It’s summertime, and the heat is on. To keep your grass and garden alive this season, follow these simple tips:

• Choose the right tool for watering. A standard garden hose and nozzle is the least efficient way to water because much gets lost as mist. Instead, use a soaker hose or sprinkler wand.
• Be sure not to overwater. A good rule of thumb: A lawn needs 1 inch of water per week, and perennial plants will need from 1 to 2 inches per week. Check plant tags for watering annuals.
• Don’t soak the plant’s foliage. Try to get into the shrub’s root zone so it can soak down to where the plant’s roots can reach it.
• Mulch is great for keeping in moisture, but when applied too thickly, it forms a crust that prevents water from soaking in. Break up crusted mulch using a rake.

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