July Gardening Check List

We're heading into the dog days of summer - although to be honest here in Florida it's felt like the dog days for MONTHS now.  The heat and humidity has been trying for the most seasoned gardeners so if you've been struggling to care for your plants, don't feel alone.  

For most of us this year, it's been fighting the dry conditions.  Many areas are also dealing with drought conditions. Even the northeast will see its highest temperatures in July and August.  Best thing to do is head outdoors early in the day to tackle any weeding that may need done.  In addition to keeping your plants properly waterered, the following will help you keep your yard and gardens healthy:

• Check your plants, shrubs and trees for insect infestation.  Also inspect for disease. Be sure to treat properly.  A great resource is your state's agriculture department.
• Deadhead your perennial flowers. Removing the dead flowers
• Fertilize your heat resistant flowers, shrubs and trees.  
• If you have a vegetable garden, be sure to water daily along with harvesting ripe fruit and vegetables.  Be sure to pick berries before the wild birds eat them!

July is also a great time to think about your fall garden and landscape. If you will be planting trees and shrubs in the fall, take a look around and determine where you will place them. Be sure to bookmark our site here to preorder bare root trees to plant in the fall:  2020 Bareroot Tree Preorders