Remember a slow deep watering weekly is much better for the plants than a little sprinkle with the garden hose. Be sure to water before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m., so as not to scorch your plants.
July on the Eastern Shore brings intense heat and humidity.
Checking your existing and newly planted landscape is especially important during this time of the year.
Established lawns and landscapes need 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches of water a week. If it doesn’t rain, you need to provide moisture for these plants.
Newly planted lawns and landscapes may need more since their root systems are not yet established.
Provide sufficient irrigation twice weekly if no rain is present.
Remember a slow deep watering weekly is much better for the plants than a little sprinkle with the garden hose.
Be sure to water before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m., so as not to scorch your plants.
Continue to deadhead all annuals and perennial plants, so that the energy the plant is generating can be used to produce new flowers.
Keep a good 2-3 inches of mulch around all established trees, shrubs, as well as annual and perennial flower beds.
Mulch helps to conserve water and keeps the roots cooler in the summer heat.
Be sure to feed all annual and tropical plants weekly with Super Bloom or a Blossom Booster water soluble fertilizer.
These plants are heavy feeders and need that added feedings to ensure continued flowering, health and vigor.
With the heat and humidity, insect pests become more active.
Check your plants weekly and look for signs of sucking insects like scales, mealy bugs, mites and aphids. Treat infected plants with Bonide’s
Systemic Insecticide, or Yard & Garden Eight or use an organic control like Capt. Jack’s Neem Oil. Be sure to do at least three applications 10 to 14 days apart.
Japanese beetles will be coming out of the ground soon, and have enormous appetites.
They feed on Cherry and Plum trees, Grapevine plants, Crape myrtles, Japanese Maples, Roses and Hibiscus.
If you choose to use traps, place them away from any of your desirable plants and be sure to install a new lure, as this is also their mating season and this is how the traps will be effective.
We also suggest using Bonide’s Yard and Garden Eight, which will kill them on contact and provide about two weeks of protection.
Two more sprays, two weeks apart will take care of them for remainder of the season.
Mildew problems on roses, phlox, lilac and other susceptible plants, are likely to occur with the onset of hot, humid and moist days and nights.
Be sure to water only in the morning and water the area on the ground around the plants, trying not to get the foliage wet, to prevent not only fungal issues, but possible scorching of the plant.
If fungal problems persist, we suggest using Infuse by Bonide.
This is a systemic fungicide that is very effective when used as directed.
Be sure to repeat the applications every 10-14 days, as long as the humid weather persists.
Pinch back chrysanthemums for the last time to encourage a more bushy plant for the fall.
Cutting back the plant several inches will also increase the flower show for the fall.
The dormant buds begin to form in late July and early August for September blooming.
Be sure to fertilize with Espoma’s Flowertone to ensure a more intense flower show and color.
If you have a compost pile, be sure to turn it over and water the pile weekly. This will help to speed up the composting time. It is also recommended that you add lime to the compost pile to balance the pH.
If you have any annuals that died or are not performing well, consider planting some plant varieties that will thrive in our July heat.
Echinacea, Lantana, Pentas, Russian Sage, Zinnias and Sedums will fit the bill.
These plants don’t require quite as much water and can standup to our Eastern Shore heat and humidity.
Be sure to use Bio-tone plant starter when planting and some compost like leafgro or manure.
Take a moment to reflect on our country’s 250th anniversary and be thankful for all the benefits and blessings we have as Americans.
Many people sacrificed everything to make this happen, remember them as well.
Enjoy your 4th of July and Happy Birthday to the USA!
(Editor’s Note: Ken Morgan is the owner of Robin’s Nest Floral and Garden Center in Easton, Md.)
