The key run-in for the month of July are watering and weed .   This is not the time for planting or transplanting , and if either becomes necessary , be vigilant about tearing and mulch to keep territory temperatures down as much as possible .   It ’s best to postpone fresh planting until the coolheaded days of September . Cutting back and deadheading perennial for re - bloom are definitely on the agenda .

Watering

“ Avoid watering by hand . It often wastes piss as there is extra runoff , and water does not sink in beyond the top 1 inch of soil . This irrigation practice harms plants by forcing root growth too stuffy to the surface . If you must water by handwriting , place a 5 - gallon bucket with a few holes in the bottom next to the works and fill it with water ; when it is has drained , move it to the next industrial plant and refill .

If you ’re using rainwater barrels or stock tanks to hive away rainwater — an solid ground - friendly pattern — be certain totreat that standing water supply to prevent mosquitos . The larvicide in mosquito dunks or rings is a naturally - occurring bacterium from the filth and does no harm to wildlife , except to mosquito larvae .   Read more about backyard mosquito control in “ Battling Mosquitos , ” N.C.Ext . ,https://chatham.ces.ncsu.edu/2014/08 / battling - mosquitoes-2/.

Weeding

weed is the last thing you ’d choose to do on a hot summertime day , but it ’s truly important .   render assail the mourning band in the cool of the sunup or evening .   You desire to get them   before those weeds set seed and before they steal nutrient and wet from your desirable plants .   And keep in judgement that weeds may pass around disease .

Pruning, Cutting Back and Deadheading

Monitor for pests and diseases

Mid - summer is when many problems with gadfly and disease become noticeable .   Watch for powdery mildew , black stain , rusting , root guff , and for pests like aphid , Nipponese beetles , and stinkbugs .   Prompt remotion of diseased foliage can help forbid the spread of disease , as can plunk off dirt ball pests .   brush up the recent Garden Shed articles on “ Integrated Pest Management,”The Garden Shed , May 2020 , and “ Natural Pest ascendence : Attracting Beneficial Insects,”The Garden Shed , June 2020 .

Bearded Iris : To part or Not ? And How ?

Unlike most perennials , daylillies and iris are usually divide in late summertime . Very few of my irises — and I have both Siberian and Bearded types —   bloomed this twelvemonth , so I suspect they need dividing , which take to be done between July and the end of summer . The most frequent causes of failure to blossom are ( 1 ) rhizomes are planted too deep instead of near the surface where they need to be , ( 2 )   too much tincture , ( 3 )   too much plant food , or ( 4 ) plant have become overcrowded and need partition . Mo. Botanical Garden/ Iris Germanica .   Typically , iris need to be divided every three years .   For instructions on how to do this job properly , bet atDividing Iris / Univ . Md. Ext.andDividing Iris / Penn . St. Extension .   And you canwatch a TV : Dividing Iris , Kansas St. Univ . Extension .

Be certain to take a look at the extra tasks and tipsatMonthly Gardening Tips , July .

July is often the peak month of bloomin many gardens , so be sure to stop and enjoy those flowers .   This is a good time to take some pic and to take a hard look at your intention and spacing , making note of plants to move or murder or divide or add in fall or next spring .

SOURCES :

The Well - Tended Perennial Garden(Tracy DiSabato - Aust , expanded male erecticle dysfunction . 2006 )

Va. Coop . Ext . Shrub Pruning Calendar

Featured Photo :   courtesy of Gail Clark