July in the Garden

In July, there is quite a bit to do in the garden depending on what you want to grow.  Our gardens still need to be cared for so that they will do well, and we will have a plentiful harvest. By caring for our gardens, we are also caring for ourselves – physically, mentally, and emotionally.

The Jackson County Master Gardener Association has a great resource for gardeners to use. It is the Garden Guide for the Rogue Valley – Year-Round & Month by Month.  This great reference book for gardeners is mainly about growing vegetables, berries, and melons.

July is the time to:

• Blackberries need at least 1” of water per week while growing and fruiting. Providing heavy mulch will reduce the frequency of watering.
• Blueberries also require a constant supply of moisture while fruiting.
• Potatoes should have their water supply decreased when you see their tops dying back.
• When peppers start to blossom, spray them with a solution of Epsom salt (4 tablespoons per gallon of water). This will help to make them crisper and sweeter.

• Plants which you can plant as seed outside (make sure to check the soil temperature)

o   Amaranth o   Beets o   Collards o   Endive o   Florence Fennel o   Kohlrabi o   Peas o   Scallions	o   Beans o   Carrots o   Dill o   Escarole o   Kale o   Lettuce o   Rutabaga o   Swiss Chard

 

• Plants to transplant this month (make sure to check the soil temperature)

o   Brussels sprouts o   Cauliflower

o   Cabbage

 

• Fertilize and Prune
  • Asparagus
  • Trailing cane berries finish producing fruit- prune those vines which produced fruit. Prune to the ground
  • Fertilize fall-bearing raspberries when they start to bloom.
  • June-bearing strawberries should be fertilized once a year after harvest.
• Control Pests and Diseases
  • Powdery mildew on grapes
  • Corn earworm

 

Garden Guide for the Rogue Valley – Year-Round & Month by Month. This book contains a wealth of gardening information. You can purchase it at our local Grange Co-op or at the OSU Extension office for $21.00. It can also be purchased on-line at https://jacksoncountymga.org/shop/.  Note that a shipping fee will be applied.

 

Happy Gardening and Stay Cool

Garden For Life