Since this is the start of the hot weather, I suggest that you do all hard jobs before or after the blistering part of the day is over.
Roses: Continue to cut back faded blooms to a healthy outside bud with five leaflets. Remove and dispose of leaves infected with black spot or mildew.  Continue your program of fertilizing, disease and pest control.
Fruit trees: This is the beginning of the mango season so you can give your fruit trees a small dose of fertilizer.  Check all your fruit trees for dead branches and remove any branch that may cause damage to your home in the event of a hurricane.  Check your citrus trees for thrips, mites and mealy bugs.  Remember to seal all wounds with pruning paint or sealant.
Flowers: Continue to remove spent blossoms of annuals, perennials and summer bulbs. Add organic mulch to control weeds and maintain moisture at the roots of the plants. Sow zinnias, marigolds and other annuals to be ready for fall  flowering.
Trees and shrubs: Prune summer bloomers to encourage blooming. Check hibiscus plants for scales and ixora plants for white flies and spray accordingly.
Lawns: Mow and fertilize your lawn.  If there is no rain, use a sprinkler to water your grass.  Continue with your weed control program.  If you have crab grass problem there is a selective herbicide "Image" which can be used effectively.
Watering: During the summer months you are required to do more watering of your lawn, vegetable and flower garden.  The most efficient way to supply water is at ground level. This minimizes evaporation and places the water exactly where it is needed in the soil. I would suggest that you use overhead sprinklers early in the day to minimize evaporation and allow time for leaves to dry.  Watering of your lawn should be carried out in the evening after 5 p.m.  An automatic timer ensures that the garden gets watered even when you are not at home, but always check a plant to see if it needs water by sticking a finger a few inches into the soil.  Water deeply if it feels dry.  Avoid letting plants get to the wilting point as wilting weakens overall plant health.  Keep newly transplanted plants well watered until they are established in the garden soil.

Watch for: Attacks by aphids, scale and thips, and spray with an insecticide containing Blackleaf 40, Malathion or Orthene Systemic Insect Spray.  Follow the directions given by the manufacturer for application.  To control slugs and snails, control using a bait containing Menurol or any other slug and snail bait.

Planting guide for July
Flowers: Aster, cosmos, gaillardia, marigold, portuluca, periwinkle, salvia.
Vegetables: Celery, collards, eggplant, okra, pepper, spinach and turnip.
Grasses: Bahia and Bermuda

For help with your garden problems, write to: Garden Korner, P.O. Box N-3011, Nassau.

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