{"id":5848,"date":"2021-07-05T12:00:41","date_gmt":"2021-07-05T16:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.earthworksjax.com\/?p=5848"},"modified":"2023-05-25T09:13:54","modified_gmt":"2023-05-25T09:13:54","slug":"july-lawn-and-garden-tips-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.earthworksjax.com\/gardencenter\/july-lawn-and-garden-tips-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"July Lawn And Garden Tips 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Last month’s weather and typical July trends impact our recommendations for the lawn and garden in Northeast, Florida. <\/em><\/strong>
On July 2, Elsa became the first hurricane of 2021 to threaten Florida with tropical storm wind and rain causing us to lead the July lawn and garden tips with an emphasis on the importance of hurricane preparedness. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration<\/a> (NOAA) predicts 6-10 hurricanes in the 2021 season that started June 1 and ends on November 30. Florida receives the majority of these weather event impacts between mid-August and late October, according to NOAA<\/a>, although it is currently past time to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

Check your hurricane supplies, including provisions for your lawn and garden. Stake newly planted trees to prevent them from falling and causing personal injury or property damage\u2014pruning of older trees and damaged ones before a storm can be a lifesaver. Cleaning leaves and debris from your roof gutters and assessing your drainage systems’ working order and effectiveness should be done to prevent flooding. Earth Works Landscaping Department can fix whatever drainage issues you have and do so in creative ways that provide beauty to the landscape and meet local codes designed to protect your property and the environment. Our “Hurricane Season Landscape Preparation” blog has more detailed, helpful tips focused on your landscape during tropical storms and hurricanes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Rainfall for June in the Jacksonville area was heaviest on the Northside as reported by the National Weather Service (NWS) station at Jacksonville International Airport (JIA). June 24 alone saw nearly 3 inches of rainfall at JIA, contributing to 8.7 inches total, up one inch from the June average. By comparison, Craig Field in Jacksonville’s Southside saw a .63 inch deficiency from its June average for a monthly total of 5.65 inches. Jacksonville is expected to see about a half-inch increase in rain July over June totals and an additional inch in August and September based on monthly averages. With 20 rain days in June, the associated cloud cover kept high temperatures capped at 95F with a 55F degree low on June 1, the lowest recorded in June since 1984. Look for more of the same in July.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Northeast Florida is a large area, and rainfall totals per area can vary greatly. July lawn and garden tips recommend installing a rain gauge in your yard as an inexpensive tool that accurately measures the amount of rainfall your landscape receives. Consider using a smart sprinkler controller such as the Rachio 3 and Orbit B-hyve XR, which can automatically adjust watering schedules based on weather station data and hyper-local conditions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What Can We Plant in July?<\/em><\/strong>
July lawn and garden tips encourage use of heat-loving cacti and succulents in your garden. Matt Barlow, Earth Works Garden Center Manager, showcases in a recent Earth Works youtube video these easy care plants for Summer planting in Northeast, Florida.
–Flapjack Succulent<\/a>, Kalanchoe luciae<\/em> has an interesting texture and color. They will get several feet tall and flower while adding architectural interest to your cacti and succulent garden.
–Crown of Thorns<\/a>, Euphorbia milii<\/em>, and Euphorbia Milii Var. splendens<\/em> are two varieties we offer. These are a rugged option that can bloom non-stop year-round. There are very few plants I can say that about. Get them in plenty of sun, and they will bloom repeatedly.
–Yucca Cane<\/a>, Yucca guatemalensis,<\/em> these guys can take a range of sun conditions outdoors or as a houseplant.
–Ponytail Palm<\/a>, Beaucarnea recurvata, is not a palm, but succulent that needs little to no care.
–Queen of the Night<\/a>, Cereus peruvianus<\/em> are show-stopping night bloomers that bring a lot of interest to the garden and are very easy to grow.
–Hedgehog aloe<\/a>, Echinocereus engelmannii<\/em> is one of many aloe varieties we carry. They put up a flower spike covered with coral-covered tubular flowers that attract pollinators, hummingbirds, and even small birds will perch on the stems and drink the nectar.
–Desert Rose<\/a>, Adenium obesum<\/em> I have a special place in my heart for. I have one that’s been in my collection for almost 20 years. They are slow growers requiring protection from frost in the Winter and provide plenty of sunshine in Summer while protecting from overwatering.
–Twin-Flowered Agave<\/a>, Agave geminiflora<\/em> looks completely different than the other agaves that people are accustomed to seeing. They have spaghetti-strapped leaves with a slow to moderate growth rate and easy to grow without much care.
–Pencil Cactus<\/a>, Euphorbia tirucalli<\/em>, Pencil-like tubular leafless stems with a texture that’s different from everything else you’ll have in the garden. Protect from frost and freezing, though, as they are not cold hardy.
-Prickly Pear Cactus, Opuntia<\/a><\/em>, are paddled cacti with varieties native to Florida. They flower and produce edible fruit. They make an excellent garden focal point.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Additionally, the heat of our Summer is a good time to consider adding tropical plants such as hibiscus<\/a>, Ixora<\/a>, Bird of Paradise<\/a>, and Mandevilla<\/a>. Those tropicals will be featured each week of July as Plant of the Week wherein we offer a 10% discount on those purchases.<\/p>\r\n