"Well, all the magic happens between June and August." -Jenny Hahn
July is usually the hottest month in Colorado. Many activities in the garden will include maintenance, weeding and even harvesting.
• Gardeners may still notice zinnia seeds in early July. They prefer warm soil before emergence. They are beautiful fresh annual flowers that offer bursts of color. In autumn, when other years seem tired, zinnia will be cheerful and extraordinary.
• Don't forget to water the plant when the temperature rises. Check the top and outer leaves of trees and shrubs for heat and drought damage. It's normal for pine needles to brown on the branches closest to the trunk, but look for browning on the tips of the branches. This could be a sign that the tree is in trouble.
• Apply mulch or reuse; It prevents soil compaction, conserves moisture and keeps the soil fresh.
• Mow as often as necessary, keeping the grass 2½ to 3 cm high.
• Prune trees, junipers, and boxwoods after new growth and the tree's shape expands. When pruning, shape the bush so that sunlight reaches all parts of the plant.
• Feed petunias when they are established. This will encourage the plant to branch out and fill out.
• Prune perennial delphiniums and salvias for second blooms.
• Ideal fertilization of hybrid tea and roses. Remove faded flowers to promote new flowers. Cut stems of single-flowered roses back to the first five leaves. Prune climbing roses after flowering.
• Pinch or pull the stem for larger flowers. Remove at least one pair of side buds below the top bud.
• Dig up and divide bearded irises and spring-flowering poppies. Separate all narrow irises and discard old or diseased rhizomes.
• Wild perennials to keep gardens healthy and thriving.
• Tomatoes need constant watering to prevent bleeding rot and fruit deformation.
• Plant zucchini when the fruit is 6 to 8 cm long.
• Replant lettuce and plant peas for fall harvest.
• Be aware of minor illnesses. Trimming phlox and roses to maintain an open vase-like shape will encourage air circulation and help prevent mold. Check the plants for signs of pests. Tomato pests can be removed from the plant and thrown into the street.
Check trees and shrubs for spreading white webs; This is a sign of a spider mite. A strong spray of water from the hose will remove it temporarily.
Insecticidal soap is effective in controlling aphids, which seem to appear by the billions overnight. Lupins and vegetables in the cabbage family are particularly susceptible to aphids.
• Ladybugs are beneficial insects and will help control pests in your garden
Send gardening questions to [email protected] or call 719-520-7684. The Help Desk is open 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Monday and Wednesday 5:00 PM N. Spruce St. Find us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners - El Paso County.
Send gardening questions to [email protected] or call 719-520-7684. The Help Desk is open 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Monday and Wednesday 5:00 PM N. Spruce St. Find us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners - El Paso County.
