To-do List for July

To-Do List for July

Ornamentals

Continue to pinch mums until mid-July. Pinching after this may delay

flowering.

 Deadhead perennials (remove dead flowers) that have finished

blooming.

 Prune climbing roses and rambler roses after bloom.

 Spider mites may be a problem during hot, dry weather. Leaves will

become speckled above and yellowed below. Evergreen needles appear

dull gray-green to yellow or brown.

 Water newly planted trees and shrubs thoroughly at least once a

week.

 Fertilize trees and shrubs by July 4. Late fertilizing may cause lush

growth that is more prone to winter kill.

 Black Spot may be a problem on roses. Remove and pick up infected

leaves and spray fungicides as needed.

 Powdery mildew may be found on lilacs. It is rarely harmful and

shrubs grown in full sun are less susceptible.

 Divide irises now.

Vegetables

 Blossom end rot of tomatoes and peppers may become a problem.

 Maintain soil moisture and do not let soils dry out. Place a layer of

mulch 2-3 inches thick around plants.

 Keep weeding! Prevent weeds from going to seed.

 Dig potatoes when the tops die. Plant fall potatoes by July

15th.

 Harvest onion and garlic when the tops turn brown.

 Keep cucumbers well watered. Drought condition will cause

bitter fruit.

 Sow seeds of carrots, beets, turnips, and winter radish for

fall harvest the last week of July. Set out broccoli, cabbage,

and cauliflower transplants for the fall garden at this time.

Fruit

 Protect grapes from birds!

 Prune out old fruiting canes of raspberries after harvest is

complete.

 Apply second spray to trunks of peach trees for peach borers.

 Early peach varieties ripen now.

 Blackberries will begin to ripen soon.

Turf

 Water lawn frequently enough to prevent wilting. Early morning irrigation

allows turf to dry before nightfall and will reduce the chance

of disease.

 Monitor lawns for newly hatched white grubs. If damage is occurring,

apply appropriate controls, following product label directions.

Source:  Missouri Botanical Garden
Posted:  7/4/2014