Do you have any plans for 5:14 a.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time on Tuesday, June 21?
If you’re up and about that early – highly doubtful if you live in any other time zone – you might want to celebrate the first minute of summer 2022.
If you’re still sleeping at that time, no worries. It’s also the summer solstice, which means it’s the longest day of the year.
So, you’ll have plenty of time to celebrate what for many is their favorite season of the year. And that celebration will be even better if you’ve prepared your backyard for summer.
Nurture plants, destroy bugs
What exactly does that mean? Well, it means several things. If you’re a gardener, it means your crops are probably growing.
They need tender loving care in the form of nurturing so they’ll be ready for the upcoming harvest.
If you like to spend time in the backyard during the summer – relaxing with family or friends – it means you’ve got your anti-bug devices ready. More on that in a moment.
There’s nothing annoying pests enjoy more than when you bring more folks over to feast on. But you can turn the tables on them this summer.
Remove thatch, aerate lawn
How else can you prepare your backyard for summer? One way is by removing thatch from your yard. If you haven’t already done this, there’s no time like the present.
You can do it with a rake. It will not only get rid of unsightly dead grass and decaying plant material, but also allow water to reach grass roots and healthy grass to grow through.
Speaking of healthy roots, aerating your lawn is another way to get your backyard ready for summer.
These small holes in the ground will make room for water, oxygen and nutrients to get through to the root system.
Fertilize, water, mow and re-seed
Fertilizing your grass will also help your lawn look better and feel better on your feet. But don’t go too heavy on the fertilizer if your peak summer temperatures are approaching.
Watering your lawn frequently is another big help. Obviously this is not as important if your region has been receiving a lot of rain this spring. But summer months tend to be drier, so don’t neglect it.
Just like hair grows better when it’s cut occasionally, so too does grass. Mow it regularly, as that helps strengthen roots. But try not to cut more than one-third of the height each time.
Finally, re-seed bare patches occurring here and there. After tilling the soil, spread seed evenly across the bare spot to fill in the gaps. Then make sure to water the area regularly.
BugOUT Solar Stake Light
Earlier I mentioned keeping flying bugs off your family, your guests and you in your backyard this summer.
My recommendation for easily accomplishing this task is the BugOUT Solar Stake Light from 4Patriots.
It provides you with all-day – and all-night – mosquito protection. This light soaks in free power during the day from the sun, then serves as a yard light after dark while stopping mosquitoes dead in their tracks.
The UV light attracts bugs, so they stay off you, then zaps them dead. And because it’s so portable, you can take your water-resistant Stake Light camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and tailgating.
Not to mention using it for picnics and backyard birthday parties. You can even use it during a power outage. No cords, batteries or outlets needed. No chemicals or open flames. And it’s easy to clean.
Stake it into the ground, set it on top of a deck railing or hang it with its convenient handle.
