Laura Lee Rose, Horticulture Agent – County Coordinator
Lawn – Check rain gauges and run sprinklers as needed to keep grass healthy and green. One inch of irrigation can be added weekly without sufficient rainfall. Look for any damage from insect pests or diseases and treat it early if problems exist.
Shrubs and Trees- Pruning spring flowering shrubs like mophead hydrangeas, azaleas, and camellias should be done before July. It is always ok to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Summer flowering shrubs can be pruned after flowering, and woody plants can be fertilized for the last time. Cuttings can be rooted from pruned shrubs to make more plants. Try air layering for larger transplants.
Annuals and Perennials- Deadheading of spent annuals will keep them blooming. Plant zinnias, caladiums, and gladioli corms for fall-cut flowers.
Vegetables- In July, plant tomatoes, squash, and summer peas in the garden. Tomatoes can be rooted from suckers or start seeds in flats about six weeks before putting out sets.
Herbs- Harvest herbs for cooking and arrangements. Most of them can be cut back and dried or used fresh.
Indoor plants -Many houseplants would like to vacation outdoors and breathe fresh air. A shady porch or backyard table is an excellent place to give them a “haircut” and take cuttings for passing along plants to share with other gardeners.
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