Perennials

As we venture into July, it’s crucial to adjust your watering strategy to account for potential dry spells. Early-season shallow watering could leave plants unprepared to source water from deep within the soil. Therefore, for this month, make sure to water your garden deeply, albeit only once per week if the weather is dry. Watering early in the day helps minimize the water loss to evaporation and can also reduce the likelihood of diseases. Be mindful to top up your watering in response to evaporation. July might bring breathtaking beauty, but also harsh heat.

Trees

If your spruce trees are browning and shedding needles, they might be suffering from Rhizosphaera Needle cast, a fungal disease. If detected early, needle cast can be treated with fungicides containing chlorothalonil. To protect your majestic trees from this fungus, ensure they’re planted in areas with ample airflow. Since the fungus proliferates in humid central parts of the tree, a well-ventilated area is ideal to inhibit fungal development.

Perennials

Discover three stunning perennials that can elevate your garden and bring joy to your gardening endeavors this season. Take a closer look:

1. Yarrow: Thriving in sandy soil and full sun, Yarrow is well-suited for drought-prone areas. With its rapid spreading habit, it creates a remarkable impact in the garden.
2. Balloon Flower: Sporting beautiful purple blooms that balloon before opening, this perennial performs well in the Wisconsin area (zones 4 and 5). Consider staking it to showcase its tall and straight growth, adding charm to your garden.
3. Aster: Are you seeking to attract more butterflies and pollinators? Look no further than Aster. With slightly moist soil and proper care, it can reach impressive heights of 6 to 8 feet. This versatile perennial thrives in various light conditions, making it a delightful choice for your garden.

Trees

Are unsightly tent worms infesting your trees? It is crucial to address them properly before they spread and cause extensive damage. Avoid cutting them out unless you plan on immediately burning them or sealing them in an airtight bag to dry out in the sun. Dispose of the bag of dead worms in your trash. Cutting out tent worms without killing and disposing of them can lead to their proliferation and the destruction of other trees. A more convenient method to deal with tent worms before they hatch is to drench their nests using a spray tank and an insecticide containing permethrin, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, and/or malathion.

Perennials

May is a busy month for gardening! For perennials, bring out the peony cages and other plant supports to provide the necessary support to the plants once they become top-heavy. Make sure to guide new stems into the squares early, as it becomes more challenging to squeeze them in between the wires once the flower buds open.

Newly purchased perennials can be safely planted this month, though if the temperatures have been unseasonably low, wait another week. Place the pots outside during the day and bring them into a protective environment at night. For existing perennials, slow-release or liquid organic fertilizers can be beneficial. Once the plant is in the ground, make sure to water it daily in the morning to prevent wilting in the afternoon.

Trees

When planting new trees, make sure to stake them correctly. The tree should be loosely secured to the stake using a tie to prevent excessive swaying that can tear new root hairs, which the tree needs to survive. The tie should allow the tree to sway back and forth in the wind to allow proper root flare development. It should be staked until the roots have established into the ground.