Garden Calendar-July-August-September

 

 

 

 

•Check plants for Japanese beetles, especially on roses, crapemyrtles, grapes, crabapples and Japanese maples.  Control by knocking the beetles into a jar of water with a couple drops of dishwashing liquid in it, or spray with

  Triple Action (neem & pyrethrin). Control the grub stage by applying Milky Spore to lawns for control for 10-20 years.

•Use tree watering bags around trees that can’t be reached with a hose. This is the most effective way to water because the water trickles slowly to a depth that encourages deep rooting.  

•Use Mosquito Dunks to control mosquito larvae in places where water stands. It is safe for humans, pets, and fish,

 and can be used in water gardens and birdbaths.

 •In mid July plant corn, beans, cucumbers, and zucchini seeds for late crops. In late July sow beans, beets, spinach,

and turnip seeds for fall.  Transplant broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and brussels sprout plants for fall crops.

•Sow lettuce, greens, and radish seeds in August for the fall garden. Pull onions after the tops die and let dry in the sun

 for 2-3 days.  Dry in a warm place for 2 weeks and then store.

•Plant mums, iris, poppies, and other new perennials in late summer/early fall so plants will become established

 before freeze in fall. Plant pansies for fall color (they arrive in September). Pansies will overwinter with blooms   

through winter and spring, even in the snow!  Mix in 2 Tablespoons HiYield Bone & Bloodmeal beneath each plant.    

•Plant Autumn Crocus in September for fall blooms. These are different than the spring blooming crocus!

•Plant spring flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils, crocus, etc.) which arrive in early September.  Use Espoma Bulb-Tone     

or HiYield Bone & Bloodmeal when planting.

•Sow grass seed in September using New Lawn Starter fertilizer.  Have a soil test done first to determine if lime is

 needed.  Water daily and lightly for the first two weeks to keep ground moist for good germination.