10 Tips for the July Gardener

Photo: Clemson Extension

1. Inspect garden plants regularly for insect and disease problems.
2. Sanitation practices, insecticidal soaps, and insect traps are alternatives to pesticides.
3. Properly placed shade trees will reduce air conditioning costs.
4. Try shade tolerant ground covers in areas where lack of sunlight limits grass growth.
5. Excess nitrogen fertilizer stimulates succulent new turf growth, which is more susceptible to diseases.
6. Raise your mowing height to 3 inches during hot weather.
7. Cucumbers get bitter if water is lacking during ripening.
8. Tomato hornworms are large green caterpillars that feed on the leaves of tomatoes and related plants. Handpick or control with B.t.
9. Cut back mums, tall asters, Montauk daisies and helianthus by about one-quarter for bushy, more floriferous plants.

10. Hummingbirds are attracted to red salvia, coral-bells and bee balm.

For more information, please visit UConn Extension and the UConn Home and Garden Education Center.