taken care of, you only need to worry about are the finishing touches. Looking forward to some outdoor dining this summer?
- Make sure you’ve given your outdoor grill a thorough clean. Has your rattan furniture seen better days? A quick once-over with a pressure washer will restore it to its former glory.
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- With the last task ticked off your to-do list, it’s time to kick back and enjoy your garden, all summer long.
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Cooking Outside:
When the weather is nice, and you desire a tasty, grilled meal, firing up the old charcoal grill can make for something truly delicious.
But using an old grill might not be the best way to go. It may be time to look for a new grill that makes cooking outside easier to do whenever you like.
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So what type of grill station should you get? Start by understanding the most important things to look for on a new grill. You want something that will last and ease the cooking to so that you can get down to enjoying your summer with magnificent cuisines in no time!
You want something that will last and ease the cooking to so that you can get down to enjoying your summer with magnificent cuisines in no time!
The key items to look for in a new grill:
- construction material
- durability
- size of the grill
- special features
- the type of fuel used
get more information – view post: (new win) 5 Things To Look For In A New Grill
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There You Have It!:
Five essential tips is getting your yard ready for summer.
- It’s time for you and your family to enjoy a yard that is beautifully laid out with landscape elements that will become the neighbhood showcase.
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