Planning Your Organic Gardening Year

Mid Summer -

The work in the garden eases off as summer progresses, leaving you free to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor, but don't let down your guard yet...

• Water and feed (do not feed if temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit) containers and hanging baskets regularly, especially in dry spells.
• Dig up spring bulbs. If the foliage has died away naturally, dig up the bulbs, divide, and store or replant.
• Pinch back annuals. Plants that are getting leggy will produce more if you diligently prune and deadhead.
• Continue to weed regularly.
• Cut back herbaceous plants after flowering for a second burst of foliage and flowers.
• Mist houseplants. Dry, warm air can stress your houseplants, so keep an eye on them. No hot windowsills.
• Trim evergreen and conifer hedges.
• Watch for pests. Keep an eye on your plants to ensure slugs aren't feasting on your hostas and that rodents aren't devouring your veggies.
• Mulch plants. Put down a layer of mulch around your shrubs and trees to help them retain moisture.
• Prune rambling roses after they have flowered.
• Continue to take lots of notes on what does well in the garden and what is a total flop. Take photographs to tuck into the pages of your garden journal. A picture is truly worth a thousand words when trying to visualize the perfect combination of coral impatiens with deep purple petunias.
• Weeds and pest need constant control.
• Powdery mildew may make its first appearance as early as July. Look for gray or white spots on leaf surfaces. Control as soon as you see the problem.

Happy Gardening.

Have you looked at our other How To Flower Articles or our flower picture gallery?

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