Check Off the List

1. Edge garden beds.
2. Spend a few minutes every morning deadheading/pinching off spent flowers of plants.
3. Save excess seed for next year – (after a year seed germination goes down).
4. A cool, wet hand towel or bandana draped over the back of the neck will provide some relief during hot weather. Remember to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen!
5. Check pesticides and make sure they are stored in a secure, well-ventilated area.
6. Before going on vacation, make any last minute insecticide or fungicide treatments, weed garden beds, and arrange for someone to water.
7. Apply Liquid Copper fungicide to tomatoes to prevent leaf spot and yellowing of lower leaves.
8. Season long grub control can still be applied to prevent damage in August & September.

9.  Keep your eyes open for insects and disease problems. Early detection is important. Scout for pillbugs and earwigs and treat as necessary with Hi Yield’s Bug Blaster II – Turf Insect Control.
10.  To reduce mosquito populations, make sure bird baths and pet bowls are changed frequently. Mosquito larvae in garden ponds can be controlled with cakes of Bacillus thuringensis or by introducing populations of damselfly and dragonfly.
11.  Many watering recommendations mention established plants receiving one inch of water a week. Put a rain gauge in your garden to help measure this. Water early in the day so that the leaves will be dry by evening.
12.  Attractive pails or baskets placed around the garden make handy places to dispose of the results of quick deadheading, weeding, and cleaning sessions. These can be emptied when you have time.
13.  Containers will need extra attention during summer months. Be sure to check daily for water and fertilize regularly.
14.  Make a home for insect-eating toads in your garden.
15.  Keep mulching to help retain moisture and reduce weeds. Mulch garden beds two to three inches deep with an organic mulch.
16.  Remove dead, diseased and damaged wood as soon as it is observed.

17.  Tightly shaped hedges should be pruned after the second flush of growth in the summer, if needed. Raise the cutting height of your lawnmower to 3-4 inches in mid-summer to help your lawn survive the heat and dry periods.

18.  Cut dry and store everlasting flowers for winter displays.

We hope this list helps you with upkeep and maintaing your gardens during the month of July.  Do you have any questions?  We’re happy to help!  E-mail us at questions@stutzmans.com and we will respond.