VEGETABLES 

• Consistent moisture is important for preventing blossom-end-rot on tomatoes (and sometimes squash or peppers). Mulch helps as well as attention to regular irrigation.
• Keep tall vegetables supported with stakes or cages to keep foliage and fruit off the ground.
• Keep a watch out for early or late blight on tomatoes.
• Cut back basil, mint and oregano to keep them compact, encourage new foliage growth and prevent these herbs from blooming and going to seed.
• Harvest vegetables when young, tender and tasty.
• Dig potatoes when the foliage begins to die.
• There is still time to plant late crops of squash, bush beans or cucumbers.
• Plan the fall garden. Take time now to soil sample.
• Start seeds for transplants such as broccoli, cabbage and collards.
• WHEN IS IT TIME TO HARVEST VEGETABLES?

COMMON TOMATO DISEASES

TOMATO DISEASE FACTSHEETS
Vegetables - Tomato Diseases

ORNAMENTALS

• Don't fertilize shrubs and trees.
• Prune only as needed. Mid July is the cut off for the summer season.
• Cicada damage on large trees is not a concern. The brown tips on branches will eventually fall to the ground. Smaller trees or specimen plants can be severely damaged by cicada and may require slight pruning to remove the damaged material. If the main terminal was damaged, replace it by splinting an upper lateral to a vertical position. Prune laterals below the new leader. remove the splints after one growing season. Read More on Cicada Damage
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming on annuals and re-blooming on some perennials.
• Container gardens require attention. Fertilize every few weeks with liquid fertilizer and cut back plants as needed.
• Don't forget to water newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials - weekly if needed.
• Observe flowers in the garden and notice which ones attract the greatest number of pollinators. The Thai Basil in the photo below is a pollinator magnet!
• Mark your calendar for The Great Southeast Pollinator Census August 22 & 23. This is a great opportunity to learn how to identify the many pollinators visiting your plants and to participate in a Citizen Science project. Learn more on the website above.

FRUIT

• Prune fruiting canes from blackberries and raspberries after harvest. Read More about Pruning Blackberries
• Prune the vigorous water sprouts on tree fruits to reduce excess growth.
• Spotted Wing Drysophila can be problematic on ripening blueberries. To sample - drop fruit in salt water and watch for larvae to emerge.
• Remove overripe fruit from day neutral strawberries to continue production.
• Although Muscadine grapes are marginally hardy for our area your site may be protected enough to get fruit. Did you know that the dark skin varieties are more disease resistant than the bronze? More on Muscadine Grapes

LAWNS

• Do not mow during hot and dry weather. Mowing at this time can stress grass and cause it to weaken.
• To reduce the spread of brown patch fungus disease in the lawn avoid mowing, and walking on the lawn when it is wet.
• Mow the fescue and bluegrass lawns 3 inches high.