This is a tough month for Carolina Gardeners. Hot, hot, hot. Many flowers take a break until it cools down in September. You may want to follow suit. If not, weed in the cool of the evening. 

Lawns:

Fertilize  all warm season lawns such as Bermuda and Centipede.
 

Annuals:

Time to plant another round of zinnias, nasturtiums, and other annuals for a great late summer and fall show.

Continue to deadhead blooms.

Cutback Impatiens and other leggy annuals to encourage side growth and more blooms.
 

Perennials & Bulbs:

Dig and divide overcrowded daylilies and irises.
 

Trees & Shrubs:

Scale, spider mite, lacebug and leaf hopper are common in July.  Use Orthene or insecticidal soap to control them. 

Bagworms on evergreens can be hand picked or use Dipel spray.

Shade trees may need more water. Most of the water should be placed at the outer reached of the root system where the small root hairs which take up the soil moisture are located. When you water a tree - water deeply.

Begin making semi-hardwood cuttings of shrubs like azalea, Camellia and Hydrangea. Root them in a peat-light mixture in a shaded location. Mist them frequently to keep them from drying out.

Fertilize figs. Keep them well watered and mulched.

Hydrangea and forsythia can be propagated by bending stems to the ground and covering them with two inches of dirt.

Roses:
Groom roses constantly. Keep  roses well mulched in the summer months.

Consider any roses which are growing and flowering well in the heat for your future plantings.

Roses should still be sprayed every 7-10 days with fungicide.

Vegetables & Herbs:

 Cut back mint, thyme and lemon balm to prevent a raggedy appearance.

Harvest frequently and correctly. Vegetables left too long on the plant lose taste and quality.

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