New England Nurseries’ Monthly Garden Guide: July
During the summertime, many plants have a more active growing period. They will need a bit more help in the form of fertilizer whether this is a liquid fertilizer mixed into your plant's water or slow-release granules sprinkled around the plants or trees' drip line. Doing this once a month can help your plants thrive. But remember during periods of high heat avoid fertilizing, especially with granules.
If the weather hasn’t been very cooperative by providing rainwater, you’ll need to supplement hydration by watering your plants. Read on for general watering guidelines.
In general, plants need about one inch of water per week, but the amount can vary depending on the species and variety. For example, smaller plants may need 1–2 gallons, larger shrubs may need 3–5 gallons, and 15-gallon plants may need 10 gallons each time. In extremely hot weather, you may need to water daily or every other day.
Plants in patio pots or hanging baskets may need twice daily watering as they can dry out faster. It's better to water plants deeply a couple of times a week instead of a little bit each day. This helps plants develop strong root systems that will reach further down into the ground to find additional water. You can let the top inch or two of soil dry out between waterings. Water slowly and deeply, aiming to get water a few inches down into the soil. You can use a moisture meter to test the soil moisture. You can also try the finger dip test, pushing your finger into the soil until you reach your knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water.
Other tips: Keep the foliage dry. Don't overwater, as this can be just as damaging as underwatering. Roots also need air, so don't keep the soil saturated with water all the time.
Our Monthly Top 10
July brings hotter days, so we will look at some drought-tolerant plants that fare well despite the heat. Many of these plants do not need to be watered as often as others but don’t forget new plantings, no matter the type, need plenty of water while they establish their roots.
1. Coneflower: Coneflowers are perennials that bloom in mid-summer and continue to bloom until frost. Once established they can be watered at least once a week depending on the weather.
2. Catmint: Catmint is a full-sun perennial that tolerates shade. They need minimal supplementary watering, except during long dry spells when you’ll want to give them more water. It is clear when catmint is over-watered as it displays yellow leaves and limp stems.
3. Salvia: Salvia is a full-sun flowering annual. When watering it is best to water deeply but not too often, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. This prevents root rot from occurring.
4. Lavender: Lavenders are a full-sun perennial herb that prefers well-draining soil. These plants also grow well in pots. Water lavender every two to three weeks but during periods of flowering water once a week or more.
5. Geranium: Geraniums are full-sun annuals. Once established they need to be watered about one to two times a week. Water when the soil feels dry as geraniums do not like to be soggy and overwatering is a common mistake.
6. Butterfly bush: Butterfly bushes are woody perennials that need full- sun and well-draining soil. Like salvia, butterfly bushes should be watered deeply but make sure not to overwater them.
7. Hosta: Hostas are shade perennials that can tolerate morning sun. They need to be soaked once a week and increase watering to twice a week during dry spells.
8. Marigolds: Marigolds are easy-to-grow annuals that thrive in full sun. Keep their soil moist by giving them a thorough watering once a week. They will need more water when the soil feels dry.
9. Angelonia: Angelonia is a full-sun, flowering annual. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy, and water them when the top of the soil feels dry.
10. Vinca: Vincas are annuals that prefer full sun and can last till fall. But, once the cold sets in they die off. Water when the top one to two inches of soil is dry. Water earlier in the day so the soil can dry out slightly overnight. They benefit from regular watering, especially during dry spells but can be watered less during rainy seasons.
Planting Trends
In this month’s Gardening Trends, we are looking at meadow gardening or meadow lawns. Meadow gardens are areas filled with native and pollinator-friendly plants. Plants are arranged together to create a natural look. Unlike traditional garden beds or landscaping, meadow gardens do not have mulched areas between plants. Along with flowers and flowering plants, native grasses are a good addition and help make it look like a true meadow. A similar look can also be achieved by prepping an area of dirt and spreading wildflower seeds, letting nature decide how your garden will look.
Some plants to include are:
· Butterfly Weed
· Bee Balm
· Foxgloves
· Coneflower
· Big Bluestem
· Switchgrass
· Swamp Milkweed
There are several benefits to having a meadow garden, not only do they have a unique look, but they also help the local environment, as they maintain a smaller environmental footprint. Flower meadows attract and provide food for many pollinators and birds. They also help with stormwater runoff as the deep roots of native plants assist in soil retention. Planting native plants and grasses can also help with the overall soil health.
Did You Know? – Fun Plant Facts
Did you know that butterfly wings are clear? Yup, butterfly wings are clear. The pigments we see are microscopic scales, that sit on the wings and reflect the light. The scales create patterns that help camouflage the butterfly and attract mates. The ‘dust’ you get on your fingers when you touch the wings of a butterfly or moth are in actuality tiny scales. More cool facts about butterflies to follow.
Butterflies taste with their feet. They have taste sensors on their feet, allowing them to taste the leaves they land on. This helps them find the right plants to lay their eggs on. They are cold-blooded and rely on the warmth of the sun to fly. They often bask in the sun to increase their body temperature.
Monarch butterflies are serious about their migration. These hearty butterflies travel from North America to central Mexico, covering up to 3,000 miles throughout their journey.
There are about 17,500 species of butterflies in the world, with the greatest diversity found in tropical rainforests. Some butterflies lay their eggs on one specific plant that changes from species to species, one example is the black swallowtails that often lay their eggs on Parsley, Dill, and Queen Anne’s Lace plants. The largest butterfly species is the female Queen Alexandra birdwings, they can measure up to 27 centimeters and are found in Papua New Guinea. The smallest species is the western pygmy blue which is measured to have a wingspan of 2 inches.
Greenery or Gear: Monthly Plant or Tool Spotlight
This month's spotlight is on marigolds! These flowers also made an appearance on our top 10 drought-tolerant plants, so here's a bit more about them. They are fast-growing and drought-tolerant, which means they have a full look soon after planting, and are great for new gardeners. They are also a fun pop of color with vibrant yellows and oranges and a unique blossom shape. Marigolds also attract insects such as ladybugs, and other predatory bugs that will help with removing insects that would be harmful to your garden. Bees are also attracted to them, so if you are looking for a way to help (and increase the number of pollinators) your garden marigolds are a great way. They might attract the good bugs but they can also deter the bad ones, they release a natural oil that has an odor that several insects are deterred by, such as mosquitos. They work great in pots no matter their size, they can also be used as border plants.
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