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Perennials, Annuals and Vegetables
Cutworms, main nemesis of a new plant's roots, start venturing further up the plant this month. Remove these critters by hand, or apply beneficial nematodes.
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. Most of all, don't despair: Hollyhocks are notorious for getting rust, so don't start thinking you have a "black thumb!"
Garlic will 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.
Peas will be finishing up their production, as may some of the earlier planted greens. Replant greens for short, quick crops; try to give them some shade from mid afternoon sun and heat.
It is already time to start planning the fall and winter vegetable garden! Begin direct-seeding some vegetables as early as mid-month, and start other seeds to put out into the garden as transplants in a month or two.
Use long-blooming and bright annuals to help fill in any gaps in flower beds and containers. Fuschias and other plants that might be looking a little less than their best by now would benefit from deadheading, trimming back and fertilizing.
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Lawn Care
Aerate lawns for better utilization of water and fertilizer.
Try raising the setting on the mowing 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.
Apply beneficial nemetodes for crane fly larvae, fleas and other lawn-living pests.
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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 and Fertilome.
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. 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.
Many roses will be ready to be deadheaded and fertilized to encourage more bloom later on.
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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.
Explore the wonder and beauty we have in Portland's many parks — check out the Green Walks program through Portland's division of Parks and Recreation. Pick up a brochure at the nursery or call 503-823-3601 for more information.
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