July hit with a fiery 100 degrees plus. We will need to scramble to keep the gardens producing.
This is not the best time to plant shade, fruit or ornamental trees, but it is the best time if you want to move or plant palms. You can plant or move sagos, windmill palms, Sabal or Mexican Fan Palm. They need to be dug, planted or transplanted in the hot season. Most of the palms are winter-hardy in our area but Sago Palm should be covered when the temperature falls to 20 degrees.
You may continue to plant nursery stock this month, trees and shrubs, but you will need to be constantly aware of the water and nutrient needs of the plants, plus 2-4 inches of mulch to maintain moisture and control weeds.
Fall gardens should be started this month. Transplants should be arriving in the nurseries very soon. Plant tomatoes, peppers, okra, corn, squash, black eyed peas, crowder peas and cream peas.
Late summer gardens bring back fond memories. Friends and family sitting on a porch shelling peas and visiting. Peas served with corn bread, fresh corn, tomatoes, cucumbers and fresh onions. Makes one hungry!
During this time, onions and garlic should have finished their growing cycle. As soon as the tops fall over they can be pulled. Braid or tie the top and hang them in a cool place to dry.
Insects to watch for include spider mites, whitefly, webworms, aphids and grasshoppers. Treat with a contact insecticide. You can use Sinosade or Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT). Your nursery person will be able to help you. Always read instructions and apply accordingly.
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