July in the Garden

problems with many plants. Check to empty excess water in pots and saucers under pots. Constant dampness is inviting to insects and diseases. Keeping an eye on your plants gives you the chance to pick bugs, prune diseased spots and spray before you lose them.

Last month, I left you with the promise that this month I would talk about cypress mulch and why we should not use it in our gardens. Many gardeners believe cypress is the best mulch to use, as it is so attractive when new. However, it quickly fades out to a gray color, and gardeners buy more to replenish it. Another belief is that it lasts longer and discourages bugs. While it does last a long time, all mulches discourage bugs, and other types last just as long or longer. The truth is, cypress mulch actually forms a crust that reduces water movement through it, thus restricting the amount of water plant roots receive.

The most important reason not to use cypress mulch is that cypress trees are a fast disappearing natural resource found only in wetlands. A slow growing tree that is not replanted as a crop, clear cutting and harvesting cypress disrupts important functions of a natural ecosystem such as water storage, water quality enhancement and wild life habitat. A cypress tree must be 40 - 60 years old to be large enough to cut for lumber. The popularity of cypress mulch means that many young, small trees are being cut and fed into chippers to supply the demand, a very harmful practice to our future.

There are many alternatives to cypress mulch: pine bark, pine nuggets, pine needles and newer mulches made from the invasive melalluca tree. Of course, homemade mulches are also an alternative. Please, try to avoid cypress mulch at all costs.

July is the month to start peppers, eggplants and tomatoes; this will give you transplants for August for the winter garden. It is also the ideal time to take cuttings and root them for Christmas girls, fall plants and container plants.
Please remember, when working outdoors, to apply lots of sunscreen to exposed skin, take frequent breaks, drink plenty of water and avoid the hottest time of the day. Till next month -

May all your weeds be wildflowers!