No matter what plants you grow on your property, it is always important to understand the amount of sunlight that your growing location receives. Along with water, soil nutrients, and other requirements, sunlight is one of the most vital factors in the success of your plants. In this article, we’ll detail a few ways that you can tell how much sunlight your yard gets.
Observe Sun and Shade Patterns The simplest way to learn how much sunlight your yard gets is to observe sun and shade patterns throughout the day. Throughout diligent observation, you can begin to understand which parts of your yard receive sunlight and for how long during each day. Be sure to take note of any large structures, including your house, neighboring houses, sheds, and other garden features, that have the potential to cast shadows on your lawn. It is also important to observe sun and shade patterns throughout different times of the year. As you do, you’ll quickly learn that the amount of sunlight your yard receives can be dramatically different during winter, spring, summer, and fall. Observing and noting the sun and shade in your yard throughout the year is an effective but tedious task. Fortunately, as the next section will show, there is a much more efficient way to get this job done. Use the Sun Seeker App The Sun Seeker app is a convenient tool for anyone who needs to understand how much sunlight their yard receives. This app includes many sunlight-related features, including a sunrise and sunset tracker, a compass, and a 3D augmented reality view to give you a clear understanding of your yard’s sun and shade. Using the Sun Seeker app will also let you understand the differing levels of sunlight your yard receives at different times of the year. This feature alone saves you considerable amounts of time compared to the old-fashioned method we mentioned above. The Sun Seeker app is useful to many different types of people, including photographers, surveyors, gardeners, and more. Fortunately, the Sun Seeker app is also available for both iPhone and Android operating systems. Why is it Important to Analyze Sun and Shade? Simply put, knowing how much sun your yard gets is necessary for raising healthy plants. After you know how much sun and shade is present in your yard, only then can you begin searching for plants that will thrive in that degree of sun exposure. Failing to recognize and respect the amount of sunlight your yard gets will inevitably cause your plants to fail. By contrast, being able to anticipate sun and shade lets you pick out the perfect plants for your growing location. For anyone who cares for a lawn, sun analysis is vital. Once you know the amount of sunlight each area of your yard gets, you can choose the grass species that will grow best in those areas. So, next time you are planning a lawn space, give it the greatest chance of success by figuring out how much sun your yard gets before you begin seeding. Where to find the Sun Seeker App Apple Store Google Play Watering is a necessary task for anyone who has plantings and landscapes on their property. Some install irrigation to cut down on maintenance time, while others enjoy the meditative activity of watering their gardens by hand. Since there can be problems with overwatering plants and shrubs in the summer, it’s important to know when your plants have had enough.
Problems with Overwatering Plants and Shrubs in the Summer Plants and shrubs that are used in landscapes do need plenty of water to survive, especially in the hot summer months. There is a point, however, where the soil becomes saturated and is not able to drain all the water that it is receiving. Plants and shrubs do not like to be in standing water. This can lead to several problems for the plants, including disease, pests, and deficiencies. Lack of oxygen A plant not only receives water and nutrients through its roots, but it also uses them to breathe as well. A plant absorbs oxygen from the space that is existent between each grain of soil. When the soil around a plant’s roots becomes saturated with water, the roots are not able to access oxygen in the soil. In good soil, this water will be able to drain out relatively quickly. In poorer and heavier soils, the water may drain very slowly. This will weaken the plant’s overall health, leaving it vulnerable to disease. Disease A plant that is weakened by overwatering can be unable to fend off bacteria and fungus that may exist within the soil. This can lead to root-rot and other diseases. When a plant begins to wilt after overwatering this may indicate that the roots have become damaged. In extreme cases, shrubs can become soft where the crown meets the soil. Pests Some pests, such as aphids, target weakened plants and/or may more easily overtake a weakened plant. If a group of pests is colonizing a plant and can be seen all over it, this can be a sign that it was already suffering some other problems. Nutrient Deficiencies When water is constantly running through the soil around a plant’s roots, there are nutrients being washed away with it. This can result in less food being available for the plant. A plant that has become deficient in certain nutrients may turn yellow, brown, wilt, or lose leaves. Knowing When to Stop Watering To avoid problems with overwatering plants and shrubs in the summer, it is important to recognize when there is enough water in the soil. For a quick test, dig about an inch or two into the soil with your finger, if there is moisture in the soil at that level, the garden does not need watering. If the top inch or two of soil is completely dry, it is time to water. Different soil compositions will hold and drain water differently. If you notice that plants are dropping leaves or changing color, it is worth checking the soil around them to make sure that there is proper drainage in the area. Landscape fabric is a valuable material that you should consider using in your garden. However, if you are unfamiliar with landscape fabric, you’re likely unaware of how and when to use it. This article will teach you when to use landscape fabric in your yard and give some insights as to why landscape fabric is so useful.
