- Do not prune rhododendrons and azaleas after the second week of July as they will begin setting their buds for next year’s blooms.
Photo: extension.org - Put netting on fruit trees and bushes a few weeks before the fruit begins to ripen to protect it from birds and squirrels.
- Fertilize roses for the last time in mid-July.
- Pinch back herbs to stop flowering and encourage branching. Pick herbs early in the day when they are well-hydrated. Air dry, microwave or freeze.
- Raise the mower height to 3 inches in hot weather.
- Water plants and lawn early in the day to reduce the loss of water due to evaporation. Check containers again at day’s end as they can dry out during a hot day.
- Control mosquitos by eliminating sources of standing water.
- Inspect garden plants regularly for the presence of insects and disease.
- Grub controls should be applied to the lawn no later than July 15th.
- Check out the UConn Dairy Bar’s summer ice cream flavors – peach and blueberry cheesecake!
For more information please visit the UConn Home and Garden Education Center.