We are receiving some much-needed rain today here in Chicagoland, but it has been a very hot and dry July. June was a bit rainy, so our plants and lawns were well watered. But with this heat and much less rain, make sure you are watering your plants and lawns on a regular basis…at least 3x/week, if not daily for 15-20 minutes. We are maintaining several lawns throughout the city that are being scorched by the sun and heat b/c the owners are not watering enough.
The simplest way to stay on top of this is to get a timer for your hose/sprinkler. Two options: 1) the inexpensive route ($9.99) is to get a timer that lets you set how long the water will flow (5, 10, 15…60 minutes) and then it shuts off, but you have to remember to turn it each day or a couple of times each week; 2) a little pricier ($29.99 at Home Depot) is the auto-timer that will turn on and off based on the schedule you program.
Another great option is a misting system that can be hidden under the soil or mulch in your beds. A great option for the smaller lawns, gardens and planter boxes in the city.
Enjoy your summer and keep your vegetation growing strong with a little TLC and watering.
