Gardeners Checklist: Here Is What to Do on the Week of July 1

By Ron Kujawski

* Cut Swiss chard back to about four inches if plants become over-mature and leaves get tough. Tender new leaves should quickly re-appear. This step is not necessary if outer leaves are harvested regularly. Surplus chard can be frozen after a two-minute blanching.

* Control European corn borer by applying Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) to the central whorl of leaves on corn plants. Check the product label for frequency of application.

* Shear off the spent flower stalks from dianthus. Many species of dianthus will re-bloom this summer if sheared.

* Fertilize roses after their initial blossoms have faded. This is especially important for repeat bloomers. Use a general-purpose fertilizer with an analysis such as 5-10-5. Many gardeners prefer to apply water-soluble fertilizers to roses at two-week intervals. Whatever product is used, follow label directions but don’t make any applications after mid-August.

* Get thee to a garden center! This is the time of year when garden centers typically offer reduced prices on plant materials. After buying container-grown trees, shrubs and perennials, plant them as soon as possible. If left in the containers too long they will become root bound. Always water the soil in the containers and in the planting area about an hour before planting.

* Take advantage of reduced prices on packets of vegetable seed. Many vegetables can still be planted from seed, including sweet corn, summer squash, root crops, and leafy greens. Seed packets may also be purchased for use next year if you store the seed in a dry, cool location such as in a jar or plastic bag kept in the refrigerator. However, it may not be worth saving seed packets of onions, parsley and parsnips since they have a short life. 

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Two of the most troublesome insect pests at this time of year are Japanese beetles and rose chafers. Both are skeletonizers; that is, they feed on plant foliage leaving only the veins intact. Thus, the leaves look like skeletons. Both of these pests have recently emerged. Most gardeners are familiar with the shiny, copper-colored Japanese beetle but not so with the rose chafer. Rose chafer is a half-inch long, tan colored beetle with a reddish-brown head and spiny, orange or dark brown, legs. It feeds primarily on blossoms and foliage of roses but will also munch on raspberries. Damage to ornamental and food plants by Japanese beetles and rose chafers can be severe. In small gardens, hand-picking can be an effective control option. However, inspection of plants must be made daily since the beetles are strong fliers and will move in from surrounding areas. 

Ron Kujawski began gardening at an early age on his family's onion farm in upstate New York. Although now retired, he spent most of his career teaching at the UMass Extension Service. He serves on Berkshire Botanical Garden’s Horticulture Advisory Committee. His book, Week-by-Week Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook, is available here.