Plant deciduous, shade providing trees on the south side of your home to provide shade in the hot summer months. This will cut your cooling needs in your home drastically. Also it will allow the suns warming rays into your home during the winter months, as deciduous trees will lose their leaves in the fall. This will cut your heating bill in the winter. The south side is key because that's where most of the sunlight comes from during the day. But its not the only side that can use some strategic planning.The North side of the home can benefit from planting evergreens. These types of trees and shrubs can provide structure in the winter to block frigid winter winds from battering your home.
Using some common sense you can help make you home and surrounding outdoor environments more enjoyable for all.
Do you have a spot in your landscaping thats just impossible to fill. Its either too wet, too dry, too sunny or to shady for that plant you are looking for. Rencks has a solution that will last forever, and is economical. Ohio Glaciated Boulders are just the right fit here in their 'native' home. Boulders can add a nice bit of interest year round to any landscaping. Better yet, they will never dry up, get too wet and can tolerate any spectrum of light under the sun. Boulders can serve as an focal point, or accent in a well balanced landscape.
The extreme heat is causing stree on plants so don't forget to supply them with water. All plants need one inch of water per week to remain healthy. The extreme temperatures we have been experiencing is causing even the old trees with deep roots to show stress.
Make sure to have your mower set at a higher setting this time of the year. Around 2.75" to 3" is ideal to handle the extra stress the hot weather puts on the lawn. Also, a sharp clean cut will help your lawn become less stressed, so have the blades sharpened frequently. Here are some reasons to keep your mower blades high to keep your lawn looking its best through all the growing seasons.
Tall grass grows slower, because it does not need to replace as much foliage
Taller grass needs less water because it shades the soil, minimizing evaporation of moisture
Tall grass requires less fertilizer and has more leaf surface to capture sunlight to produce its own food
Grass mowed higher reduces weed problems, as it prevents sunlight from reaching weed seeds in the soil.
Pests and disease are less likely to be a problem to lawns with taller grass, as the lawn will be less stressed and healthier
Tall grass discourages Japanese Beetles from laying their eggs in the lawn. This will also help control white grubs.
Nothing tastes better than a nice, ripe, juicy home grown tomato. Luckily, tomatoes are some of the easiest plants to grow in the region. They only really need three things to thrive: heat, light, and moisture. If these requirements are meet you can grow some seriously tasty fruits that are healthy for you as well. Tomatoe plants don't need to be pampered and nearly always produce an abundant yield. There is a MAJOR difference between corporeate / chain store bought tomatoes and home grown. Grocery store tomatoes are hybridized for toughness and uniformity, an emphasis is placed on appearance over taste and nutrition. Additonally, they are breed to withstand rough mechanical picking, and cross country shipping. Also they are picked too early usually while still green. To get them to ripen in the back of semi-truck trailor they may get exposed to radiation to ripen.
NO THANKS.. I will grow my own.
Here are some of my tips to grow outstanding nutritious, tomatoe fruits:
Plant tomatoes as soon as the soil warms up. Tomatoes need protection from frost.
Dig a hole about 12" in depth and plant extra deep. Those tiny fibrous hairs on the stems are actually roots that want to grow and support the plant.
Staking or caging, saves space in the garden, and supports large healthy fruits.
Mulch the soil around the base of the plant to retain moisture and retard weeds.
Water regularly. If it doesn't rain, water them once a week, at the base of the plant, not the leaves, soak the soil thoroughly.
If you are growing tomatoes in a pot, use a big pot. (18" or larger) Bigger pots can hold more soil, allow the roots to develop fuller and support larger fruits. Also wider based pots prevent being knocked over in winds.
