Garden Care in Extreme Summer Heat

Bernard Mace, assistant manager of Pioneer Garden Center, said Burke residents should give extra care to their home gardens during heat waves like the one we're experiencing this week.  "It's important to water all your plants twice a day during a heat spell," said Mace.  He recommended once in the morning, before work, and once in the evening.

More frequent fertilizing also is important, he said.  "I recommend using any all purpose fertilizer on a weekly basis," he said.  "Just carefully follow the instructions on the package so that you don't end up burning the plants."

As blooms fade, deadheading will help keep gardens looking fresh.  "Simply pinch the fading bloom from the plant," said Mace. Gardeners can determine when and how many fading blooms to deadhead by how many flowers the plant has.   "Don't take all the color off," said Mace.

Mace was caring for sale plants at the driveway entrance of Lake Braddock Secondary School.  Lake Braddock's Athletic Boosters and Pioneer Garden Center (located at University Mall in Fairfax) have partnered through August 7 to raise money for the school's athletic organizations.  Sale hours at the school are Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.