KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – Tips for Midsummer Garden and Lawn

By this time the first of the garden produce is coming. I’ve already had beans, peas and jalapeños. Keep picking to encourage more fruit. Keep the garden as weed-free as you can. When we first planted the garden we either fertilize or use garden soil that contains fertilizer. By now that’s been all used so it’s time to fertilize. Use an all-purpose flower and vegetable fertilizer like Miracle Grow®. Outside plants respond well to foliar feeding, sprinkle all over the plant and soil. Fertilize early or late to avoid burn.

Don’t forget that trees and shrubs need food too. With large trees we use spikes that contain fertilizer and pound into the ground. Water first so ground is relatively soft. Even so they usually crumble but do as best you can. Evergreen and many flowering bushes benefit from fertilizer that has a higher acid level. I use Miracid.  Only fertilize bushes till September. You don’t want to encourage late growth late in the year that might not survive winter.

After a wet cool spring in the Chicago area we have had a dry hot spell. Make sure lawn and garden are getting sufficient water. Remember the one- inch rule. One- inch water per week through rain or watering. Use a can placed on the lawn or in the garden to measure. Pay special attention under trees, even if we get a good soaking rain these areas often remain somewhat dry. With trees it’s best to run an open hose for a couple of hours a few feet away from the trunk. Container vegetables and flowers need much more water so water them every other day, and hanging plants every day.

Keep the flowers producing all summer long by removing spent blooms. For roses, cut down to the first cluster of 5 leaves. Cut off any dead branches or stems. Keep bushes trimmed. A little work and food will keep the garden and lawn thriving through any weather.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO