*This is when the weeds, diseases, and cultural problems start to show up. Solving the problems starts with an accurate diagnosis.
*Think about what the weather has been for the past two years. Think about your watering, fertilizing, planting practices, and what else has happened on the property recently, and over the past two years.
*Pests and diseases are usually host-specific. How to tell if this is the case with your plant? Start by Googling the name of the plant along with the words “pests and problems” or “insects and diseases.” An example would be “pests and problems of Rhododendrons.”
*Animals are creatures of habit. Try to prevent habits before they happen: spray repellents when you first put a plant into the garden. Get motion-activated sprinklers installed early on. Put netting over the berry bushes before the fruit starts to ripen.
*Anticipate insects as well. Spray broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and collards with Bt or spinosad before the cabbage moths arrive. Dust newly planted veggies with diatomaceous earth when they first come up. Look for signs of tomato horn worm early.
*Treat plants that get fungal problems before they are infected. Spray with organic fungicides early on, before the problem arrives. Continue through the season.
*Hydrangea Hysteria! Prune out dead canes now.
July is the time when garlic is usually harvested. Once the tips of the plant start to yellow and turn brown that’s your cue to pull the plants and bring them undercover to dry. After these plants dried for a couple of hours on the driveway, we tied them in bundles and hung them in the garage.
