July Gardening Activities – Region 6
Tropical and Sub-Tropical Gardens
States in this region include: Hawaii, Florida (southern), Texas (southern), Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and other US territories.
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Keep up with the weeding to reduce weed spread and to prevent these nuisance plants from forming seeds. Weeds can grow at amazing rates due to all the sun and rain. Mow, pull and cut them back to control rampant growth as necessary. (Remember to garden in the cooler morning and evening hours, when temperatures are lowest.)
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Remove wilted impatiens and other sick, wilting annuals left in your landscape. (They're wilting from the heat, not lack of water.) Replace them with heat-tolerant selections like Torenia, gazania daisy, Catharanthus (flowering vinca), Gaillardia, Amaranthus, coleus, ornamental pepper or lantana to spice up landscape beds or planters. (Remember to water-in your new plants well for successful establishment!)
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Turn off irrigation systems during the rainy season, and irrigate only when plants indicate the need for water. Are you watering your lawn properly? Turf shows wilt with blue-gray patches, which are actually areas of folded leaf blades. If footsteps or tire tracks stay in the lawn, this indicates wilt, too.
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Poinsettias need a little care in the summer garden. Continue to fertilize monthly, and prune back new growth to encourage bushier plants. Poinsettias prefer a sunny location with adequate soil moisture. (It's the short days of fall that produce the colorful bracts that are enjoyed during winter and the holiday season.)
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Mulch your landscape beds, if you haven't already! A few inches of organic mulch is all you need to keep weeds at bay, conserve needed soil moisture and protect roots from the scorching sun. (A word to the wise: Never mound mulch around the crown or trunk of plants; keep it a few inches away.)
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Fertilize palm trees. (They should be fed 3-4 times per year.) Use a product with both slow-release forms of nitrogen and potassium (the first and third numbers on the fertilizer bag). A product with a ratio of 3 parts nitrogen, 1 part phosphorus, 3 parts potassium and 1 part magnesium is a good choice and can usually be found in fertilizers labeled "palm special."
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Inspect your irrigation equipment regularly and repair any problems. Make sure sprinklers are running the proper length of time, as well as watering deeply and responsibly so they're not wasting water.
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Plant a palm! It's time to take advantage of the warm, rainy season and add more of these tropical beauties to the landscape. (Large palms should be braced for support.)
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Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing when working in the garden. (And don't forget the hat, sunscreen and water bottle!) Early morning and evening hours are the coolest times to work outside. Remember to pace yourself - the garden will be there tomorrow.
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Prepare fallow veggie gardens for soil solarization: Prepare the garden as if ready to plant, make sure the soil is moist, then cover with a thick sheet of clear plastic. Seal the edges with soil. Leave the plastic in place for 6-8 weeks - the accumulated heat will kill weeds, insects, fungi and harmful nematodes. Remove the cover 2-4 weeks before planting to allow the soil to cool.
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Use a drip irrigation system to water containers, planters and baskets. It's a great way to conserve water, while providing your planters with the attention they need.
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Come to The Garden Party and share your gardening adventures with other home gardeners around the country! Post pictures of your garden, write a blog or ask expert green thumbs for more help, tips or suggestions.
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