Dead-heading:  To help increase the bloom time of your flowers you should continue to dead-head flowers throughout the summer.

Pest Patrol:  Keep a close watch over your garden for any sign of pests.  This will help to minimize the damage to plants and increase your control options if problems occur.  Roses are especially susceptible to problems.  Look out for aphids and mildew.  Also, consider reapplication of whatever you might be using to help control deer and other large pests.

Staking / Support:  Use stakes and other supports to help secure tall, herbaceous plants – avoiding a messy look as they grow taller and heavy with blooms.  Also, check to see if any support is necessary.

Watering:  Routine watering helps to prevent roots staying near the surface – You should provide you lawn and other plantings with one to one and a half inches of water a week.  Light watering is counterproductive and not recommended.

Bulbs:  Summer is a great time to plant bulbs that will bloom in the fall.  For bulbs that bloom in the spring you should wait until late summer or fall.

Prune Shrubs:  Some shrubs that flower in the spring and early summer will greatly benefit from pruning once they have finished flowering.  If you prune after things bloom then you’re always safe from pruning off flower buds.

Of course, there is plenty more activity in the summer garden than the chores listed above, but this will give you a good indication of some of the essential activities that need to be tended to.  Be sure, of course, to take some time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the joys of summer in your garden…  Also, remember Moyers is always here to help take the heat out of those summer chores.  You may sign and send in the July Yard Spruce-Up Form, call us at 301-251-9822, or email us at dale@moyerslawnservice.com.

Watering Instructions (For Established Lawns)

Established Lawns:  Proper watering of your lawn can help greatly improve the quality of your turf.  It is important not to over water.  Over watering causes a weak root system making your lawn more vulnerable to drought stress, disease, insect, and a host of other problems.  It is best to water your lawn heavily (approximately one inch) once each week, rather than watering lightly several times during the week.  In many cases there may be enough rainfall during the week to satisfy your lawns requirements.  Each area of your lawn may require up to two hours of watering, depending on your water pressure.  To determine the time of watering required set a pan out, with vertical sides, in your lawn and watch how long it takes to fill at least an inch.  Again, it is preferable that you water the lawn in the morning to help lessen the likelihood of disease.  You may wish to consider purchasing an automatic water timer for your sprinkler to make this task easier.  These devices generally attach to any standard outdoor tap or garden hose.  These units are reasonably priced and may be purchased at Home Depot, Lowes, or most hardware stores.