What is Landscape Fabric? Before we discuss specific landscape fabric uses, let’s ensure that you understand precisely what landscape fabric is. Landscape fabric is a thin sheet typically made of geotextile materials. Landscape fabric is commonly available in garden supply stores and has multiple uses in the landscape, as you’ll soon learn. Using Landscape Fabric to Suppress Weeds in Garden Beds The primary instance in which it is beneficial to use landscape fabric is when you want to suppress weeds in a garden bed. The benefit of landscape fabric, in this case, is that it prevents sunlight from reaching any weeds that may be germinating in your beds. While landscape fabric blocks sunlight, it simultaneously allows air and water to pass through its permeable material. This permeable nature ensures that the plants you want to grow in your garden bed continue to receive the water and air that they need to survive. All the while, the unwanted weeds in your garden bed will have a much more difficult time developing. Using Landscape Fabric When Constructing a Patio While weed suppression in a garden bed is the main way to use landscape fabric, this material is also useful when constructing patios. As is true of garden beds, a dry-laid patio can also experience weed problems as unwanted plants grow from below the patio up through the gaps between your pavers. Adding a layer of landscape fabric below your patio during the construction phase is an excellent way to suppress those weeds. That added layer will help keep your patio looking neat and clean while the weeds below fail to grow. Using Landscape Fabric When Building a Retaining Wall A properly built small-scale retaining wall should have gravel or crushed stone behind it to ensure that water can flow freely through it. However, without landscape fabric, the soil adjacent to the gravel will eventually fill the gaps between the crushed stone, preventing water from flowing freely, which can lead to structural failure. Placing landscape fabric between the crushed stone and the soil prevents this issue from taking place. By ensuring proper water flow, this use of landscape fabric will help ensure that your retaining wall remains intact for years to come. Does Your Yard Need Landscape Fabric? Now that you know when to use landscape fabric, you may be eager to include some in your next garden project. As is always the case, it can be quite helpful to hire a professional team to install your landscape fabric properly. At All Outdoors, we’re ready to provide landscape fabric and much more. Reach out to us today at 864.275.2039 to learn more. Everything You Should Know About Ground Bees
Most people are concerned when they find insects living in their lawns or garden beds. However, not all ground-dwelling insects are pests that you should eliminate by default. Such is the case with ground bees. Despite being somewhat common, ground bees are often poorly understood within the homeowner community. If you are interested in educating yourself about these interesting and environmentally important creatures, you’ve come to the right place. This article will teach you everything you need to know about ground bees by answering five of the most common questions. What Are Ground Bees? The term “ground bees” can refer to one of several bee species, all of which burrow into the ground to create their nests. At times, people also refer to these bees by the names “ground nesting bees” or “miner bees,” both of which reference the way these bees make their homes in the soil. Unlike many other types of bees, ground bee species don’t form hives and typically don’t live in large groups. Instead, ground bees tend to be solitary, meaning that each ground bee hole will be home to an individual ground bee. When Are Ground Bees Active? Most ground bee species are active during early and mid-spring, during which time they are focused on reproduction. This main period of activity usually lasts for about six weeks before the adult bees die. During the rest of the year, ground bee larvae will remain below the ground, developing into adult bees that will reemerge from the soil next spring to recommence the life cycle. Are Ground Bees Dangerous? Overall, ground bees pose very little danger to you and your family. Although female ground bees can have stingers, they are usually very calm creatures that will not go out of their way to sting anyone. Alternatively, male ground bees can be a bit more aggressive. However, male ground bees do not have stingers, which makes their aggression essentially harmless. How Can You Tell if You Have Ground Bees on Your Property? If you know what to look for, you’ll be able to tell right away if your property has ground bees. Ground bee nests are easy to spot, as they can be about a ¼ inch in diameter. Each hole often has a small pile of soil around it. These nests can be somewhat of an eyesore, but are valuable to the environment in your yard. Should You Get Rid of Ground Bees in Your Yard? Many people are quick to assume that they should get rid of any ground bees that appear in their yards. However, it’s wisest to allow ground bees to survive. Ground bees are responsible for pollinating a wide range of spring blooming plants, which makes them an essential component of your local ecosystem. Considering the short lifespan of an adult ground bee and its positive environmental impact, the benefits of allowing ground bees to survive far outweigh the small nuisance that their presence can cause. While many people love the sight of beautiful shrubbery, but few owners are keen on keeping up with the maintenance that these plants require. Thankfully, there are plenty of shrub species that require very little maintenance and minimal watering as well. This article will introduce you to ten of the best low-maintenance shrubs that you can grow in your yard. These are in alphabetical order.
