July
What to Plant
Annuals/Bedding plants: As the heat continues, water annuals when needed to keep the soil evenly moist. See Annuals: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_annual_landscape_plants
Mexican sage
Credit: UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones
Bulbs: Butterfly lily, gladiolus, and society garlic can be planted during the middle of summer. See Bulbs for Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_bulbous_flowers
Palms: Continue planting palms while the rainy season is in full swing. Support large palms with braces for 6–8 months after planting. Nails should not be driven directly into a palm trunk. See Palms: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_palms
Vegetables: Start your tomato and Halloween pumpkin seeds! Cucumbers, peppers, and southern peas, can also be planted now. Watch for insects and disease symptoms. See Vegetable Gardening in Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_vegetable_gardening
What to Do
- Lawns: Determine the cause of any lawn problems before taking action. If an insect is the culprit, treat only the affected area. Rule out disease or sprinkler malfunction. See Your Florida Lawn: http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/yourfloridalawn/
- Fertilizer Bans: Certain municipalities in north Florida prohibit the application of fertilizer to lawns and/or landscape plants during the summer rainy season (June–September). See if such an ordinance exists in your area.
- Vegetable garden: Use summer heat to solarize garden soil for fall planting. It takes 4–6 weeks to kill weeds, disease, and nematodes, so start now. See Soil Solarization: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_soil_solarization
- Azaleas: Flower beds have formed. Prune no later than mid-July to protect next spring’s bloom. See Azalea:http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_azalea
- Irrigation: Install an inexpensive rain shutoff device to conserve water and save money. If one is already installed, check that it is operating properly. See Landscape Irrigation: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_landscape_irrigation
- Trees: Prepare for hurricane season by checking trees for damaged or weak branches and pruning if needed. Hire an ISA-certified arborist. See International Society of Arboriculture: http://isa-arbor.com/ and Pruning Landscape Trees and Shrubs:http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_tree_pruning
- Pests on ornamental plants: Inspect for caterpillars on trees and shrubs. Large trees can normally withstand caterpillar feeding, but specimen shrubs may need treatment if damage is extensive. See Landscape Pest Management:http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_landscape_pests
- Peach and nectarine trees: Consider planting one of the many new peach and nectarine cultivars that grow well in North Florida. Newly planted trees should be fertilized now. Apply 1/2 lb. per tree of 8-8-8 fertilizer. See Temperate Fruit for the Home Landscape: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_home_temperate_fruit