July To-Do List

• Sharpen mower blades to prevent grass from tearing and causing damage to the blades
• Mow high and mow less often since we usually don’t get as much rain this time of year
• Keep planting to a minimum this month unless you know you can water religiously
• Prune spring bulb foliage back
• Keep new plants moist with deep and infrequent watering
• Perennials that have been pruned must be kept moist
• Keep on top of weeding
• Watch out for plants that need to be staked
• Look for Japanese beetles and other insects. If using pesticides, be sure to read the labels.
• De-leaf early blooming plants to keep up their appearance
• Deadhead perennials to keep them blooming
• Apply mulch around plants to conserve water
• If you want beets, turnips, and cole crops such as brussels sprouts and broccoli plant them now
• Renovate strawberry beds after harvest
• Turn over the compost pile