Tip #6: Deadhead(remove) spent blooms from perennial and annual plants.
Mid-summer is a good time to deadhead spent flowers on perennial and annual plants, especially annuals that have become overgrown in container gardens and hanging baskets. After removing spent flowers, fertilize with an organic, non-burning fertilizer to encourage a new flush of growth and blooms. SEE: How To Deadhead Flowers
Tip #7: Fertilize roses if necessary.
Fertilize roses every 6 weeks or so with a good rose fertilizer. Use a fertilizer containing a systemic insecticide when feeding hybrid tea roses. How To Fertilize Roses
Tip #8: Fertilize annual flowers in beds and containers.
Feed your annual bedding plants with a well-balanced flower fertilizer or organic flower food.
Tip #9: Watch for water needs.
If there isn't sufficient rainfall, keep an eye on plants, trees and your lawn to make sure they are receiving enough water. Wilting and discoloring of foliage is a sure sign of stress from lack of water. Summer means hotter and sometimes drier weather. Provide adequate water for plants that stress during prolonged periods of dry weather. It is best to water from early to mid-morning. Never water your lawn or the foliage of plants during the late evening hours as this can promote the growth of damaging fungus. If you have a sprinkler system set the timer to begin watering no earlier than 5 AM. To help retain moisture in the soil, apply a layer of mulch around the root systems of plants in beds and containers.
Tip #10: Watch for fungus on plants and in the lawn.
During hot and rainy summers the chance for fungal development and other diseases on plants increases. If expanding brown patches or circular rings of a light gray ash-like substance are forming in your lawn, this could indicate the presence of a damaging fungus. If so, broadcast a granular lawn fungicide or spray with a liquid fungicide. If you see a powdery white or orange substance develop on the leaves of plants, this could be powdery mildew or rust. These diseases can be effectively controlled by spraying with a solution containing Neem oil.
