If July is anything like June, it’s going to be a hot one again. So that means wearing protective clothing, and a broad-brimmed hat. If you choose not to wear long sleeves and long trousers, make sure you use a high-rated sunscreen—SPF 30. Always make sure to wear a hat, take plenty of fluid breaks, and cool off occasionally in the shade. Gardening in the early morning is best while it’s cooler.
Weeds
As you know, weeds can compete with your plants for water and nutrients. And weeds are going to be prolific this year. I do not ue herbicides, so it’s a little more work to keep the weeds at bay, but there are some ways you can keep weeds down without using harmful herbicides. (See Is Glyphosate Safe? Gardeners Want To Know!) Here are some “natural” products that can reduce weeds:
- Industrial grade vinegar. Add a few tablespoons of liquid dishwashing detergent to act as a surfactant and spray directly on weeds. It does have some effect on weeds, but you will need to reapply. This product is relatively expensive (over $20 per gallon.) Regular vinegar with a surfactant like above but add a cup of salt to the sprayer.
- Add mulch to your garden beds if you haven’t done so already. Mulch keeps weeds away. It also keeps the soil at a more even temperature and helps plant roots survive weather extremes. Mulch also helps keep moisture in the soil. I would put at least four inches of mulch, or maybe more.
Other chores
- Continue deadheading annuals and perennials to encourage more blooms. You might also collect seeds from those plants and save them for next year. Make sure you label them.
- Roses. Fertilize your rose bushed now. It might be a good idea to add organic compost around the roses and cover with an ample layer of mulch.
- Pests. Check for spider mites (they love the heat…and your plants. Control by simply spraying soapy water on them.
- Divide daylilies this month, if they have stopped blooming.
- Vegetable plantings. Plant okra, eggplant, Southern peas. pumpkin, watermelon and perhaps Irish potatoes now. Wait until late August or September to plant tomatoes, beans, etc. See my Vegetable Planting Chart for more specific information.
