Here's list of things to do around the garden for July (this is for zone 7, adjust for your zone):- Deadhead spent flowers to promote growth of new blooms. If you are saving seeds, let the spent flowers turn brown before cutting to ensure the seeds have matured enough to germinate.
- Pinch any suckers from tomato plants to focus growth on the fruits. Leave ones above the fruit to help shade them from the brutal July sun.
- Plant the pinched suckers in growing medium in 2-3 inch containers, keep moist and lightly shaded. The stems will take root and can be transplanted to the garden for a fall harvest.
- Harvest herbs before they begin to flower. That is when they contain the most of their essential oils. Pick in the morning before the sun heats up the leaves.
- The days between rain showers will seem to stretch on forever stressing out your plants in the summer heat. Make sure to water early in the morning or in the evening to prevent loosing it all to evaporation. Water deeply every few days to encourage roots to grow down instead of near the surface where they will dry out faster.
- Plants in containers will dry out faster than those in the ground. Check them daily; water as needed.
- Keep those weeds in check by preventing them from going to seed. Pull them out or chop the tops off with a garden hoe. Mulching around your plants makes it easier to pull out weeds and reduces water loss from evaporation..
- Check any houseplants spending the summer outdoors for insect damage or egg laying. Use a damp cloth to gently wipe the leaves top and bottom to remove any.
- Keep the birdbath cleaned and full of fresh water for our bug eating feathered friends. Clean out that hummingbird feeder at least once a week during the hot, hazy days of summer.
Happy Planting!
