The recent isolated rains have certainly been a boon for landowners and homeowners, and provided a good dip for plants that are starting to struggle in the heat. Now that July is here, the heat will make large landscaping projects difficult to complete, but there are a few things you can do to keep your lawn and yard attractive and productive. Start mowing regularly - frequent mowing at the recommended height is a big part of creating a dense, weed-free lawn. Cut ordinary Bermuda shorts 1 to 2 "high and hybrid Bermuda shorts 0.5 to 1.5" high. St. Augustine should be cut taller, between 2.5 and 3 ". Cut often enough to remove no more than 1/3 of the height at one time.
Automatic irrigation systems can go a long way in keeping things watered and healthy, but be mindful of your water usage and control the frequency of watering. Make yourself comfortable changing the timer and adapting it to seasonal changes. The best setting to keep the timer on is off and on to run when needed. Well-established weed can generally do just fine with 1 inch of water applied once a week. If the timer stays on, have at least one rain / frost sensor installed to prevent the system from working when it rains or shortly after a heavy rain.
Fertilize Bermuda grass every 6 to 8 weeks while it is actively growing; Slow down or skip fertilizing during prolonged hot, dry weather. Mulch flower beds and garden plots up to 4 '' thick to conserve water and reduce weeds. Organic mulch helps plants grow better, saves water and gives the curb a final, eye-catching touch.
Other tips to improve curb appeal: Stop removing dead shrubs and branches from woody trees that have been damaged by the winter storm. Plant heat tolerant annuals like pentas, periwinkles, and moss pink. For the garden, replant warm seasons like tomatoes and pumpkins for an autumn harvest. Buy grafts in the largest container size possible - Larger containers mean a bigger root ball, and more roots mean the plant is easier to establish and less transplant shock when planted in the heat of summer.
Find seeds to collect from garden plants and wildflowers, save them for planting later, or share them with friends. Proper storage techniques are important so that they will last through the next growing season and beyond. The seeds should be stored very dry and at cool temperatures. Silica gel packages that often come with newly purchased electronics or wallets, etc. can be used to keep seeds dry.
Allison Watkins is the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent for the horticultural sector in Tom Green County. Contact them at aewatkins@ag.tamu.edu.
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