You know how things just kinda sneak up on you…like maybe a few too many trips to the ice cream store over the summer, a few too many pairs of cute flip-flops, or even a few too many 50% off annuals and discounted perennials.

Well, when you spend a few too many days out of the garden distracted with so many other fun summer activities the “Garden To Do” list sneaks up on you too!

So, I’ve made a list to help me stay focused on my “to-dos” and am calling it my Friday “Top 10”.

Yes, I know it’s pretty geeky to put your garden “To Do” list on your phone but if you could only see my handwriting (southpaw, taught to write several different ways during elementary years)  you would know why I have converted to using my phone for even simple things such as lists.  Plus, I don’t have to keep track of small pieces of paper….I know, I’m digressing.  Anyway, here’s a more legible version…

But before you take a scan of the list let me ask…Do you make garden “To Do” lists?  Do you have any of the same tasks as me?  Are you someone who is unsure of what should be done in your garden in July or someone who has it outlined ahead of time and already has most July tasks finished.  

If you have a minute share your thoughts on your garden “To Dos”.  The garden won’t mind waiting another minute!

My Friday “Top 10” 

1. Don’t buy anymore plants until I have all the ones I’ve already purchased planted!  (I sometimes get too many deals and then have to find a home for everything!)

2. In high heat water for TREES, not turf
(Meaning if you have heavy clay soil and run sprinklers, water two times a day for lesser amounts of time (maybe 10 minutes ) so the water can be absorbed  into the soil and taken by the tree.  Watering for long periods (30 minutes) everyday can cause the trees to drown (roots suffocate) because of the slow drainage of clay soil.  This is a leading cause of tree death in areas with heavy soil.)

3. On the water front make sure all automatic watering systems are functioning properly, increase water (by hand) for those things (raspberries) that need it

4. Fertilize veggies and container plantings with fish emulsion

5. Add water to compost bins, mix

6. Harvest, harvest, harvest last of cool season crops that are still producing small quantities

7. Trim tomatoes where needed to fuel energy into fruit, re-stake if necessary

8, Pick strawberries, trim runners to keep plants energy going into setting new blossoms instead of new plants

9. Trim apple espalier and check coddling moth traps to see if activity is present.  If so, spray with serum containing spinosad approved for USDA organic produce

10. Enjoy the things that are really working well in the garden and remember there’s always next year for the others…