Gardening Tips for July

Here are some good tips for gardening in Alabama during the month of May. We update these regularly each month, so stay tuned for more in the Gardening Tips series!

Tips courtesy of Alabama Cooperative Extension System; for more information, see www.aces.edu.

• Protect figs and other ripening fruit from birds.
• Continue to root shrub cuttings until late in the month and mulch to keep soil moist.
• Remove faded blooms promptly from crape myrtle and other summer-blooming plants.
• In lawns, watch for diseases. Mow regularly, and water as needed.
• Keep roses healthy and actively growing.
• Apply fertilizer as needed. Wash off foliage to prevent burning if any fertilizer falls on plants.
• Water annuals and perennials as needed to keep plants active.
• Iris and spider lily bulbs may be planted late this month.
• Keeping flowers, shrubs, trees, and lawns healthy is the major task this month. This demands close observation for insects and diseases, and frequent watering.
• Plant beans, field peas, rutabagas, squash, New Zealand spinach, and Irish potatoes. Plant cabbage, collards, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and celery for the fall crop.
• Plant tomatoes in Central and North Alabama.