Gardening Chores & Tips for July
Vegetables
For an ample supply of tender vegetables, pick squash, tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, and okra regularly to encourage production. If vegetables are allowed to over mature, the plant will rest. Harvest every other day in early morning or late afternoon. Plant pumpkins by the 15th of July for fall harvest.
Birdbath
Set out a birdbath or turn a wide clay saucer into a shallow one for birds such as sparrows and quail that prefer to stay near ground level. Place it in a shaded location to slow evaporation and keep water from becoming too hot. When located near a small tree or large shrub, it provides shelter for the birds and encourages use.
Flowers
Leggy impatiens can be cut back by half and fertilized with a timed released product. They will be back in shape in no time. Prune lightly to shape and increase blooms of chrysanthemums, salvia and daisies. It is still not too late to plant lantana. Lantanas are drought and pest resistant and also attract butterflies.
Herbs
Cut basil back several inches as it begins to flower for a flush of new growth. Cuttings can be rooted in water for new plants to add to the garden later. Stuff your blender with basil, add olive oil and presto - it's pesto. Spoon into ice cube trays and freeze, then store cubes in zip lock bags for later use.
Insects
As the summer heats up, insects start multiplying. Watch for insects on plants. One of the first signs of insect infestation is a change in leaf color to a yellow or white tinge. Control thrips, aphids, cucumber beetles and spider mites on roses by using a recommended insecticide or miticide. Gardenias can also attract aphids and whiteflies, which can be controlled with the use of water-soluble Orthene or a summer horticultural oil spray.
For an ample supply of tender vegetables, pick squash, tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, and okra regularly to encourage production. If vegetables are allowed to over mature, the plant will rest. Harvest every other day in early morning or late afternoon. Plant pumpkins by the 15th of July for fall harvest.
Birdbath
Set out a birdbath or turn a wide clay saucer into a shallow one for birds such as sparrows and quail that prefer to stay near ground level. Place it in a shaded location to slow evaporation and keep water from becoming too hot. When located near a small tree or large shrub, it provides shelter for the birds and encourages use.
Flowers
Leggy impatiens can be cut back by half and fertilized with a timed released product. They will be back in shape in no time. Prune lightly to shape and increase blooms of chrysanthemums, salvia and daisies. It is still not too late to plant lantana. Lantanas are drought and pest resistant and also attract butterflies.
Herbs
Cut basil back several inches as it begins to flower for a flush of new growth. Cuttings can be rooted in water for new plants to add to the garden later. Stuff your blender with basil, add olive oil and presto - it's pesto. Spoon into ice cube trays and freeze, then store cubes in zip lock bags for later use.
Insects
As the summer heats up, insects start multiplying. Watch for insects on plants. One of the first signs of insect infestation is a change in leaf color to a yellow or white tinge. Control thrips, aphids, cucumber beetles and spider mites on roses by using a recommended insecticide or miticide. Gardenias can also attract aphids and whiteflies, which can be controlled with the use of water-soluble Orthene or a summer horticultural oil spray.
