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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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