With no rain in sight and triple-digit temps, additional watering restrictions may soon be enforced. How can we help our landscapes survive the extreme heat?

Texas gardening guru Neil Sperry says to water plants deeply and regularly. "Keep water off foliage any time the sun is shining to prevent sunscald. Mulch deeply to lessen the soil-to-air contact, and to conserve valuable soil moisture."   

• Water thoroughly and infrequently, to promote deeper root growth that is better able to withstand dry periods.
• Use a hose-end sprinkler to spot-water dry areas between automatic irrigations.
• When conditions are most extreme, use "gray" water from the washing machine and utility sinks.
• Use available water for those plants that would take the longest or cost the most to replace -- shade trees and turf, rather than annual flowers. Just one good soaking every couple of weeks could keep turfgrass alive for the summer -- not beautiful, but alive. For more info click here. 

Extremely hot and dry conditions like we've seen this summer can cause your home's foundation to move, creating cracks in walls, pipes, framing and floors.

These problems can easily be avoided by using soaker hoses to keep the soil around your slab stable. Hoses should be placed 12-18 inches away from the house, and can be buried up to several inches under the soil. Use the soaker hoses long enough to keep consistent moisture around the foundation, which could mean daily right now, Soaker hoses are generally exempt from water restrictions. It's a simple, easy fix for hot, dry summers that could save you thousands in potential foundation repairs. Click here for a quick video tutorial. (please note we do not endorse this or any foundation repair company.)

When used correctly, soaker hoses can also save you water and simplify your garden maintenance. By allowing water to seep directly into the soil, soaker hoses put water exactly where your plants need it -- at the root zone.

Lay lines 12-18 inches apart on sandy soil and 18-24 inches on loam or clay soil. Keep the soaker hose at least 1-2 inches from the base of established plants. Place your soaker hose above ground or cover with 2-3 inches of mulch to retain moisture and protect it from sun damage. Adjust the water flow to a slow drip -- soaker hoses perform best when used at low pressure for a long time period.

50' Soaker Hose

$12.99

Thanks to our generous customers and the Fresh Flag Project, we've raised almost two-thirds of our $10,000 goal for the USO at DFW Airport.  

Every day of the year, more than 250 soldiers travel through DFW Airport on their way to or from Iraq and Afghanistan. The USO Center at DFW provides them with free services including sleep and family areas, luggage storage, satellite, cable and internet access, cell phone use and more. These services are made possible by your neighbors in the North Texas community.  

Join us in support of our local USO and help us raise $10,000 by the 10th anniversary of 9/11! While you're here, purchase a new 3' x 5' flag for just $5 (including pole and mounting bracket).          

We at Elliott's are here to help you -- to find the products and solutions you need. Come see us, give us a call or drop us a line. How can we help you today?

Sincerely,

Andrea Bond Spencer

abond@elliottshardware.com