July

Plant

• ​​Zinnias can still be planted but water well. 
• Container planting (annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees) will do fine as long as you water.
• Sow cool season biennials and perennials in flats to set out this fall but keep them moist and shaded.
• Sow cabbage, brocolli and cauliflower seeds in flats for fall planting.
• ​​Read about helpful native plants, plants for birds and pollinators, and invasive species. Plant natives, plants for pollinators and remove invasive species.

Light Pruning and Care for Houseplants

• Prune dead or diseased wood and sprouts from spring flowering trees.
• Watch for die-back on rhododendrons and camellias and prune branches back to healthy wood.
  
• Keep weeding and mulching. 
• Remember to nurture your houseplants by keeping their foliage clean and watering when dry. 

Fertilize and Mulch

• Mulching beds improves soil texture and helps the bed retain moisture during dry spells. If you decide to water, water deeply once a week in the morning. Early morning watering helps prevent fungus and mildow.
• Tip - if you want earthworms, mulch deeply.

Chores

• Remember to keep feeders and bird baths clean but consider removing feeders and birdbaths for now to prevent bird diseases.
• Support tall lily stems to keep them upright and healthy. 
• Divide daylilies and bearded iris. Divide hostas after they bloom.  
• Order bulbs, trees, shrubs, and perennials for fall planting. 
• Move container to cool, shaded locations and protect from severe wind and rain.
  
• ​Keep gardening tools clean and sharpened.  

Tips:  

• ​Clean your tools when you finish with one plant and before you move to the next.  
• Wear gloves for all of your gardening and yard chores;  protect your skin from sun, dirt, bugs, and poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac and other plant toxins.  ​

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Thanks to Suzanne Aiello who compiled these tips for the Dolley Madison Garden Club.