With summer heating up, it's tempting to stay indoors and let your air conditioner do all the work of cooling you down. While this might work in the short term, it's a lot easier on the environment - and your wallet - if you learn how to take advantage of your garden to help you beat the heat this summer.
There are lots of ways that you can plant and landscape your yard and garden with summer heat in mind. With the right tools and techniques, you can turn your garden into a cool, green oasis - perfect for any lazy summer afternoon.
Today we're going to share some of our favorite ways that your garden can help you cool down this summer.
Plant Lots of Fruits and Veggies
If you know this summer will be hot, make sure you've got plenty of thirst-quenching fruits and vegetables on hand. If you've got a big enough garden, or access to planter boxes, you can easily plant your own.
Prioritize fruits and veggies that contain plenty of water, like watermelon, strawberries, cucumber, lettuce, zucchini, and celery. These foods are between 90 and 96% water, so they're great for ensuring your family stays hydrated and nourished.
Invest in Shade Trees
They may not help you this summer, but by investing in shade trees, you can ensure that your family, and generations of people to come will be able to enjoy sitting under large shade trees in the heat of a hot summer's day. Some of the fastest growing shade trees include: quaking aspen, weeping willows, red sunset maple, silver maple, and northern red oak. Not all of these are appropriate for every region and growing zone, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase and planting in your yard.
Build a Shade Trellis
A faster way to ensure you've got some shade this summer is to build a trellis, and sow it with beautiful climbing vines. All you'll need are a few tools, and materials like wood 2x2s, concrete support mesh, or even strong jute or twine. After you're finished constructing the sturdy trellis frame, plant climbing seedlings along the bottom so they can grow vertically, and provide you with relaxing, much-needed shade.
Install a Water Feature
While a pool is a classic, common way to easily cool down and enjoy a summer's day, there are many other ways to cool down in your backyard this summer. Hook up a revolving or oscillating sprinkler, and invite your family members to take a fun run through it. Even a stationary sprinkler provides a large enough shower of water that you can cool your whole body down.
If you have young children or grandchildren, this is a great way to get them to expend some energy, while having great fun.
Plant Trees and Shrubs Along Your House to Deflect Sun
What you plant in your backyard can have a huge effect on the interior of your home. If you have large windows looking out over your backyard that let in lots of heat during the day, consider planting some trees or tall shrubs so they offer at least partial shade. This is a great way to cut down on cooling costs. Think about planting tall trees that will eventually grow high, spreading crowns, which offer shade to your roof as well as your windows. Make sure to opt for trees with deep roots that are less prone to breakage.
Prune Low Branches to Help Air Circulate
If you already have lots of trees and shrubs near your home, you can help improve the shade they offer by pruning branches closer to the ground. Be sure to use a pair of pruners or loppers, depending on the size of the branches. This will also improve air circulation around your windows and doors. Make sure not to cut any high branches, unless needed. These branches are great shade providers.
Your garden offers a world of opportunity for relaxing, enjoyable fun - even in the hottest of summer days. With the right tools, and a few simple steps, your yard can easily become a cool, relaxing oasis enjoyed for seasons to come.
Legal Disclosure:
This post is provided for informational, educational purposes only. This information is intended to provide general guidelines. Because tools, products, materials, techniques, and local codes are constantly changing, Ray Padula Holdings assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein and disclaims any liability for the omissions, errors, or outcomes of any projects or tasks completed. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure compliance with all local laws, rules, codes, and regulations for any projects completed. If there are any questions or doubts regarding any elements of any information provided, consult a local, licensed professional.
