Tips from the Corvallis Evening Garden Club

Almost August – 

It’s that floppy time of year when gardeners are seeking new ways to support and trellis plants.

Imagine just about anything vertical with a climber on it – here, clematis on a weather vane.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BAMBOO!  This looked like the Blair Witch Project before the Scarlet Runner Bean took over, but is just three 7-foot bamboo teepees connected by a cross bar: 

(Get bamboo for free from your new friends in the Evening Garden Club!)

Finally, explore the endless possibilities of using REBAR and SMOOTH MILD STEEL RODS to create plant supports and trellises.  Here’s a great video to get you started making simple supports.  https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/diy/how-to-make-steel-supports-for-perennials/  Note: 6mm steel rods are approximately 1/4 inch.  Locally, they can be purchased at Wilco, but this website seems to have them at a real discount:  https://www.onlinemetals.com  There are MANY DIY rebar benders on YouTube.  Here’s one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RpNJq_vMZw

Summer Tree Needs

Water!

Don’t let this rain fool you, trees still need water this week! Establishment watering is one of the most important things you can do for a newly planted tree. That water should be delivered weekly and in a large volume, rather than daily in a light sprinkle. Deep watering helps trees develop deep drought resistant roots. Water trees with at least 10 gallons per inch of tree diameter. The easiest way is to purchase a watering bag from a local nursery. These hold between 15 and 20 gallons. 

Watering formula

Tree diameter (inches) × 10= number of gallons per week. So, a 1 inch caliper tree needs a minimum of 10 gallons of water, weekly throughout the summer (from May-September). 

Mulch!

This is a great time of year to spread mulch. Get out there now and add a few inches in a circle that extends out to the drip-line of your tree. Mulch should not touch the trunk or surface roots as this can lead to decay. Keep mulch 3-4” deep starting 6” from the tree. Mulch helps reduce weeds, moderates soil temperature, helps keep soil moist and reduces compaction. 

For more about mulching click the link below.

 https://www.yourgreenpal.com/blog/dont-kill-your-trees-make-sure-you-are-mulching-them-the-right-way

What to do in the Garden in July

Maintenance and Clean Up

-Stake tall plants such as delphinium, hollyhocks, lupine, and tomatoes, as necessary.


- Mound soil up around base of potatoes. Gather and eat a few "new" potatoes from each hill, when plants begin to flower.





-Mulch to conserve soil moisture.



-Early morning is the best time to water. Water the soil, rather than leaves to reduce disease. 

Planting

-Midsummer plantings of beets, bush beans, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, kale, and peas provide fall & winter crops.



-Be aware -potting soil dries out very quickly, so any new plantings will need frequent watering through summer.  It’s easier to plant in fall.

Pest monitoring

- Monitor for weevils and notched leaves. Try picking them off at night, sticky trap products on trunks, or beneficial nematodes. Check this link from Colorado State University for more information.  We do not recommend pesticide sprays, but the other information is very helpful.  https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/root-weevils-5-551/

-Check leafy vegetables for caterpillars. Pick them off as they appear. Use Bt-k, if necessary.





-Cover blueberry bushes with netting to deter birds. 

- Watch for spider mites during hot, dry weather. Signs: dusty-looking foliage, loss of color, and presence of tiny mites. Wash off with water. Check this link for control methods. 

https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/spider-mites-flowers-and-groundcovers

-Watch for early and late blight on tomatoes.  Prune for air circulation and pick off affected leaves.