Alan’s July – August Garden Tips

The dog days of summer are upon us so let’s make the most of it! 

Aloysia Triphylla Lemon Verbena

Stressed plants?  If you have a lot of stressed plants in your garden the best cure is to apply generous amounts of liquid organic and fast acting fertilizers.   We suggest “FoxFarm” microbrewed fertilizers.   Starting with Bush Doctor’s “Wholly Mackerel” fish fertilizer and “Kelp Me Kelp You” made from seaweed.  These are great for your citrus and guavas too!

Watch out for HUNGRY insects! Rose thrips, mites and aphids are raising cane! We’ve noticed the beginning signs: curling of leaves, discoloration, sparse growth and later sooty mold or flower buds dropping off. Examine your Roses, Gardenias and Fuchsias. Treat with All Seasons Oil spray.

Fall vegetables: Are you looking forward to planting your fall veggies? Our typical planting season begins in late August and goes through the end of October. If you were disappointed with your summer crops and want to get a head start on fall, it’s time to prepare your beds with G&B “Raised Bed Mix.” Are you container growing? Try our FoxFarms “Strawberry Fields” potting mix. Have you ever tried Winter Tomatoes or Purple Cauliflower? Or start from seed Botanical Interest’s lettuce mix and Super Sugar Snap Peas — our favorites!

Summer weeds?  Crabgrass, spotted spurge, purslane (yes, edible weed). Hoe them out! They’re robbing your plants of water and nutrients. Then cover with your choice of bark or corn gluten pellets to prevent more weeds from emerging. 

Plant of the Month: Aloysia Triphylla Lemon Verbena
The fragrance & flavor of lemon. This fast growing perennial herb shrub gets between 6 and 8 feet tall, likes the sun & the heat, well drained soil and is a low water plant once established. It has blooms of small white to pale purple flowers in summer to fall. Its leaves are often used in teas, salads, fruit salads, pestos or as seasoning on meat dishes. They can also be dried and used in pot –pourri, retaining their fragrance for years. Plant it near your doors and windows and it will act as a “natural repellant” for mosquitoes and flies! 

HAPPY GARDENING!