- Chrysanthemums should be cut back halfway to encourage fall blooming. If not trimmed they will bloom later this month and not in the fall.
- Pinch out the flower buds of asters, mums, goldenrod and other fall bloomers to keep plants bushy and prevent early flowering.
- Although this is not the best time to divide and transplant perennials, it can be done if necessary. Divide and re-plant quickly in the early evening, keeping the root system moist at all times. Water the new divisions daily until they are established.
Lawn
- Crabgrass is growing very rapidly. While it is still young, it can be controlled with a post-emergent herbicide, or hand dug from the lawn.
- Cicada killer wasps are becoming active. They are very large, 2 inches long, and resemble yellow jackets in coloration. Fortunately, these wasps are not aggressive and will not sting unless handled. No controls are recommended.
- Typically, July is a very hot month and proper mowing of your lawn is critical to help it survive the summer. “Mow ‘em high and let ‘em lie” should be your slogan. Cut your cool-season turf (fescues and bluegrass) to a height of 3-4 inches and leave the clippings on the lawn where they will decompose naturally. Mow warm season grasses, like zoysia and Bermuda, to a height of 3 inches.
- Cut back herbs through the summer to keep plants bushy and productive. Essential oils are most concentrated right before bloom. Now is a good time to propagate herbs by stem cuttings.
- It’s time to begin thinking of fall vegetables. Seed for fall crops of broccoli, kale, turnip, and cauliflower should be sown in containers by the 3rd to 4th week in July. Late crops of squash, beans, and cucumbers can be direct sown through the end of July.
More tips from the Home & Garden Information Center
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