August is here and needless to say, it is HOT! However Fall is right around the corner and here are a few tips to get you through the scorching days of August.

Make the best use of the water you have by watering early in the morning before the wind speeds pick up. Otherwise, much of the water will evaporate before the plants get to use it. To further avoid excess evaporation, use a sprinkler that produces large drops of water instead of a fine mist. Plants need about one inch of water each week during this long summer period. If you have heavy clay soil adjust the timing of the irrigation zones to make sure water is not running off the landscape. Your irrigation schedule should be adjusted to allow for slow infiltration of the water. Be a WISE – keep water on the landscape.

Soil that is exposed can heat up to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hot enough to kill those tender root hairs near the surface. Three to four inches of mulch can make the soil 10 to 20 degrees cooler. Besides reducing soil temperature, mulches also conserve water by reducing evaporation, often up to 65 percent.

August is the last month to plant a new lawn before winter temperatures arrive. Newly-installed lawns need at least six to eight weeks to establish a healthy root system.

Prune roses back, but do not remove more than one-third of the plant. Prune and remove spent blooms on annuals and perennials to encourage continuous blooming well into fall.

Tomato and Peppers planted earlier this year will not set fruit during the heat of the summer, even though they may still be flowering. If the plants remain healthy, they will set fruit again once the temperatures stay below 90 degrees. Sidedress established healthy plants with fertilizer and keep watered to encourage new growth. Set out tomato transplants; look for early maturing variety (65 to 75 days). Our average first freeze is mid-November and tomato maturity slows down as the days get cool and cloudy.

J&N Feed and Seed is your local dealer for Outdoor Wood Patio Furniture from Texas Casual Wooden Furniture.

Are you looking for that perfect swing for your front porch? Or, do you need new patio furniture for your back deck? At J&N Feed and Seed,  you’ll find a great selection of rockers and other patio items made in Grandview Texas, by Texas Casual. Outdoor furniture is an investment, so make sure you invest in high-quality pieces.

Every piece of TX Casual furniture is handmade from premium-grade, American grown, Wolmanized, Southern Yellow Pine. Each piece is assembled with hot dipped zinc fasteners which are more rust-resistant than galvanized and stronger than stainless steel. We are obsessed with comfort and design. Which means we routinely refine and improve our furniture. It’s the small things like, hidden hardware, and sanded edges that make a real difference.

We are proud to be a dealer of Texas Casual fine outdoor wood patio furniture. Avoid the big box stores and come shop local with us, where you’ll find a knowledgeable staff and outstanding customer service. J&N Feed and Seed is a family-owned business located at 450 Pecan Street, in Graham, Texas. Shop local with us today!

July Gardening Tips

Gardening activities usually slowdown in the summertime as the temperature continues to climb into the 90’s and beyond. July is often a very dry month and can be very hot. New garden projects are not usually started but there are always maintenance chores to do. The best time to do any kind of gardening or maintenance is in the early morning or late in the day after supper.

Proper watering is essential to keep plants healthy in the heat of summer. It is best to water as deeply and infrequently as possible, as opposed to frequent light sprinklings. This will encourage a deeper root system that can take advantage of water stored in the soil.

One of the best strategies for getting shrubs and young trees through summertime dry spells is to apply a thick layer of mulch over the root systems of plants. Mulches break down over time, so if it has been awhile since you’ve mulched, check all the plants in your yard. A three to four-inch layer will prevent most evaporation from the soil and lower the soil temperature in the root zone, reducing stress on the root system.

Drip irrigation combined with mulch is an excellent way to maintain a high quality of plant materials. Drip irrigation, also known as trickle irrigation or micro-irrigation is an irrigation method that saves water and fertilizer by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants, either onto the soil surface or directly into the root zone, through a network of valves, pipes, tubing and emitters. It is done through narrow tubes that deliver water directly to the base of the plant. This allows for fertilizer and nutrient loss to be minimized due to localized application and reduced leaching. Soil erosion and weed growth is lessened with this type of irrigation along with the foliage remain dry, reducing the risk of disease. If drip irrigation is not an option at this time, consider using soaker hoses to provide a good source of water to your garden or bedding plants.

Water plants in containers and hanging baskets more frequently in the summer to keep them from drying out. This can leach out plant nutrients from the soil, so use a water-soluble fertilizer regularly to keep your plants growing and healthy.

NEW Blackstone Griddle & Air Fryer Combo at J&N Feed!

Get cooking with Blackstone Griddles at J&N Feed and Seed.  These quality griddles are crafted to high standards of both function and portability. Griddle cooking will open the door to numerous possibilities in your outdoor cooking experience. For breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the Blackstone Griddle is a perfect fit for fast and consistent griddle results. The solid steel griddle is designed for consistent and even temperature across the griddle surface. Perfect for large groups or a more intimate setting. This griddle is a breakfast lover’s dream. Make pancakes, eggs, bacon, and just about anything else you can envision on this griddle. No wonder why with over 1 million sold, Blackstone Griddles are the best-selling Griddles in the world!