Below are a few tips from our Extension Master Gardeners on what can be planted, fertilized and pruned in the month of July.

 Plant

• Seeds of fast-growing vegetables such as zucchini, lima and bush beans for a late harvest.
• Seeds of collards, kale, broccoli, cauliflower and pumpkins in containers to be set out next month in the garden.
• Still time to plant basil.
• Zinnias and cosmos for a second round of flowers.
• Sow coneflowers, black eyed Susan’s and coreopsis in pots. Fertilize every two weeks and by fall they will be ready to plant in the garden.

• Another good month to take cuttings of shrubs. Take 6” long cuttings, dip in rooting powder, plant in half sand/half soil mix, keep moist. Tug to check for roots after 4-6 weeks.
• Dig up, divide and replant iris now.
• Keep removing suckers from tomato plants.
• Deadhead roses so the energy goes back to the plant.
• Keep pinching back chrysanthemums until July 15 so they will bush up.

Fertilize

• Bermuda, St. Augustine and Zoysia grass

Prune

• Lamb’s ears of lower leaves which have now turned mushy.
• Overgrown shrubs so any nerve growth will have time to harden off before fall.

• This might be a good time to have your soil tested. The test is free to NC residents. Soil sample boxes and forms are available at the Pasquotank Extension Building.