In July, gardening becomes a balancing act as the sun’s intensity increases, demanding more frequent watering to sustain plants through the heat. Gardeners should diligently monitor soil moisture levels, adjusting watering schedules to meet the seasonal demands and keep their green spaces flourishing. Our expert tips will help you make the most of the demanding month, so read on!

Plant Doctor Quips

Moana Lane Plant Doctor, Michael Roth, says, “By now your vegetable garden should be growing in leaps and bounds.  As it gets later into the season I switch fertilizer to the Gardner and Bloome Bud and Bloom Fertilizer.  It is a great source of organic nutrients and I supplement it with the Neptune’s Harvest Tomato and Vegetable formula weekly.  If both products are used in conjunction, I guarantee your results will exceed your expectations.“

Our South Virginia Plant Doctor, Steve Packer says, “With Summer heat upon us, it is very important to keep up with watering. All containers, including hanging flower baskets, need more water (almost daily) during hot July days. Smaller baskets may need to be watered twice daily, particularly on windy days that can dry plants out more quickly. All it takes is one missed watering to spell disaster for container plants.”

Our Moana Lane plant doctor, Jon Bruyn, says, “It’s that time of year to be dead heading your flowering plants to get them to rebloom. Roses, of course, rebloom on their own but will be stronger with proper deadheading to the five leaflet leaf, and annuals and perennials with just the flower stalk. But do you know why this works? What deadheading does is that it tricks the plant into thinking it has failed to complete the flowering cycle and to try again. It does not make a spring flowering plant, flower in the summer, it just extends that season of flowering. This is why we suggest that you select your perennials for the season and color and not just their color.“

Our Pyramid Way Plant Doctor, Jeni Lowery says, “As we get into the hottest part of the year, I give my shrubs and trees SUPERthrive about every 10 days to help them restore themselves after the suffocating heat. And make sure to check your irrigation for any leaks or blockages.”

Our Pyramid Way Plant Doctor, Nick Macaluso says, “In the summer months we always see lawns starting to brown. If you are experiencing this, it is likely that those parts of your lawn are not getting sufficient water. Take some plastic cups or cans and put them in various parts of your yard to measure the amount of water that those areas are getting. This will give you an idea if lack of water is the issue.”

Bird Nerd, Lisa Braginton explains, “July is usually a quiet time at our bird feeders, but is still a really important time to provide fresh food and water for birds. Many songbirds are molting – replacing old feathers with new plumage- and this energy intensive process leaves them vulnerable to predators. Keep feeders stocked with fresh, high-protein foods like mealworms, nyjer, sunflower chips, peanuts, and Bark Butter®, and offer plenty of fresh, cool water. Even if you’re not seeing many birds, the actions you take to support them will pay off in healthier and abundant populations for you to enjoy in the future.“

