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.

Gardening Tips for March

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

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

Fruits and Nuts

• Continue strawberry and grape plantings.
• Bud apples and peaches.
• Start planting blackberries.
• Remember, if weather conditions prevent prompt planting, heel the plants in by placing the root system in a trench and covering the soil.

Shrubs

• Fertilize shrubs (except azaleas and camellias) according to a soil test.
• Late plantings may be made, particularly if they are container-grown.
• Watch shrubs for harmful insects.

Lawns

• Plant bermuda, zoysia, and centipede in South Alabama.
• Seed bluegrass and grass mixtures in North Alabama.
• Fertilize established lawns.

Roses

• Watch new growth for aphids.
• Begin a spray or dust program.
• Begin fertilizing.

Annuals and Perennials

• Tender annuals may be planted in South Alabama.
• Check garden centers for bedding plants.

Bulbs

• Plant gladiolus every two or three weeks if a long blooming season is desired.
• Plant tuberous begonias in pots.
• Plant dahlias.

Miscellaneous

• Check and repair sprayers, dusters, and lawn mowers.
• Control lawn weeds with chemicals.
• Delay pruning of fruiting shrubs such as cotoneasters, pyracanthas, and hollies until after flowering.

Vegetable Seeds

• Plant hardy crops recommended for January and February.
• After danger of frost is past, plant tender vegetables.

Vegetable Plants

• Plant cabbage, onions, lettuce, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts in North Alabama.
• Plant tomatoes and peppers in lower South Alabama.

Visit the Gerlach Plant Information Center inside the Garden Center during March and April for the exhibit Tomatoes: there is more to this crop than you think!