Kathy Berryhill
Creek County Master Gardener
July in Oklahoma is a mixed bag for gardeners. On the one hand, most everything has been planted so gardens and flower beds tend to be overflowing with produce and blooms. Lawns are well established and pollinators are prevalent, busily searching for nectar sources. All is well!
But on the other hand, it is hot and muggy and plants (and gardeners) are beginning to suffer from heat stress. To continue to reap rewards from our gardens, our focus changes to maintenance.
A daily inspection of the water needs of plants is critical in this heat. Drought stresses plants so deep watering of established plants may be needed. If a plant has been pruned or deadheaded, keep it moist to help it recover. Check container plants 2x a day as wind and heat can accelerate evaporation. Pull weeds from beds so they don’t rob the intended plants of needed nutrients and water. To reduce the number of weeds next year, remove any seeds before composting. Refrain from fertilizing trees and shrubs at this time as the new growth will put additional needs on your plant.
Vegetable gardens should be kept clean of diseased leaves and any crop yield that drops to the ground. It’s time to complete the harvest of garlic, onions and potatoes to enjoy and share. Continue to water other crops on a regular basis to prevent a bitter taste and also to avoid blossom end rot in tomatoes. Remember, high heat can prevent pollination and reduce crop yield. Hand pollinate if high temperatures persist.
Have you thought about a fall garden? Mid-July begins the season of planting for a fall harvest! Many crops can be planted starting mid-July. Check out Okstate Fact Sheet HLA-6009 for a list of planting dates.
