Tip #1: Keep an eye out for those pesty Japanese Beetles.
When you see the first Japanese Beetle, spray Liquid Sevin (Carbyrl) on the various shrubs and trees that these pests find attractive. Repeat spray after each rainfall. Japanese beetle traps are also an effective way to capture these pests before they have a chance to return underground to lay eggs for next year.
Tip #2: Make sure your plants and lawn are receiving enough 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 during the summer months, apply a layer of mulch around the root systems of plants in beds and containers.
Tip #3: Cut back Chrysanthemums (Fall Garden Mums) this month.
Mums are cool season bloomers and therefore, in the South, should not be allowed to bloom during summer. Cut them back by half their size during late June or by July 15th. After pruning, fertilize your mums with a well-balanced flower fertilizer or organic plant food to maintain overall health and enhance bloom production in the Fall.
Tip #4: Fertilize annual bedding plants in flower beds and containers.
Fertilize annual bedding plants in flowerbeds and containers with a well-balanced, slow-release granular flower food or organic plant food. If you like to feed more regularly fertilize with a water-soluble liquid fertilizer once every week or two.
Tip #5: Deadhead and fertilize perennials plants.
To maintain overall health and enhance bloom production, remove spent flowers or cut back plants and fertilize with a well-balanced flower fertilizer or organic plant food. How To Prune Perennials
Tip #6: Deadhead and fertilize roses.
To maintain overall health and enhance bloom production, remove spent rose blooms and fertilize with a well-balanced rose fertilizer or organic plant food.