A Few Shrub Maintenance BasicsThe ten shrub options we listed above do not require much maintenance each year. However, all shrubs will need some form of care, even if it is minimal. To help you give your shrubs the support they need to perform well, here are a few shrub maintenance basics that you should know:
What is Garden Bed Redefining, and How Does it Work?
Plant bed redefining is a gardening task that professional landscapers know well. However, there are many beginner and intermediate gardeners who are not familiar with what garden bed redefining is or why it is worth doing. This post will give you insights into what bed redefining is and how it works. Bed Redefining: A Simple Definition Bed redefining is a process in which you use a shovel, edger, or such as electric and gas-powered bed redefinerl to cut a distinct edge around your garden bed. This task is most relevant when your garden bed borders a lawn area. Typically, redefining involves cutting into the lawn to create a clear and crisp outline defining where your bed ends and where your lawn space begins. What Are the Advantages of Bed Redefining? Since redefining a garden bed can require some hard work, you might be wondering why this job is worth doing. But as the list below shows, there are several advantages to bed redefining that you may not be aware of: A professional appearance: Redefining your beds is a subtle way to give your garden a more professional look. Well-defined edges make your garden look neat, orderly, and attractive. Less grass growing into your beds: It’s always annoying to find that your lawn has grown into your garden beds where it does not belong. Redefining a bed edge cuts your lawn’s roots, making it much more difficult for it to expand into your bed. While this approach is not effective 100% of the time, it can do a lot to keep your grass growing in its designated area. Lower cost than other edging options: There are other ways to edge a garden bed, including by lining the bed with stone, pavers, or metal edging materials. However, while these options are more long-lasting, they are also considerably more expensive. Clearly, redefining the edges of your garden beds has both aesthetic and functional benefits. Reach out to our team to find out if bed resigning is right for your yard. Call Now 864.275.2039 The quick answer is no! Landscape fabric should only be used in certain situations. The cons of landscape fabric outweighs the pros which is why for most cases we do not recommend the use of landscape fabric under mulch.
