July 2010 Gardening Calendar

• July is a great time to lay warm season grasses such as Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede.  Be sure that you will be able to keep it watered regularly if installing now.
• Raise mower blade height 1-1.5” higher than your normal setting on all turf grasses during the hottest summer months to reduce stress on lawns.
• Check bird baths and other areas of the yard to make sure they are not holding standing water and providing a mosquito breeding ground.
• Prune mophead and lacecap hydrangeas  (Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea serrata) before the end of the month.
• Harvest time for tomatoes and cucumbers, enjoy a fresh salad to beat the heat!
• Aerate Bermuda now while growth is at its peak.

August 2010 Gardening Calendar

• Make sure plants are receiving adequate water as temperatures go up and rainfall decreases.  Consider using Treegatorâ bags that deliver water slowly to the root zone of trees. 
• Fertilize Zoysia lawns this month.
• Freshen up mulch beds.  Mulch not only looks nice but helps to conserve water and regulate soil temperature.

September 2010 Gardening Calendar

• Fertilize Bermuda lawns this month.
• Apply pre-emergents to Bermuda, Zoysia, and Fescue (do not apply to Fescue if you plan to overseed!) to prevent cool season weed germination.  
• Fertilize established perennials, shrubs, and trees with 10-10-10 fertlizer.
• Divide Daylilies and Liriope and spread throughout your yard or share with a friend.  
• Install hardscape projects such as patios and pathways to create outdoor living spaces.