KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – AUGUST AROUND THE HOUSE AND GARDEN
It's sure been a hot summer here in Chicagoland this year! Here are a few tips for you as the summer is winding down.
Water your trees, use a root waterer or just trickle the hose. Always water at drip line. This is a line around the tree where the widest branches reach. Water at least one hour at three positions around the perimeter.
Try and keep the garden as weed free as possible. I know how hard this is with the weeds springing up over night. Use mulch, this really helps and also feeds.
Keep harvesting. Even if veggies might not look quite ready, harvesting the first ones only encourages more vegetables.
Beans and peas benefit from quick cooking in the microwave or a fast sauté with garlic.
Keep an eye out for pests in the garden. Use vegetable dust if you notice any bugs or chewed up leaves. Read and follow all label directions. Most of these can be used up to two days before harvest. Always make sure to wash ALL vegetables and fruits before eating. Even if you don't use pesticide there are other animals around pooping all over.
This is also a good time to check around the house for anything that needs painting. Scrape well, wash and let dry before applying paint.
Never mow more than 1/3 of the length of the grass. So you guys that wait till the grass gets a foot long and mows it down to two inches will never have a healthy lawn. We mow about every fifth day. It really is much easier to mow more often and also promotes a beautiful lawn.
Have a great summer!
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
