Monthly Tips
July
Plant
A second planting beets, peas, carrots and lettuce can be put in now.
Weed
Best time to weed is early morning or during the heat of the day. Weeds wilt and die in the hot sun once dug.
Fertilize
A summer fertilizer is applied in late July. Usually it contains an ant and soil insect killer. This is called Step 3 in a 4 step program. The organic third step is an organic fertilizer only. Side dress corn, tomatoes, potatoes and winter squash with 10-10-10 fertilizer
Look For
Japanese beetles may be present. They can be caught in bagging traps or hand picked off plants. Sprays can be effective in minimizing the damage from the beetles.
Apply
Merit based Japanese beetle controls should be applied to the soil in July and no later than months end.
MOW: Grass should be mowed higher (21/2-3 inches) during the hot summer allowing grass to shade itself. This is a good time to mulch as the cuttings are thinner and lighter.
Repair
Summer is a good time to fix up bad spots in the lawn. Dig out heavily weeded areas put in top soil and reseed.
Needham Garden Center
We stock mulching blades, weeding tools and the right fertilizer for the summer. Your blade can be sharpened on or off your mower. Also now is the best time to order a snow blower! Pre-season prices allow us to give you the best deal and the best selection.