July 2023 Gardening Tips
Saturday, July 1, 2023
Lawn and Turf
- Brown patch disease of cool-season grasses can be a problem (Lawn Management in Oklahoma HLA-6420).
- Meet water requirements of turfgrasses.
- Fertilization of warm-season grasses can continue if water is present for growth.
- Vegetative establishment of warm-season grasses should be completed by the end of July to ensure the least risk of winter kill (Establishing a Lawn in Oklahoma, HLA-6419).
- Mowing heights for cool-season turfgrasses should be at 3 inches during hot, dry summer months. Gradually raise mowing height of bermudagrass lawns from 1½ to 2 inches.
- Sharpen or replace mower blades as needed. Shredded leaf blades are an invitation to disease and allow more stress on the grass.
Trees and Shrubs
Control bermudagrass around trees and shrubs with products containing sethoxydim, fusillade or glyphosate herbicides. Follow directions closely to avoid harming desirable plants.
Flowers
Divide and replant crowded Hybrid iris (Bearded Iris) after flowering until August.
Fruits
- Continue insect combat and control in the orchard, garden, and landscape
- Check pesticide labels for “stop” spraying recommendations prior to harvest.
- Harvest fruit from the orchard early in the morning and refrigerate as soon as possible.
Vegetables
Make fall vegetable garden plantings in late July. HLA-6009 Fall Gardening gives planting recommendations.
General
- Water plants deeply and early in the morning. Most plants need approximately 1 to 2½ inches of water per week.
- Providing birdbaths, shelter and food will help turn your landscape into a backyard wildlife habitat.
- Insect identification is important so you don’t get rid of the “Good Guys.” (EPP-7307 Beneficial Insects).
- The hotter and drier it gets, the larger the spider mite populations!
- Expect some leaf fall, a normal reaction to drought. Water young plantings well.