BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Install a Warm Season Landscape in Southern States

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (0 Ratings)

Spring has sprung and summer is on the way, which means it is time to install warm season plants. Whether you live in Austin or Atlanta, these steps will help you enjoy your landscape all summer long.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Pre-emergent
Water
Fertilizer
Warm season plants
Pruning shears
Sprinkler system and/or water hose

Instructions

Step1

Plant warm seasonal annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables and landscape plants that are adaptable to your area.

Step2

Use a pre-emergent in March to prevent weed seeds from germinating.

Step3

Fertilize flower beds and lawns beginning in April with a good quality, slow-release, high nitrogen fertilizer every eight to ten weeks. Some flowers may need to be supplemented with a water-soluble fertilizer.

Step4

Prune spring flowering plants after they have finished blooming. This generally happens in May.

Step5

Inspect your sprinkler system for any broken heads or heads that are not facing the right direction. Reinspect the sprinkler system each month.

Step6

Water your plants thoroughly but infrequently.

Tips & Warnings

Sprinkler systems do not always cover the entire landscape and some areas are effected more by weather conditions requiring more water than the rest of the landscape. Therefore some areas may need to be watered by hand.
Contact a local landscape design professional for the best suggestions for preparing your landscape for summer.
Don't install any new plants from June to September. These months are generally too warm for new plants to survive.
Never water just for the sake of watering. Withholding water from the plant conditions it to develop deep roots in search of water which will help sustain the plant during the hot summer.