Watering Techniques for Georgia Summers

• Water deeply - Provide a thorough watering session, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone.
• Water in the morning or evening - Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day to minimize evaporation.
• Use a drip irrigation system - Efficiently deliver water directly to the plant's roots, reducing waste.
• Monitor soil moisture - Check soil moisture levels before watering to avoid overwatering or underwatering.

Proper Lawn Care

Mowing practices

• Adjust mower height - Raise the blade height to allow grass to grow longer, providing shade for the soil and reducing water evaporation.
• Follow the one-third rule - Never remove more than one-third of the grass height during each mowing session.

Weed Control

• Inspection- Regularly inspect and manually remove weeds to prevent them from spreading.
• Organic fertilizers- Consider using organic herbicides or spot treatments for more persistent weed problems.

Fertilization

• Apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer formulated explicitly for warm-season grasses according to package instructions.
• Water the lawn after fertilization to ensure proper absorption.

Managing Pests and Diseases

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)- Implement IPM practices by combining cultural, biological, and chemical control methods.
• Encourage beneficial insects and use organic pest control products whenever possible.
• Regular inspection - Inspect plants for signs of pest infestation, such as chewed leaves, discoloration, or wilting.
• Identify and treat plant diseases promptly to prevent their spread.
• Proper sanitation - Remove diseased or infested plant material from the garden to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
• Gardening tools- Clean gardening tools regularly to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

Protection From Extreme Heat

• Mulching - Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around shrubs and plants to help retain moisture, reduce weed growth, and regulate the soil temperature.
• Leave a small gap around plant stems to prevent moisture buildup and potential rot.
• Shade structures - Install shade sails, umbrellas, or pergolas to provide shade for delicate plants or outdoor seating areas.
• Proper plant selection - Choose heat-tolerant and drought-resistant plants that are well-suited for Georgia's climate
• Adequate irrigation - Increase watering frequency during periods of prolonged heat to prevent plants from drying out