At the end of June we experienced a daily summer pattern of higher temperatures, high humidity and thunderstorms. This poses some problems in gardening as some plants thrive, some die from the heat, and others suffer from disease and pests. Increasingly, thoughts about the possible formation of tropical systems in the Atlantic Ocean are heard. Here's a look at how to prepare and respond to the gardening challenges that July brings.
Where does the water go?
When we see larger rains, we need to start asking where all that water will end up and make sure we provide a good escape route for it. From the house, a lot of rain falls on the roof and often ends up in the gutters. Now is the perfect time to make sure your gutters are clean and free of rain so you can create a straight path in your landscape. This means that your water is flowing into your landscape and not onto the sidewalks. You may also want to consider installing a rain barrel to collect rainwater in your landscape for use in arid climates.
After draining the gutters, make sure water can easily leave your home and be aware of areas that are prone to flooding or puddles. Some minor problems can be easily dealt with with minor slope changes and obstruction removal, but for more serious drainage problems, you will need to hire a company or engineer. If you live in an area with storm drains, clear out anything that could clog driveways to prevent flooding during storms or tropical weather. However, if they return, you can contact your local public works department for help.
Soil Tests: What They Tell You and What They Don't Tell You
Soil analysis is one of the services that UF/IFAS Extension offers for both pH and nutrients. This may include some testing at a regional office or sending a sample to a soil testing lab in Gainesville. However, it is important to understand what this test can and cannot say.
Soil tests are recommended for gardens that plan to fertilize or add lime. pH tests and lime requirements can tell you how acidic or alkaline your soil can be and what can be done to fix it. Never apply lime before testing the pH. Comprehensive nutrient tests usually tell you how much phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients are in your soil and give you fertilizer recommendations. Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office to learn more about soil testing opportunities in your area.
I also receive requests for soil tests that are not conducted by the UF/IFAS Extension. First, we do not test for contaminants such as heavy metals or chemicals. These tests are carried out by environmental testing laboratories. Soil tests won't tell you about plant diseases in your soil either; This requires tests for phytopathology. Also, soil tests usually won't give you a complete picture of what your grass or plants are struggling with. Plant wilting is often a combination of several factors, so contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office with photos and examples of what is happening in your lawn and garden to help us find a solution.
what to plant in july
Vegetables: zucchini, tomato, tomato, rosella, tropical spinach, amaranth, squash, squash, long squash, luffa, seminole squash, chayote, cucumber, peas (southern).
Annuals: Celosia, Coleus, Crossandra, Impatiens, Nicotiana, Sage and Purslane.
Bulbs, tubers, or rhizomes: Aztec lily, butterfly lily, kaffir lily, African lily, spider lily, and walking iris
This article first appeared in the Florida Times-Union: July Gardening Tips: Watering, Soil Testing, What to Plant.
