JULY TO-DO
Julia Laughlin offers a list of tasks for your July garden
July is upon us, and hopefully you are beginning to enjoy the fruits of your spring and early summer labors such as beautiful lawns, flower beds and harvesting some home-grown vegetables, fruits and herbs!
This time of the year, there are many lawn and garden “maintenance” tasks. Watering needs will escalate with the summer heat. Try to get in the habit of early morning irrigation or watering if possible. Plants need the water in the hottest part of the day, and early morning watering also will prevent water loss by evaporation. Be aware of watering restrictions in your community, and water thoroughly on assigned days.
You still can add a nice, thick mulch layer to your beds if you have not done so to cool the soil and conserve moisture. You will get the added benefit of reducing weed populations and creating an attractive appearance.
Newly planted trees and shrubs need special attention during their first growing season since they don't have an established root system. Water them deeply and thoroughly once a week to encourage a deep root system rather than frequent, shallow watering.
Mature shade trees often will develop clear yellow leaves that drop in the hottest part of summer. This is a normal reaction to heat and drought and should not concern you.
Container gardens and plants will need regular watering. Hanging baskets will dry out even faster since they are more exposed. You can add a mulch layer to container plants to help conserve moisture.
Warm-season grasses, like bermudagrass, usually need about 1 inch of water per week through the summer. Fescue will require 2 inches per week to perform well.
One of the best tips to help your lawn and improve your lawncare plan is that your grass mowing heights should be adjusted for mid-summer.
Mowing at the incorrect height in the summer months is a common lawn-care mistake that can have undesirable results.
Cutting turfgrasses below their recommended height will discourage deep rooting and also may cause the turf to thin, because it is less able to withstand heavy traffic and environmental stresses such as low soil moisture and extreme temperatures.