From fertilizing and mosquito control to dealing with other contractors on your property, we're here to help you through the summer.
Fertilize Wisely
Before you apply fertilizer, be sure that your soil and plants actually need it. Fertilizer is not like water or sun, which are vital to the survival of the plant. Applying unneeded fertilizer can result in a nutrient imbalance, foliar burn, or even fruit production issues. Our general rule is that less is more when it comes to adding fertilizer!
Most fertilizers contain nitrogen, which is absorbed by the roots then boosts vegetative growth. Keep in mind we are getting to the ½ point of summer, so we need to make sure that we allow plants time to “harden off” before winter. You don’t want to encourage new growth when plants have started to harden off and are no longer concerned with growing. At some point, fertilizing too late and doesn't help the plant's health.
Mosquito Control
Birdbaths are an enjoyable addition to any landscape, attracting birds and other wildlife, but they can become an easy home for mosquitos. Birdbaths are often placed in sunny locations with shallow water inside—thus creating a perfect place for mosquitoes to lay their eggs.
We are not recommending that you simply remove your birdbath, however, there are ways to ensure it doesn’t become a mosquito breeding ground:
Change the water and clean the bath every 5 days. Mosquitoes require 7 to 10 days to mature, this will prevent them from being able to complete their life cycle. Fresh water is of course better for the birds too!
Modify the traditional birdbath by adding an aerator or small water feature to keep the water moving. This will prevent the mosquitoes from being able to lay eggs in it.
Chemicals or bacterial insecticides that are bird friendly can be used. Keep in mind these are usually short-term solutions.
Look around and make sure there are no other places for mosquitos to easily breed in your garden—such as clogged gutters, swimming pools, ponds, or water pooling.
Contractor Traffic & Plants
Summer is always a popular time to have work done on your roof or home's exterior. This tip sounds simple, but is often overlooked... Make sure to ask contractors to be careful around your plants! We have seen recent ground cover get damaged because plants are being covered with plastic for the entire day. In addition to walking all over it, plastic covering causes burning on tips of plants as they hold in the heat like a boiler, and leaves can sizzle.
The same effect is true with your lawn—a plastic overlay can burn grass in just a few hours!
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