First of all, you might be wondering, what is landscape fabric? Landscape fabric can be found at your local lawn & garden store in rolls that are at least 3 feet wide and up to 200 feet long. The fabric is made either as a solid sheet with holes or woven fibers. The purpose of landscape fabric is to create a barrier between the soil and mulch and prevents weeds. It is also used to retain moisture. Sounds great, right? Ultimately, landscape fabric ends up causing more harm than good. Landscape fabric retains moisture, which sounds great, but it actually encourages poor drainage and creates a perfect environment for mold & other disease to thrive. The barrier can cause earthworms to die. Earthworms aerate & keep soil healthy, but when they are unable to reach the surface for air to survive, they die & that causes the soil under the fabric to become unhealthy. Also, because of the barrier, the nutrients from mulch, pine needles & leaves are unable to reach the soil below. Weeds can also still grow. Instead of growing to the surface, they root onto the landscape fabric. Also, a big con of landscape fabric is how hard it is to remove. Especially if it has been there for a long amount of time and weeds have rooted to the fabric. Because it isn’t made from an organic material, it will never decompose so it will need to be physically removed. However, there are two instances where we do approve of the use of landscape fabric. River Rocks & Septic Tanks. While the fabric should never be placed OVER your septic system, it can be placed AROUND your septic system. If you cover over, it could reduce air exchange & cause retention of excess moisture. The other exception is when laying river rocks. Weeds are less likely to grow in rocks and the landscape fabric provides a barrier. However, if you’re planting anything amongst the rocks, make sure to leave plenty of space around the plants landscape fabric free so that nutrients & earthworms can still reach the soil! If you have any questions, we are always happy to help! Give us a call at (864) 275-2039! By: Hannah Raines Copyright ALL Outdoors 2022 Gardening and taking care of the lawn can be relaxing pastimes, and many seniors rely on that time outdoors to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, which can have many beneficial effects on both the mind and body. Not only that, a well-tended lawn or garden can also benefit the environment. It can be difficult to do such work as we get older, however, and taking care of a big lawn or garden can be a burden on the budget. It can also be hard to find space for a garden if you’ve recently downsized to a smaller home or have moved to an assisted living community. The good news is that there are many ways you can introduce low-maintenance landscaping into your lawn and garden area and still reap the benefits. From bringing in raised beds for your garden to trying out container gardening, there are several things you can do to make sure you’re still able to spend time outdoors and enjoy the greenery without spending a ton of money. Here are a few tips on gardening with a budget. Hire Some Help If taking care of your home’s exterior is too physical, consider hiring some help for your lawn. A professional service can overhaul your landscaping or just tend to your grass and shrubbery, keeping it well-maintained throughout the year so that you won’t have to do all the back-breaking work. Another key area where seniors might want to hire professional help is for gutter cleaning. If you have a lot of trees in your yard dropping leaves in your gutter, it’s important to have them cleaned out. Getting on a ladder and cleaning them can be a dangerous task; however, so check online reviews of local gutter cleaners to find someone to take care of the job for you. Modify Your Garden It can be difficult for many seniors to bend over or kneel in a garden, but there are some modifications you can do to make the job much easier on your body. Installing raised beds will give you easier access to your plants, especially if they’re narrow enough that you can reach them from any side. Keep in mind that it’s important to make sure there’s a flat surface in between to help prevent falls and allow you to use equipment like a wheelchair or rolling seat. Choose the Right Plants One of the easiest ways to create budget-friendly, low-maintenance landscaping is to choose plants that can withstand drought and don’t need a lot of care. Look for perennials, as well, since these will keep coming back year after year and won’t require a ton of work each spring. If you live in an area that doesn’t get much rain, consider a “dry garden” full of succulents and other hardy plants that don’t need a lot of water. Start with the Right Tools The right tools can make any gardening job easier, and they don’t have to cost a fortune. Do a little reading to get a feel for which tools might benefit you most, such as a weeder, a rolling chair, or a garden cart that will help you move it all around easily. If you’re going to mow your lawn on your own, think about purchasing an electric mower instead of a gas-operated model. With an electric model, you won’t have to pull the start cord which can be difficult for some seniors. Take your physical needs into consideration when choosing items to use in the garden; for example, what will help you get the most out of your time outdoors? Don’t forget to make sure your safety is a priority when spending time in the garden, especially in the heat. Wear cool cotton blends, stay hydrated, and take breaks often. Wear sturdy shoes to prevent tripping on uneven surfaces. It is possible to have a great lawn and garden without breaking the bank — or your back. The key is to make everything as accessible as possible and to know your limitations, and don’t forget to have fun! Gardening is a wonderful way to stay active and enjoy time outdoors, and it can be hugely beneficial to your mental health. Clara Beaufort reached out from Gardener Gigs to write this wonderful guest blog for us. Clara is a retired business owner, who is currently working in community gardening. Gardener Gigs aims to connect local gardeners with those who need them.
