…you should see what it’s doing to your plants.  Keep an eye on your annuals and perennials this month, especially those you’ve just planted.

The heat can drain the water from them more quickly than you might think.  Newbies in your landscape are especially vulnerable. 

Mulch helps.  Add a layer of mulch around your trees, shrubs and gardens to help conserve the moisture in the soil so that if you miss a watering or two, it won’t be the end of the world.  (More accurately, the end of your plant!)

Watch out when you are mulching around trees, though.  Leave a space between the trunk and the mulch.  Too many folks make the mistake of piling the mulch up right against the tree trunk, thereby encouraging insects that invade the mulch to munch on the tree as well.  You are trying to conserve water in the ground above the roots – remember that when you spread it.

Speaking of mulch, I know a lot of folks who are crazy about that mulch that is made from shredded tires – dyed appropriately, of course.  I have to say it does feel neat to walk on.  I haven’t tried it myself though so I can’t really say I recommend it at this point.  Anyone else?