Fact sheets offer important tips

By Bill Geer

Published: June 26, 2008

The following are some things to keep in mind for July.

Make fall vegetable garden plantings in late July. Fact Sheet 6009 (F-6009) gives planting recommendations. Stop by your local county extension office for all fact sheets listed.

Brown patch disease of cool-season grasses can be a problem. (F-6420)

Meet water requirements of turf grasses. (F-6420)

Fertilization of warm-season grasses can continue if water is present for growth. (F-6420)

Vegetative establishment of warm-season grasses should be completed by the end of July to ensure the least risk of winter kill. (F-6419)

Mowing height for cool-season turf grasses should be 3 inches during hot, dry summer months. Gradually raise mowing height of Bermuda grass 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.

Control Bermuda grass around trees and shrubs with herbicides. Follow directions closely to avoid harming plants.

Continue insect combat and control in the orchard, garden and landscape. (F-7306, F-7313)

Check pesticide labels for when to stop spraying before harvest.

Harvest fruit from the orchard early in the morning and refrigerate as soon as possible.

Divide and replant crowded hybrid irises (bearded iris) after flowering until August.

Water plants deeply and early in the morning. Most plants need about 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 good bugs. (F-7307)

The hotter and drier it gets, the larger the spider mite population.

Expect some leaf fall, a normal reaction to drought. Water young plantings well.

Bill Geer is director of the Oklahoma County Extension Service. His column addresses frequently asked horticulture questions. For more information, call 713-1125.

Comments