The heat is really settling in. This week South Carolina and parts of North Carolina will see record temperatures. This is a tough time to plant and focusing on maintenance is a good alternative to planting that keeps you in the garden while it’s cool.
Maintenance can include cutting off spent blooms, mulching news areas for refreshing much for better color. Pruning out dead, diseased or crossing limbs and canes. Plant hygiene is important in maintaining a disease free landscape.
Time spent doing maintenance is also a good time to scout for insects and disease or look for plants that are stressed from the heat pressures (these may need a little extra watering attention).
Remember that water deep, but less often can be beneficial to both you (time saver) and your garden.