Things to do in July

Design-

Now is a great time to have hardscape work done.  Consider adding a patio, walkway, or wall to your landscape.

Chores-

Keep an eye on the moisture level in your garden, and water accordingly.  Many areas get placed on drought restrictions this month, and if you fall into this category your gardens may suffer temporarily.  If this should happen, conserve your water, and only use for the plants in most need.  Putting a small amount of water on many plants does less good than soaking just a few.  Collect used dish or bath water if your plants are in dire need of moisture.

Continue to clean up perennials in your garden.  Many plants will bloom throughout the summer if spent flowers are removed.

If the summer is dry, avoid cutting your grass too short.  Adding 1/2-1" of height to its normal height will conserve moisture.  If you water your lawn, water once a week thoroughly.  This gets the water down to the roots, and prevents several quick times of watering, which only adds moisture to the surface and draws the roots away from their natural environment.  If your water supply is limited, use it for your garden plants, trees, and shrubs, and not for your lawn.  Grass will go dormant in times of drought, and protect itself from the extreme heat and dry conditions.  Watering it sporadically will jar it out of its dormancy at random times, and do more harm than good.