The month of July in north Florida is typically a period for maintaining the horticultural efforts of the preceding weeks. While it is great to be outside for recreational activities, the lawn and garden chores can be a bit tedious, especially in the heat and humidity currently being experienced.
Still, there are some very productive activities which can be accomplished in the home landscape and garden which do not require excessive or extraordinary effort. When these actions are undertaken consistently, even though they are not exceptionally physical, they can yield savings in both time and resources.
First and foremost is to monitor the homestead’s exterior. This means literally watching what is happening on a regular basis multiple times weekly if not daily.
If he were living in contemporary panhandle Florida, there is no doubt that William Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon, would have said “All your landscape and gardens are a stage, and all the birds, bugs and diseases merely players who have their entrances and (hopefully) exits”.
In short, there is a lot of too often overlooked and unnoticed activity which can create all kinds of drama if left uncontrolled.
Grasshoppers can be found almost anywhere in July, and they are usually feasting on this year’s plentiful foliage. Some, like this lubber grasshopper (a.k.a. Georgia Thumper), are capable of eating delicate summer blooms.
Luckily there has been enough rain during the summer of 2025, so far. Even so, this largess from above can set up problems which, if caught early, can be mitigated and the damage minimized.
Watch the insects which are appearing and identify the problematic species such as grasshoppers and stinkbugs. In a year with ample rain, the bugs have had plenty to eat, so the reproduction rate has been high.
As each new generation hatches, they immediately start the hunt for something to eat. With the summer progressing, the insect population begins to reach critical mass in areas where there is no counter balance to their presence. Early detection and treatment are key.
The same can be said for diseases and weeds. With many landscapes and gardens going into the night wet from late day and evening rains, the establishment and spread of fungal problems is likely to increase. Again, early detection and treatment are key to successfully controlling each situation.
Now is an excellent time to use the summer heat to solarize garden soil in preparation for the upcoming fall vegetable garden planting. It usually takes four to six weeks to kill weeds, disease, and nematodes, so start as soon as is practical.
Another low impact task for fall gardening preparation is to start tomato and Halloween pumpkin seeds now. Watch for insects and disease symptoms as both seedlings are susceptible to these pressures during this period.
Okra, peppers, and southern peas, can still be planted now. Each will yield before the first frost and cold weather ends their production. For the diligent, and lucky, peppers can be overwintered at this latitude and yield in 2026.
If gardenias and azaleas have not been pruned, the window of time to accomplish this is rapidly closing. Both should be completed no later than the middle of July or next year’s bloom will be reduced.
If the addition of a palm is in the home landscaping plan, now is the time to install it. Take advantage of the consistent rains to get this shrub or tree acclimated to its new home.
Working on these tasks now will yield in the months to come, and none are too extreme in the July early mornings.
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