If you’re interested in creating your own garden, know that you can do it. While it requires time and effort, the process is actually quite simple, not to mention rewarding! Whether you envision vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, or a little bit of everything growing in your backyard, you can make it happen with these six simple steps from All Outdoors:
1. Hire a gardener Review your budget and see if you can bring on a professional with gardening expertise to help start your garden. Not only can a gardener help you plan the perfect garden for your needs, but they can also advise you on planting, watering, weeding, and any other aspects involved in creating and maintaining a garden. Or they can simply handle these tasks for you if that’s what you prefer! 2. Choose what to grow and where What you want to grow will help determine the location of your garden, as well as the other steps on this list. Gardening Channel recommends only planting crops that you will eat (besides flowers); otherwise, you won’t experience the reward for your hard work. Also, consider the region you live in and what crops will grow the best there. Once you know what you want to plant, pick a location in your yard for the garden. Think of sunlight exposure, since most vegetables and fruits need plenty of sunlight throughout the day, and be alert to potential drainage concerns. Also, you want the garden in an easily accessible place for you to tend to it, and you want to minimize the damage done by animals. 3. Design the layout This part is fun. Look at where your garden will be, and plan out the design in your mind. Take measurements, think about what you want to plant, and plot out the dimensions on paper. If you decide to use raised beds, be sure to incorporate those into your layout. University of Georgia Extension advises that your beds don’t exceed four feet wide so you can work with them properly. Also, think about how much space you will need for walking between the beds. 4. Get the right tools As with any task, having the right tools is essential to making your gardening experience efficient and enjoyable. You will want to acquire items like hoes, rakes, shovels, and hand tools. To save money, look to stores like Ace or Target to find what you need. Just be sure you get quality tools if possible; otherwise, you could waste time and energy, not to mention put unnecessary strain on your back. And after each use, clean your tools to keep them in good shape so that they will work better for longer. 5. Prepare the soil and plant With your layout in hand, mark where your garden will be, and dig out the existing lawn in those areas. Once the grass, sticks, and other debris are removed in your planting areas, add fertilizer or compost to enrich the native soil. Then, you’re ready to add your plants! Be sure to check the instructions included with each crop so that you can plant it at the right depth. Once you’ve dug the appropriate holes and placed the plants in the soil, fill the holes in with surrounding soil, pack down the soil gently, and water the plants to help settle the soil. 6. Keep up the garden Finally, you need to make sure you maintain your garden after you create it. Regularly check the soil to determine how often to water it, keep weeds and grass from intruding, and periodically add fertilizer to the soil. And of course, monitor pests to make sure they are not destroying your crops. While there’s a lot involved with starting and tending a garden, planning it out and committing to a reasonable amount of work each day will help to make it a rewarding experience. Consider hiring a gardener to get started on the right foot, select your plants, arrangement, and tools, and then dig in. Thanks to your thoughtfulness and care, your garden will thrive! Clara Beaufort reached out from Gardener Gigs to write this wonderful guest blog for us. Clara is a retired business owner, who is currently working in community gardening. Gardener Gigs aims to connect local gardeners with those who need them. It’s that time again to start making resolutions! If you’re like me, you’ve probably resolved to eat healthier and exercise more, but again, if you’re like me, those resolutions won’t last long. How about creating some resolutions that we can stick to? Resolve to make 2021 the year that you get the landscape you’ve been wanting for years! It could be easier than you think! Check out some projects that you can make your goal to complete this year! Add a fire pit We can’t stress this enough, a fire pit is the perfect outdoor living addition to your back yard. It is such a great center piece to have everyone gathered round. Some use it for warmth, some use it for ambiance, but it is perfect for both. It is especially fun to gather round with the family and toast marshmallows to make s’mores! Landscaping Package Spend more time with your family and let us do the work for you. We have several different package options, but we can keep your lawn looking great all year long. Check out our packages on the home page of our website! Plant Shrubs Shrubs are a wonderful addition to any landscape. They add great personality to any home landscape. They also make great border plants! Plant Flowers Who doesn’t love flowers? They add the perfect pop of color to any area. You can also always have fresh flowers in the house when you have a fresh supply out in your yard! Grow a Garden Nothing is better than fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs out of the garden. While you can get the most output in the summer, gardens can be grown all year round! There is always something to grow and harvest and I can guarantee it will taste better than anything you can find at the store! Add a Patio Patios are a wonderful addition to spruce up the back yard. It is the best investment because you will use it more than you know. We are lucky enough to live in a place where we don’t have too harsh of a winter, so you are sure to use a patio space all year long! Many of these projects you might feel like you can tackle on your own, but for others you may want our help! We would love to assist you in helping you meet these resolutions in 2021 and beyond. Give us a call today at (864)275-2039! By: Hannah Raines Copyright ALL Outdoors 2021 |
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