Timely Gardening Tips

July Gardening Tips

SUMMER LAWN CARE

Fertilize warm-season grasses now with ferti•lome Winterizer. Don’t be confused by the name. The 25% nitrogen in Winterizer is great to promote maximum growth and spread for bermudagrass, buffalo and zoysia, the way it does for fescue in the fall. Since this fertilizer contains iron—sweep off any concrete areas before watering in.

Summer weather requires adjustments to mowing heights and watering frequency.

If you mow often enough to remove only 1/3 of the grass blades, you can mulch instead of bag the clippings. These grass clippings will return nutrients to the soil as they break down and also act as a mulch to conserve moisture and cool the root zone.

Proper watering is essential to maintain a good looking lawn. Irrigation needs to be done in such a way as to encourage deep rooting, which in turn makes lawns healthier. Depending on your soil type, it may take several short waterings during one day to saturate the soil and prevent runoff. Automatic sprinkler systems can be programmed to put the exact amount of water where it is needed. Continue to water in the mornings so grass is dry at night to reduce a flare up of brown patch disease. Now would be the time for a second application of ferti•lome F-Stop if your lawn has had a history of this fungus.

In the war against grubs, one July application of Hi-Yield Grub Free Zone works as a preventative for the remainder of the season. Water in Grub Free Zone after application.

Water is the most important element to help plants survive the summer heat. This year, as wet as it was earlier, watering will be even more important. Plants used to constant moisture may need more water than usual.

Mulch is another factor in this conservation formula. The mulch keeps water from evaporating off the soil surface and reduces the light and air available to weed seeds.

In landscape beds the best mulch to use is all bark cedar. The fibers of the shredded cedar bark mulch knit together to form a barrier against weeds and also to hold the mulch in place so it doesn’t wash away. In vegetable gardens, or any plot which will be tilled, a biodegradable mulches such as hemp hurd, wheat straw or even compost are preferred.

Another product which can help alleviate the stress of hot, dry conditions in container plants is Soil Moist, a polymer that stores water and then releases it to plant roots as needed. Hydretain liquid can be a great choice in spots in the turf that tend to dry out.

Annual flowers and vegetables can be fed lightly in the heat with a slow release fertilizer like ferti•lome Garden Cote or Color Star.

SPIDER MITES - Spider mites thrive in hot conditions. Watch your plants. Look for stippled, yellow leaves and webbing over flower buds or on the lower leaf surfaces. Spray affected plants with ferti•lome Triple Action or Natural Guard Horticultural Oil. Treat at least three times at 7 day intervals. Apply a hard stream of water before the treatment to help wash off some of the mites. It’s best to apply these products when temperatures are below 90°, and always spray in early morning or evening, avoiding the hottest part of the day.

PINE-TIP MOTH - Spray in late July for the third generation. Use Hi-Yield Indoor/Outdoor Broad Use Insecticide or ferti-lome Spinosad.

GERANIUM BUDWORMS - Use ferti-lome Caterpillar Killer with BT (Thuricide). This product is also available in a ready-to-use spray. ferti-lome Spinosad is another good choice for worms and small beetles. Spinosad is also available in a ready-to-use spray. Spray in early evening and continue as needed through the summer.

COTTONWOOD BORERS - Spray the lower trunk and soil with Hi-Yield 38 Plus.