Summer time is when you rest from your garden and just enjoy the view. Granted there are chores to be done but it is not as labor intensive as other seasons.
JULY
Okra and Southern peas can go into your garden now. You,,shouldhaveprunedyourazaleasby now. Ifyou haven’t prune them during the
Ist week in July, no later. Mow y our lawns at a higher height than you normally do. 3 to 4 inches helps the lawn survive the heat.
AUGUST
Now is when you start your fall planting. Pole beans, broccoli, collards, okra and sweet com can be planted for autumn gathering.
Prune poinsettias up to Labor Day for full plants come December.
SEPTEMBER
Plant southern hybrid bulb onions for a Spring harvest. Do last pruning of shrubs, Apply your fall
application of fertilizer to landscape plants and to your lawn.
BEWARE THE STINGING NETTLE
Weeds or wildflowers members of the nettle family can pack a mean wallop. The downy hairs that cover the plants inject a severe irritant when bothered. Stinging nettles can grow quite tall and have green flowers. The Spurge Nettle can be seen growing in people’s yards. A short plant with attractive white blossoms that can cause pain, swelling and a rash if brushed against. Be on the safe side and learn what plants can hurt before you get stung.
Summer is here! Pinch back new growth on plants you pruned in May for fuller, bushier shrubs. Check your orchids and re-pot if needed. Move your shrubs.
This is a good month to plant trees and shrubs. Wait until after the first rain soaks the ground and be sure to water as you plant. Prune plants that are done blossoming. Prune your poinsettias.
It is too late to start from seeds for a spring garden. Use seedlings. You can start plants from Cuttings. Be sure to select twigs from healthy, new growth. Root prune any shrub you plan to move in June.
Thin the fruit trees by leaving 1 fruit blossom every 6 to 12 inches on the branch. The higher the leaf to fruit ratio the sweeter the fruit. Plant carrots for late fall crop; stake and pinch suckers on tomatoes. Don’t pick green beans when it’s raining or rust will appear on the beans. Prune rhododendruons after they flower.
Weed perennials, top dress with compost. Trim climbing roses, scatter crushed egg shells in a thick ring around bushes. Prune suckers from fruit trees before they get ahead of you. Plant any remaining vegetables by the light of the moon.
Tomatoes and peppers should be in bloom. Dust with baby powder. Rake and remove all old mulch from the rest of the garden. Scatter poppy seeds to grow where they are. Don’t fertilize strawberries in the spring. Plant rose bushes now.
