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Gardening Calendar
In a good year, we struggle during July and August in the garden. Often we go
from feast to famine when it comes to water. Monitoring for water needs is a top
priority now in the garden - whether it is the vegetable or the flower garden,
your lawn or shrubs. Remember when watering, it is better to water deeply and
less frequently versus a little bit every day. Container gardens are the
exception - with limited volume daily watering is often needed in the summer
months.
The deluge of rain we had in the spring really compounded the disease issues.
We have had a bumper crop of both insects and diseases in our gardens this year.
As we progress through the growing season, problems build up. Take stock of your
garden now and see what should be removed or pruned back. August is actually the
time we begin planting the fall garden. From broccoli and cabbage plants and
other cool season vegetables to a replanting of tomatoes, squash and beans.
Water is critical for establishment, and mulching will definitely help. For
gardens in full production, try to harvest your vegetables early in the day
before the heat takes its toll. As plants play out, remove and replant, trying
to get as much use from your space as possible. Plants that have simply finished
their life cycle should go into the compost pile. Those you are removing because
of insects or diseases, destroy. Adding them to a compost pile may compound your
problems. If you are spraying for problems, or even fertilizing, make sure there
is ample moisture in your plants before using these products and try to do so
either early in the day or late.
What’s in bloom in your garden? Summer annuals in the sun include angelonia,
cuphea, lantana, petunias, and sun loving begonias. There are other begonias for
shade along with impatiens and torenia. Don’t forget to fertilize these plants,
especially petunias. If they are getting a bit leggy and not blooming as well,
they aren’t getting the fertility they need. Foliage plants are also giving us
color including coleus in both sun and shade, alternanthera, iresine, Persian
shield and plectranthus. Perennials that are taking the heat include agastache
(hyssop), echinacea, rudbeckia, gaura, and liatris.
Hardy hibiscus should still be in bloom. This plant thrives with plenty of
moisture, but do watch for the mallow saw fly which has several generations per
year and can turn the leaves into lace. Insecticides can be effective if the
problem is caught early enough. Many grasses are also beginning to bloom and
giving you plenty of interest. They often thrive in hot, dry conditions and will
stay attractive until next spring when you cut them back. Shrubs and trees for
summer bloom include, summer spirea –Little Princess, Magic Carpet, Lime Mound,
and Neon Splash are just a few varieties that will bloom all summer with a
little deadheading. Butterfly bush or Buddleia is blooming along with
caryopteris and clethra. Crape myrtles and Vitex trees are blooming well. If
your garden is lacking color there are plenty of options for you. While July and
August would not be considered ideal planting months, keep in mind that
container plants can be planted year round as long as you are prepared to water.
Container gardens come in all sizes and shapes. The larger the container, the
easier it is to maintain. Daily watering is usually needed during this part of
summer. With frequent watering, don’t forget to use a water soluble fertilizer
once every week or two, but add some plain water first to the pot. If you need
some additional color, visit your local nursery or garden center - there still are
great plants available. Don’t overlook using your houseplants in your flower and
shrubbery beds for different forms, textures and colors for the summer months.
Since most are tropical plants, they thrive in heat and humidity.
When it is really hot and dry, the main thing we do to our lawns is mow and
water. While herbicides can be used and you can fertilize, do both with
caution - especially if the temperatures are really high. Even labeled pesticides
can burn if the plants are too stressed with heat and lack of moisture. Mow
often enough that you don’t take off more than a third of the leaf blade. Also
check your mower blade and see if it needs sharpening. A dull blade can leave an
unsightly look to your lawn.
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