July's Gardening To Do List

1. Water lawns and garden when needed giving a thorough soaking rather than frequent light sprinklings.

2. Fertilize lawn at the same rate suggested in May. Be sure soil is moist before applying then water in well after applying.

3. Check plants for mulch. Replace as needed

4. Keep a close check on recently planted landscape plants. Inadequate root system and drought can be damaging.

5. Watch for and apply early control for summer insects and disease to privent a build up of spread.

6. Check Azaleas and Camellias for iron chrlorosis (pale green leaves, darker green veins). If necessary, use copperas or iron chelate to correct iron deficiency.

7. Sow seeds of the following annuals for fall flower: Marigold, Zinnia, Periwinkle, Petunia, Cosmos, Portulaca, Ageratum.

8. Make the last pinch on early blooming mums by mid-July. Those blooming late in the fall can be given one additional pinch the last of the month. Keep them well watered.

9. Check your lawn mower. With hot weather here, you may want to raise the mower blade to the highest setting.

10.Check junipers and marigolds for red spider mite. The brown, discolored foliage may be due to mite damage. Hold a sheet of white paper below a branch and tap the branch sharply. If the dirt specks start to move, you can be almost certain you have spider mite.

11. To keep hanging baskets looking attractive, soak the baskets in a tub of water every few days in addition to the regular daily watering. This is also a good time to fertilize baskets but never apply fertilizer to dry plants.

12. Divide spring and early summer perennial including daffodils, daylilies, iris, etc., and replant the best clumps. Discard the diseased or damage material, and share any surplus with friends.

13. Low areas in the lawn may be gradually filled with shallow applications of good top soil where needed. Avoid temptation to apply a layer of sandy loam over the entire lawn area just because your neighbor does.

14. Plant spider lilies and fall crocus

15. Seed tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, cauliflower, okra, cabbage and brocolli for fall garden.