July
Moana Nursery High Desert Gardening
Timely Tips

  • Water newly planted trees, shrubs, perennials & roses 3 – 4 times per week in July and August, being careful not to overwater – soil needs to dry out between watering; otherwise soil becomes waterlogged which can cause roots to suffocate & rot.
  • Continue to check all plants weekly to be sure they are getting adequate water; established trees, shrubs, perennials & roses require 1 inch of water per week throughout their root zones.
  • Continue to cultivate and weed and if not done yet, mulch garden beds immediately after weeding with 2 to 4 inches of G&B Organics Soil Building Conditioner to retain moisture and keep weeds under control.
  • When you purchase a tree or shrub, be sure that you get a planting guide from the cashier to learn how to properly plant and maintain trees and shrubs. Or view our How to Plant a Tree video to ensure that your trees and shrubs get off to a healthy start & long life. Should you have additional questions, please talk to a plant doctor.
  • Continue to deadhead roses by cutting flowers back to the first set of five leaflets.
  • Monitor roses closely for blackspot. Remove any leaves that show darkened circles with fuzzy margins on either side of the leaves; yellow foliage with dark spots; and any leaves that have already dropped from the plant. Begin a spray program with Bonide Neem Oil immediately. Dispose of infected leaves in the trash; do not compost.
  • If not done, yet, renovate overgrown shrubs including redtwig dogwood, lilac, and forsythia by removing one-third of the oldest canes.
  • For a second, late summer bloom, shear, cut back or remove flower spikes from catmint, perennial geraniums, salvia, and delphiniums. 
  • Remove spent flowers or seed heads of daylilies immediately to conserve plant energy.
  • Make note of empty spots in borders that might benefit from planting summer-flowering bulbs next year.
  • Continue pruning out the longest stem of cascading petunias weekly to prevent plants from becoming scraggly.
  • Fertilize roses with G&B Organics Rose and Flower Fertilizer now for a second time if you have not already done so. Regular feeding is important for vibrant blooms & healthy plants.  
  • Fertilize container plants with G&B Organics Bud & Bloom granular every three weeks avoid applying in the heat of the day. Always water plants before adding liquid fertilizer.
  • Espaliered fruit trees should be pruned for the second time once their spring flush of growth is over. The first pruning is done in late winter when plants are dormant.
  • Stake tomato plants with tomato cages if they have no supports. Begin harvesting as fruit ripens.
  • Monitor tomatoes and ensure that they receive an even supply of moisture instead of heavy soaking and then a drought.  
  • Monitor vegetables for symptoms of fungus or blight: soft, darkened areas, yellow and dropping leaves, sunken dark spots on otherwise green foliage.
  • Monitor all plants for insects. Hand-remove large insects such as tomato hornworms, cicadas, and other caterpillars. For squash bugs, use Bonide Eight. Or a non-chemical alternative for the brave is to remove adults and nymphs by hand and squish their eggs on the back side of leaves.
  • Continue to harvest herbs to use fresh, dry, or freeze in small batches in an ice cube tray. Pinch off developing flowers to retain essential oils and flavor in the plant’s foliage.
  • Fertilize vegetables with G&B Organics Tomato, Vegetable & Herb fertilizer every 2 months. FoxFarm Grow Big, Big Bloom, Tiger Bloom Bud & Blooms & BushDoctor Cal-Mag are also great for veggies; use according to label.
  • Fungus Gnats love the warmer weather. Use Sticky Traps and Mosquito Bits to eradicate. Sticky Traps are effective at catching the adults and Mosquito Bits target the eggs and larvae. Reduce watering if possible.
  • Most Indoor Plants don’t like to be kept in drafty areas of your home, move them away from fans, swamp coolers, and AC vents.
  • Ensure your Indoor Plants are not placed in areas where they are exposed to direct sunlight during the hot summer months. Move them away from windows if possible to avoid leaf scorch.
  • Many birds are now beginning their main molt (replacement of their feathers) which requires extra protein to grow strong feathers for proper flight and effective insulation. For the next few months, offer high-protein bird foods, such as nyjer, peanuts, Jim’s Birdacious Bark Butter® or continue to offer Nesting Blend to ensure that your birds have a reliable source of protein to help them with molting.
  • As summer progresses, rufous hummingbirds will start showing up and will stay into the fall.
  • Add movement to birdbaths with water wigglers to attract more birds.
  • Continue offering WBU Suet Dough to warblers, nuthatches, wrens & woodpeckers, and all insect-eating birds. It’s a great way to provide additional protein.
  • Continue to put out oranges, grape jelly and nectar for orioles and sugar water for hummingbirds. Be sure to change every few days to avoid spoilage — more frequently if in full sun all day.
  • Continue to supply fresh water and change it every 3 days to keep it clean. To prevent the chance of disease, clean birdbath weekly with a weak bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) and rinse well. 
  • Store bird food in a sealed container and keep in a cool dry place to prevent spoilage.
  • To ensure that bird seed is eaten quickly and stays fresh, keep feeders filled with a one- or two-day supply of seed.
  • Clean and sterilize your bird feeders every 6 weeks with a bleach solution (see above) to prevent the spread of disease.
  • Install a customized Wild Birds Unlimited bird feeding station where you can easily watch the birds it attracts. It can be installed in the ground or on a deck.
  • Our Seasonal Color Team can help you with custom containers, annual planting beds or a simple refresh of your existing garden. Schedule a free consultation today! 
  • Need help with your indoor plants? Contact our Interior Plant Services team. They can help you design, install and maintain your indoor plants! Want a WOW plant presentation? Ask about installing a LIVING PLANT WALL! Examples of plant walls are available to see at both our Moana Lane and Pyramid Way locations.
  • Did you know that our plant doctors can help with the following:
    • Diagnose disease & insect problems on trees, shrubs & lawns
    • Identify existing plants in your landscape and how to care for them
    • Provide plant placement for DIY customers
    • Stop by any location to ask questions or email plantdoctors@moananursery.com.