Glen Payne, Urban Horticulture Agent
- Azalea pruning should be completed now that the 4th of July has passed. If possible, avoid additional pruning, as the new buds will be starting to set for next year. Scout for any pests attempting to hide in the shade of the undersides of the leaves and treat pest populations as needed. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/pruning-shrubs/
- Palm pruning is in the beginning phases as new seed stalks & seeds become visible. Letting seeds begin to form on stalks ensures that the palms will stay in a natural pruning cycle and not shoot out new stalks right after removal. A good goal is to have new shoots & seed stalks and old dead brown fronds removed by the beginning of September.
- Crape Myrtles are beginning to bloom, and those with exfoliating bark have begun to peel off. The exfoliating bark is common to some but not all varieties of crape myrtles. Powdery mildew may be starting to show on leaves and can be treated. Certain varieties and colors can be selected and planted for powdery mildew resistance. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/powdery-mildew/ Sooty mold & aphids can be observed & treated as well.
- Warm season turf types should perform well under our current weather conditions. Mower deck heights can be raised approximately ½” to lessen the stress caused on turf by mowing. Nitrogen shouldn’t be applied once temperatures are regularly over 85 degrees. Applying amendments and micronutrients as needed and at rates recommended by soil samples in the early morning and watering in as needed are best cultural practices. Continue to monitor pests and disease outbreaks as humidity levels soar. Irrigation at 1” is still recommended, as rainfall has been inconsistent. A rain gauge is an excellent tool to use in the landscape to measure moisture amounts.
Visit the Home Garden Information Center Website on Turfgrass Here:
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/turfgrasses-for-the-carolinas/
- In the garden, blueberries and strawberries have succumbed to the summer heat. Squash & zucchini have held on as long as they can, but succumbing to ‘gummy stem’ and not producing consistently with the drier weather causing inconsistent soil moisture. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, both sweet & hot, are producing nicely. Sweet potato slips planted in June and covered by irrigation have rooted in; continue to scout for pests on foliage. Sunflowers and zinnias are reliable bloomers in the summer heat and make excellent fresh-cut flower arrangements.
- Composting all the summer produce and fruit leftovers, along with untreated grass clippings, is a fun summer activity that can go on right through the summertime. It helps produce great results for the garden in the future when they are recycled.
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