Gardening To Do List for July - Big Y® World Class Market®

OUTDOORS

Plant:

Warm - and cool-season vegetables
Replant areas vacated by spent crops with early-maturing varieties for fall.
Do not plant bare-root or balled-and-burlaped stock at this time of year. Container-grown plants may still be planted but only if well watered.
Sow biennials (foxglove, pansy, sweet William) in flats for next year.

CHORES AND MAINTENANCE

To avoid scalping lawn, raise mower in hottest weather. Mow grass 1/2-inch higher than usual during dry, summer months to conserve soil moisture. Water thoroughly once a week to equal one inch if adequate rain is lacking.
Keep newly established plants watered during dry weather. Allow water to penetrate deeply into soil rather than sprinkling frequently and lightly. Early morning watering is best.
Deadhead basil. Propagate herbs from cuttings. Begin cutting flowers and herbs for drying and use in cooking.
Dig and divide overcrowded perennials and stake floppy ones. Deadhead annuals and perennials; cut back rampant ones. Remove fallen leaves and twigs that may harbor pests.
Watch for insects, mites, vine borers, worms and tomato hookworms.
Stake, prune and mulch tomatoes.
Remulch beds if necessary, as mulch deteriorates in hot weather.
Foliage of spring-flowering bulbs can be removed after they fade. Lift the bulbs for transplanting or propagation.
Order now for fall planting: bulbs, roses, perennials (including daylily, iris, peony) ornamental grasses, shrubs, trees, berry bushes and fruit trees.

TOOL TIP

Use a long handled weeding fork to reach the back of rookeries, flower beds, and allotments without having to walk over the soil. The long staff allows you to work in comfort, standing up straight.