July 2009 Garden Tips
- July is the month in Sonoma County when gardeners will start to observe water problems, especially if they have not been practicing ‘water wise’ gardening. Check to make sure that all irrigation systems are working and that filters are not clogged.
- Consider periodic soaking of plants that are not on automatic watering systems – even some of the natives or low-water Mediterranean plants benefit from occasional deep waterings when the heat is torrid. We’ve just had above-normal temperatures so you have seen which plants look stressed. Pay especial attention to plants in containers – they likely need daily watering in July and August.
- Trees, shrubs and perennials that you planted this spring are likely not yet adapted to their new homes and have not established adequate root systems yet. They will need to be watered throughout the growing season to ensure that they survive.
- Sow vegetables such as beans, beets, chard, corn, cucumbers, squash and cilantro. Transplant basil and chard.
- Pick cucumbers, zucchini and other squashes when they are small and tender.
- Harvest your carrots – if they are coming out forked, it might be that your soil is too rocky or coarse. You might have also mangled your carrots when you thinned them out. Fresh manure, overfertilizing, or a lack of lime can also deform them.
- The best time to harvest eggplants is when the skin is still tight and shiny. If the flesh gives just a little when pressed with your finger, it’s time to pick.
- Blackberries are ready for harvest when they become soft and juicy. Thornless berries are ready to pick when they lose their glossy appearance. They will give with a simple tug.
- Continue to mulch, especially new plantings. Mulch cuts down on weeds and prevents soil from drying out as quickly. Weeds are usually hardier and have evolved more tenacious survival strategies so that you will see weeds flourishing as some of your ornamentals languish. In addition to being unsightly, weeds also rob your plants of water and nutrients. This means that you need to mulch and possibly weed. It is not necessary to pull the weeds out by the roots, but make sure that you cut them off before they go to seed.
- Cut back perennials such as nepeta, diascia and penstemmon to force new foliage and keep the blooms coming.
- Deadhead perennials and annuals such as heuchera and petunias to keep the plants from bolting or setting seed.
- With most springtime chores finished, July is a good time to check staking on trees, supports for vines, and general structural needs.
- Fill in empty spaces in flower beds or borders with annuals such as zinnias, container sunflowers or impatiens.
- If you plan to be away this summer, ensure that you have someone to water, or set up your irrigation system on automatic timers.
- Seasonal garden chores should lessen in July in Sonoma County, as we feel the heat. Make sure to put on your sunscreen in the morning before you go out and even better, wear a hat. Read the accompanying feature article and start planning the changes that you are going to make to your garden in the fall!
©Sonoma County Master Gardeners