Dig In: Garden Checklist for week of July 8

Tomato harvests are on the rise this month. (Photo: Debbie Arrington)

What you need to know (and do) in Sacramento area gardens

By Debbie Arrington

Unusual July conditions have brought some different challenges to Sacramento area gardeners. Smoky skies threatened to taint tomatoes and grapes, then left gritty residue. Now, a monsoon storm system has turned our usually arid weather to almost-muggy. Of course, it's hot.

To cope, make garden time in the morning and concentrate your energy wisely:

* Keep your vegetable garden watered, mulched and weeded. Water before 8 a.m. to reduce the chance of fungal infection and to conserve moisture.

* In July, vegetables, blooming annuals, perennials and shrubs need a boost to keep growing and blooming. Water, then feed with half-strength fertilizer. Feeding flowering plants every other week will extend their bloom. Remember: Never fertilize a plant in dry soil; it needs moisture to take up nutrients.

* Harvest tomatoes, squash, peppers and eggplant. Prompt picking will help keep plants producing.

* Want more veggies? Feed them bone meal or other fertilizers high in phosphate to stimulate more blooms and fruiting.

* Be vigilant for pests such as the brown marmorated stinkbug or slugs. 

* Pick up any dropped fruit such as under plum or peach trees. It attracts problems.

* Remove spent flowers from roses, daylilies and other bloomers as they finish flowering. Roses will rebloom in six to eight weeks.

* Pinch back chrysanthemums for bushy plants and more flowers in September and October.

* Cut back lavender after flowering to promote a second bloom.

* Does your garden need a pick-me-up or splash of quick color? Plant petunias, snapdragons, zinnias and marigolds.

* From seed, plant corn, pumpkins, radishes, winter squash and sunflowers.