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July

Gardening Calendar

July and August are not the favorite months for gardeners in Arkansas. Heat and humidity have most of us running indoors into the air conditioning. But there is plenty to do in the garden. Insects and diseases are at their peak and water is crucial now. Keep in mind that all of the spring blooming plants are getting ready to need energy to set flower buds for next spring. While we had too much water this spring, now plants need some. Everyone wants a formula for how much to water, but there are too many factors which influence the need. What type of plants, what type of soil, how much sunlight and how close is the competition? Learn the needs of YOUR garden. Too much water is just as detrimental as too little. Water early in the day to allow moisture to get into the ground before the plants get stressed. Keeping the foliage dry can also cut down on diseases.

While many may be longing for the cooler temperatures of fall, fall vegetable gardening is upon us. You can plant all of the summer crops again starting in mid July through early August for a fall harvest, and by early August it is time to start planting broccoli, cabbage, onions, carrots and other fall crops. Fall gardens aren’t as easy as early spring gardens, because it is hotter and drier, but also diseases and insects are waiting to attack. Monitor your garden frequently and catch problems as they arise. Mulching will be a huge help in the garden now, keeping water in and weeds out.

In addition to planting more vegetables, gardens that have been watered and maintained are producing a bountiful harvest. Tomatoes are in season, and nothing is better than biting into a home grown juicy tomato. Harvest vegetables early in the day for best flavor. Our gardens had a delayed start this year with all the rain and cooler temperatures, so they are still producing well. Remember that peppers are heavy feeders and to keep them producing you need plenty of nutrition. Use caution when applying fertilizer or pesticides when it is hot and dry. Make sure there is ample moisture in the ground and in the plants before fertilizing. Avoid using many pesticides. If you have to spray, do so very early in the day after you have irrigated.

Heat and humidity may take their toll on mere mortals, but tropical plants are in their element. The more humidity, the better they like it. Since we grow most of tropical plants in containers, water is still a vital element for success. Soil in containers dries out much more quickly than soil in the ground.  Because we water so frequently, we also need to fertilize more often. Water soluble fertilizer are best now, and should be used once every week or two. Water well before adding the fertilizer amended water. Water soluble fertilizers have less potential to burn our plants, but even so, we don’t want to use fertilizer amended water on bone-dry plants. 

Mid to late summer is a great judge for heat tolerant annuals.  Geraniums have gotten smaller, if they are blooming at all, and petunias and callibrachoa are slowing down if they haven’t been kept fertilized.  But sweet potato vine, angelonia, lantana and melampodium are blooming like crazy. The new Snow Princess Lobularia has not stopped since it was planted, and the Diamond Frost euphorbia looks like a mist of white. Deadhead plants as needed and cut back leggy annuals. A shot of fertilizer and a quick haircut can help them rebound. If it isn’t a lost cause, they can be back in bloom in no time and continue to bloom until a frost. For those that are still blooming well, don’t cut them back, but do continue to water and fertilize. Annuals are in the ground for one season, so we want to get our monies worth of blooms. If they are too far gone to save, go buy some new plants. In today’s nurseries, annuals are available almost year-round. 

Many gardens are a sea of color in the spring, but by midsummer we have green gardens. If your garden needs some color consider shrubs and perennials that bloom now. Crape myrtles are a standard bearer for summer color and they come in all sizes. Clethra is blooming now, along with althea and summer spirea, and many hydrangeas are still blooming their hearts out. Repeat bloomers like Endless Summer and Blushing Bride will continue to bloom through fall.  Roses are blooming and perennials such as liatris, lilies, cannas and elephant ears are in season.  Hosta and heuchera look good all summer with regular water and fertility and hardy hibiscus have large showy flowers now. If you need color in the garden, go get some. It may not be ideal planting conditions, but container grown plants can be planted year-round.  All you need is water and mulch.

July and August still give us plenty of fresh fruit. There are still blackberries in July, and peaches are ripening along with later blueberries and the early apples. Figs will be in season soon, and some early grapes are hitting the market as well. If you don’t grow your own, don’t forget about the wonderful network of farmers markets across the state. Today’s farmers markets are not just about vegetables, but great sources for fresh flower bouquets, locally grown meat and jams, jellies and breads. Some even offer locally made craft items. Not only do you have access to fresh, locally grown produce, but you get to mingle with neighbors and friends while you shop. For many, the farmers market is a highlight of their week.

For lawns, the main routine now is water and mowing. If you want to control any weeds, now is the time to do it before they get too large. You will find that some weeds are easier to kill than others. Nut sedge is tough. Sedgehammer is probably your best bet. Always read and follow label directions. If you want one final application of fertilizer, mid to late August is the time to do it. Pay attention to weather conditions.

 


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University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture
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Last Date Modified 02/01/2012
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University of Arkansas • Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
2301 South University Avenue
Little Rock, Arkansas 72204 • USA
Phone (501) 671-2000 • Fax (501) 671-2209
 

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