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Perennials, Annuals and Vegetables
Cutworms, a main nemesis of a new plant's roots, may have been venturing further up the plant recently. Remove these critters by hand, or apply beneficial nematodes. Treat for Petunia and Geranium budworms with Pyrethrum-based sprays.
What to do with rust on hollyhocks? Pick off affected leaves and discard (do NOT put in the compost pile — the fungus will persist and be spread with that compost), spray the rest of the plant with a neem oil product to help prevent the spread of the disease. And to discourage the fungus' return, practice good garden hygiene and morning watering practices. Try to apply water to the base of the plant and avoid splashing soil onto the leaves, which spreads the fungus spores. Most of all, don't despair: Hollyhocks are notorious for getting rust, so don't start thinking you have a "black thumb!"
If it hasn't already done so, garlic will soon be showing signs of being ready to harvest (yellowing leaves, leaning or all but falling over). If weather permits, it is easiest to pull the bulbs and lay them out along the bed to dry in the sun for a few days before storing.
Fertilize and mulch tomatoes; also prune them for good air circulation, to help prevent those unwanted funguses and blights. Water them regularly and evenly; uneven watering is one of the causes of blossom drop.
It is already time to start planning the fall and winter vegetable garden! In fact, it's not too early to start direct-seeding some vegetables, as well as setting out seedlings. Be extra careful of watering, to keep seeds and small plants moist, and consider using floating row covers to protect plants like broccoli, and cabbage against moths laying eggs of caterpillars.
Use long-blooming and bright annuals to help fill in any gaps in flowerbeds and containers. Those looking a little less than their best would benefit from removing spent blossoms and/or trimming back to the next branching stem to encourage renewed growth. Fertilizing will also give these plants a boost this time of year, keeping them bright and producing color in the garden for some time to come.
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Lawn Care
Aerate lawns for better utilization of water and fertilizer.
Try raising the setting on the mower height — it will not only decrease the frequency of mowing (more time in the hammock) but it will also help to shade out and therefore discourage weed growth.
You can apply weed & feed now. Be sure to water the lawn well a day or two before applying, whether you choose the liquid or granular form. Don't apply if temperatures are expected to be above 85°.
It's still okay to apply beneficial nemetodes for crane fly larvae, fleas and other lawn-living pests. September and October are ideal times for targeting Root Weevil larvae.
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Trees, Shrubs and Fruit
Arborvitae and other conifers may begin to show spider mite damage (webbing on discolored/browning foliage; a branch tapped over a piece of white paper reveals very tiny red mites scurrying about). These mites thrive in dry, dusty conditions, so spraying plants regularly with water works as a good preventative. If already facing spider mite takeover, try spraying with a neem oil product like those by Green Light.
Note: If you are unsure whether or not you have spider mites (or anything else, for that matter), bring a sample of the affected plant to the information desk at one of the Portland Nursery locations to get help identifying the problem.
Treat for pests and disease — spray neem or other horticultural oil for scale, aphids, spider mites, neem oil or lime sulfur for scab and mildew. Note: Watch out for summer heat! Lime sulfur can safely be applied only when the temperature is less than 85°. For insect pests, you can also try introducing beneficial, predatory insects like lacewings. There are several types available through special request at the nursery.
Summer is a good time to prune some trees — allows for quicker healing and less suckering/water sprouts (especially on fruit trees). Avoid pruning trees and shrubs that have already set buds for next year's bloom, like Magnolias, Camellias and Rhododendrons.
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General Tips
As these days get hotter watch (and increase) watering, especially for containers and hanging plants. Remember with all watering, that deep, thorough watering is still more important than frequency.
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