July To-Do List

Well, the Fourth is over. Time to clean up the firework debris and enjoy some garden time while is still enjoyable outside. Here are a few to-dos to make everything easier.

Cut back spring annuals

A lot of the pretty mixed pots and hanging baskets from spring may be starting to look a little thread bare.  Root space is getting tight and there was that one week we forgot to water that one pot.  Now is a great time to cut back those spring annuals.  Cut out any dead stems and give the leggy stems a good whack.  Give the rest a little cut to make it all look symmetrical.  Apply a small does of Colorstar Fertilizer, water, and enjoy a lovely beverage on your porch!

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Clean/Dust your porch light

While your there, clean your porch lights and other outdoor lighting. We have a month before august hits and renders outdoor living impossible. Spending a few minutes cleaning your lighting will make your outdoor living area more welcoming during the last few cool nights of summer.  Not only will lighting highlight your plants in the evening so we can enjoy them, but a well kept yard and adequate lighting are the two most effective things that can be done to prevent crime in our neighborhoods!

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Adjust your sprinkler system and watering habits

The past few weeks we have seen some good rain, but that won’t last. It’s a great time to check your sprinkler system, drip hoses, timers and such for proper watering.  Place a cake pan in your yard and time your sprinkler to run as long as it takes to fill that up to one inch.  That’s how long your system needs to run PER WEEK!  We recommend twice a week, so half inch per run. Garden beds need about that much, but once a week is usually enough!  Specimen plantings that are not well suited to Oklahoma weather need to be dealt with as needed.  Potted plants most likely need to be watered once a day.  No matter what it is, morning is the best time to water.  Wet plants during warm nights are begging to be attacked by bugs, fungi, and viruses!

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Re-apply compost

Redressing your beds and pots with a thin layer of compost will help retain moisture throughout the day, and replace organic material the plant has utilized during the spring.

Pinch bag worms

Pinch bag worms on evergreens before the infestation gets out of control.  Also, spray web worms in trees with a high pressure spray.  Once the webs are torn open, the birds will feast! It is very satisfying!

Add natives!

If you have any dead spots or something isn't filling in the way you hoped, consider adding native plants. Most native plants are just now starting to bloom and will continue to thumb their noses(petals?) at the heat and drought! Not to mention the benefits of bringing in native wildlife.

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Add a bird/bee bath

You could also use those spots or add a bird/bee bath. Any bird bath will work, but add rocks. This will give bees and butterflies a spot to land and get a drink.

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Don't worry about your tomatoes

It has been relatively cool, so tomatoes should still be producing.  But as temps climb over the mid 90’s, tomato pollen stops being viable.  This can be helped by shaking the plant early in the morning, before it gets too hot.  At a certain point, you will have flowers, but not fruit.  Don’t worry, keep the plant healthy with compost and water.  Once temperatures drop, production will return.

Relax!

Relax! There isn’t a whole lot that can be planted right now, so enjoy your spring labors and start planning for fall.
July 22nd is National Hammock Day! So go get one and relax!

--Alex Wisdom