July......................................................Average Daily Temp: 83-Average Rainfall:2.2
PLANT new 6 pack or 4 inch size zinnias, portulaca, periwinkle and salvia to extend blooming season. Plant chysanthemums and mexican heather, which are perennials for us. Scatter bluebonnet seeds and rake lightly if you have somewhat alkaline sandy soil. They will not germinate at Smith Flowergardens, but some sections of our county are quite successful with this beautiful state flower.
FERTILIZE blooming plants lightly with 8-8-8 or liquid fertilizer. Guernsey lilies and licoris need superphosphate, worked into soil and watered in well. Use phosphorus sparingly; our gardens benefit most from nitrogen and potassium, but remember, moderate use of phosphorus gives us the bloom. See Fertilizers Schedule.
WATER faithfully during early hours. Sprinkling plants, shrubs and lawns is cooling, and is recommended this month and next, but refrain from doing so during hot part of the day. Best method now is soaking. Elevated containers need water more often - maybe twice a day. Watch for stress on hydrangeas.
LAWNS should be mowed less often, with mower blades set 2.5 inches high. This preserves moisture and prevents burning the roots. Do not fertilize until Fall. Leave mulched grass on the lawn.
WEED CONTROL can be accomplished with judicious use of herbicides. Pre-emergent seed herbicide can be applied to areas where no flower or vegetable seeds are to be planted. A product called Treflan (a pre emergent seed herbicide) can be spread, watered in and plant material can be planted immediately. It will not harm plants.
CLEAN-UP spent flowers. Destroy.
For organic maintenance, see Howard Grant, the Dirt Doctor at http://www.dirtdoctor.com
FERTILIZE blooming plants lightly with 8-8-8 or liquid fertilizer. Guernsey lilies and licoris need superphosphate, worked into soil and watered in well. Use phosphorus sparingly; our gardens benefit most from nitrogen and potassium, but remember, moderate use of phosphorus gives us the bloom. See Fertilizers Schedule.
WATER faithfully during early hours. Sprinkling plants, shrubs and lawns is cooling, and is recommended this month and next, but refrain from doing so during hot part of the day. Best method now is soaking. Elevated containers need water more often - maybe twice a day. Watch for stress on hydrangeas.
LAWNS should be mowed less often, with mower blades set 2.5 inches high. This preserves moisture and prevents burning the roots. Do not fertilize until Fall. Leave mulched grass on the lawn.
WEED CONTROL can be accomplished with judicious use of herbicides. Pre-emergent seed herbicide can be applied to areas where no flower or vegetable seeds are to be planted. A product called Treflan (a pre emergent seed herbicide) can be spread, watered in and plant material can be planted immediately. It will not harm plants.
CLEAN-UP spent flowers. Destroy.
For organic maintenance, see Howard Grant, the Dirt Doctor at http://www.dirtdoctor.com