Wonder what region you live in? See our map here or visit the “Site Specific” column in each issue of Gardening How-To.

Pacific Northwest
• Plant winter cover crops such as winter kale, Brussels sprouts, turnips, parsnips, parsley, and Chinese cabbage in vacant space around the vegetable garden.
• Watch for corn earworm on early corn. Treat as needed.
• Clean and fertilize strawberry beds.

Southwest
• Dethatch lawns early this month to allow time for the grass to recover before fall.
• Cut back tomatoes to 1 foot tall to rejuvenate them and stimulate fruit production in the fall.
• Fertilize citrus by applying 2 pounds of ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) fertilizer per tree on mature citrus. Water the fertilizer into the soil.

Midwest/Mountain
• Monitor for Japanese beetle damage. These iridescent insects skeletonize foliage, but will finish feeding by the second week in August.
• Place small stakes in the garden bed where you plan to plant tulips, narcissus, lilies, alliums, and other fall-planted bulbs.
• Divide and replant daylilies and install new plants at the end of this month.

Northeast
• Don’t apply insecticides, fungicides, or fertilizers when the temperature is above 80°F. You may do more harm than good. Always read and follow package instructions.
• Deadhead (cut or pinch off dead flowers) on annuals and perennials for a longer bloom.
• Take stock of your summer perennial garden, noting what changes you want to make. A good rule of thumb is to move spring bloomers in the fall and fall bloomers when they come up in the spring.

Southeast
• Check mulch around plants. Keep the level at 3 inches and away from stems and trunks.
• Keep shallow-rooted plants such as azaleas, camellias, and dogwoods watered during dry periods.
• Watch for yellowing leaves on plants, which could be a sign of iron deficiency.  Apply liquid iron or minor elements according to label directions.