Join the Master Gardeners!

The Master Gardeners will have a training class for new members in the Fall of 2008. The training is scheduled to take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays between September 23 and October 30, 2008. A $75 fee covers all course materials, and sixty volunteer hours are required upon completion of the course.

If you would like to join our organization, please visit the Join The Master Gardeners page for further information.

The Master Gardener Foundation of Washington State has recently updated their website. Please click on this link to see all of the changes.

July Gardening

Compiled by Linda Lee,
WSU Master Gardener

• It's not too late to plant annuals. Cut those back that are slowing down and you will see a new burst of flowers.
• Hardwood cutting of Azaleas, Fuchsias, Hydrangeas and Wisteria can be taken this month. Take cuttings and place them in a sterile sandy potting mix.
• If you plant shrubs now be sure to water it well for the next three months. Before planting soak the root ball overnight in a tub of water. If the plant is in a pot make sure it is watered thoroughly before removing it from the pot. A dry plant may lose most of the dirt around it's roots and it is way to late for bare root planting. Place water in the hole before planting and let it drain before setting the plant. Add half of the soil and water again to settle the soil and help remove air holes. Then fill the hole with soil and water again.
• Sow second plantings of beets, carrots, radishes, etc. if you haven't already. Plant Broccoli, bush beans, chard, Chinese cabbage, Kholrabi, Sugar pod or snow peas and turnips for fall harvest.
• For bigger mums feed every three weeks, this will ensure more flowers, until buds start to show color. When the blooms open feed weekly. A good 5-10-10 liquid fertilizers is a good choice.
• Mulch to conserve soil moisture by spreading a 3 to 4 inch layer of organic mulch around the root zones of shrubs.
• Water Perennials in the early morning hours before noon. This gives the plants time to dry out reducing the risk of Powdery Mildew and other fungi. Lawns can be watered in the evening.
• Be sure to get Thistles before they set seeds. Keep after all weeds.
• In our area you still need to be aware of slugs. Unless we are having a hot dry spell they will be out and about in the cool damp evenings and early mornings.

Washington State University Extension Master Gardener volunteers provide non-biased, research-based information on home horticulture and environmental stewardship in Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties, Washington. The purpose of this non-profit foundation is educational: to enhance the Washington State University Master Gardener outreach program and to make our homes and communities as healthy and beautiful as possible.

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