July has arrived! The garden is in full swing and all the following reminders are going to sound awfully familiar and perhaps tedious; weed, water, harvest, monitor for pests and repeat.
But don’t fret, July is also the time to have fun and enjoy the fruits and flowers of your labors. Take some time and discover the fun of edible flowers. Most people know dandelions are edible but for a splash of orange, sprinkle marigold petals (Tagetes tenuifolia) or calendula (Calendula officinalis) into a salad, or as an edible accouterment to any dish.
Pansies, violas, violets — all (Viola spp.) are “happy” flowers that provide interest and color and are perfect for decorating sweets. When the heat of summer causes them to grow lanky cutting them back (and using the flowers) will cause them to re-grow producing a fresh crop of flowers in the fall.
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is one of the most versatile plants because both the flowers and the leaves are edible. The petals add a peppery flavor and sassy color to pasta, egg salad and potato salad. The leaves are spicy with a texture similar to watercress.
For another fun treat, before getting back to the chore list below, visit the Master Gardener Woodcock Demonstration Garden at 2711 Woodcock Dr.,which has a lovely little patch of edible flowers in a planting tucked in on the south side of the grass and rose garden areas.
For other edible flower suggestions and a few words of caution about using them, please read the sidebar.
Fertilizer
Always water plants before adding fertilizer. There is lot of information to consider before fertilizing; download the free WSU Extension publication, “A Home Gardener’s Guide to Soils and Fertilizers.” This is an in-depth look at the interrelationship of soil and fertilizer. Go to pubs.extension.wsu.edu and enter “EM063E” in the search box. Be aware that improper fertilization can hurt plants and the environment.
Vegetables
Harvest vegetables as they mature. Pull out finished crops; replenish soil with compost. For a fall/winter garden, sow broccoli, carrots, onions, parsley and peas by mid-July and bush beans, beets, kale and lettuce by the end of July. Stop watering garlic as it naturally starts to dry, and harvest when four or five leaves are still green. Gather and dry herbs. Watch tomatoes for late blight and immediately remove infected leaves and fruit.
Berries
Clean up and fertilize June-bearing strawberries after harvest (not day-neutral or ever-bearing strawberries). For erect and semi-erect blackberries top first- year canes when they reach about 4 feet high. Continue organic fertilizing regimen for blueberries (1 tbsp. fish emulsion in 1 cup of water per bush) at beginning of month but do not use ammonium sulfate in July. Consider covering fruiting plants with netting to protect harvest from birds and other wildlife.
Fruit trees
For a better harvest, it’s important to thin the fruit. Thin apples and pears to one to two fruits per cluster, spaced 6-8 inches apart on the branch. Support fruit tree branches that are heavily loaded. Remove water-sprouts and suckers from fruit trees.
Annuals
Sow cosmos, calendula and zinnia seeds now for September color. Annual bedding plants often go on sale this month, so you might want to fill in open spots with new plants that will keep flowering into early November. Deadheading faded flowers is one of the most important tasks to extend flowering of all bloomers. Cut back straggly plants to improve their appearance and stimulate a second bloom. Stake sunflowers that require support. Fertilize plants in containers every two weeks, as they lose nutrients from frequent watering.
Perennials
Compared to annuals and vegetables, perennials are a breeze to grow. If planted in a well-prepared bed, they require little fertilizing, especially if you plant native plants, accustomed to the soil in your area. One application of fertilizer, if needed, should be adequate in mid-summer unless plants show signs of yellowing or slow growth. Stake tall plants such as lilies, dahlias and delphiniums early in their growth. Harvest lavender just as the buds show color, but before they open.
Bulbs, corms, rhizomes, tubers
Divide and transplant crowded spring-blooming bulbs and rhizomes (including bearded iris, daffodils, tulips, etc.) if flowering has declined. Dahlias are heavy food and water users. It takes a lot of energy to stimulate all that massive growth and flower production. Feed monthly with a lower nitrogen fertilizer.
Shrubs, trees
If needed, prune spring-blooming trees and shrubs including forsythia, kerria, Pieris, azalea, rhododendron, lilac and viburnum. Last but not least, mulch, mulch, mulch! Add 2-3 inches of mulch to conserve water and suppress weeds.
Using edible flowers
When considering using edible flowers, do your research. Never experiment by eating plant parts unless you can identify the plant and know that it is harmless. Don’t eat flowers that have been treated with chemicals or found along the roadside. If you know one part of a plant is safe to eat, do not assume that all parts will be. Even if an animal consumes the flower, it could still be toxic to humans.
Edible flowers include:
Borage (Borago officinalis) — light cucumber flavor (great for decoration)
Garden chive (Allium schoenoprasum) — mild onion flavor
Garlic chive (Allium tuberosum) — mild garlic flavor
Squash blossom (Cucurbita pepo species[zucchini]) — squash-like flavor
Bachelor Button (Centaurea cyanu) — colorful garnish
Sweet William (Dianthus (Dianthus barbatus) — spicy petals are used most often on desserts and fruit salads
And don’t forget the blossoms of your favorite herbs like rosemary, thyme and culinary lavender.
July programs
Clallam County Master Gardeners have several interesting educational programs lined up in July. For ornamental gardeners, on July 13, Candice Gohn, a Jefferson County Master Gardener, will present a Green Thumb Presentation, “Tricks from a Flower Farmer.” Summer is the perfect time to appreciate all things flowering.
It goes without saying but watering is a big summer job: On July 15 Tom Del Hotel and a team of Master Gardeners will present a Digging Deeper presentation, “Efficient Watering and Drip Irrigation.” After a brief overview, a team of Master Gardeners will be on hand to help familiarize small groups of participants with drip irrigation components.
Last, on July 22, Master Gardener Margery Whites will be giving a Green Thumb presentation, “A History of Coffee.” Don’t miss this interesting story of what many consider, the nectar of the gods.
Green Thumb presentations start at noon, in person, in the Carver Room at the Port Angeles Lbrary, 2210 Peabody St., or by Zoom. Digging Deeper presentations are 10:30 a.m.-noon, in person, at the Woodcock Demonstration Garden, 2711 Woodcock Road. For more detailed info see the Master Gardener Foundation website, clallammgf.org.
Susan Kalmar is a WSU-certified Clallam County Master Gardener.
