July is typically the hottest month of the year in the Lehigh Valley. We must help our plants by watering them.

It is best to water between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. This prepares the plant for the day and the plant has time to dry before the sun goes down.

Evening watering is not recommended because water tends to rest in the soil, around the roots and on foliage, which encourages rot, fungal growth and insects.

Water the roots, keeping the nozzle close to the ground. Don’t hold the hose and spray the entire plant.

Mulching helps to retain moisture. Add mulch to your garden where needed.

When purchasing bulk mulch or compost, use a reputable producer that has heat-treated the material to a temperature of 130 degrees for at least three days to destroy the cocoons of jumping worms. Or buy bagged mulch.

Flower gardens require only one-inch of water each week. If you do not have a rain gauge, put out a straight-edged can and a ruler to give you the same information.

Knowing when to water flowers in hot weather can be tricky. If you think they are not getting enough moisture, check the top three inches of soil. It should be consistently moist.

Be careful not to over-water your plants. When you over-water, you are putting your plants at risk of fungal pathogens which can lead to root rot and other problems. The plant’s colors dull and turn yellow, then become soft and break easily. As the roots decay, plants will eventually die.

Provide water for birds, butterflies:

Plants are important for attracting native wildlife and insects. Water is also a wonderful and necessary attractant to wildlife.

Birds need a place for drinking and preening. They need to keep their feathers clean to stay alive.

Male butterflies use water for “puddling,” in which they get needed nourishment for mating.

Use a soaker hose or daily water a spot, keeping the soil moist.

Native bees also need water, but they will drown in a birdbath. Put out a shallow water container and fill it with pebbles. The bees will sit on the pebbles when they drink.

Don’t forget about yourself. Drink plenty of liquids and take regular breaks from the sun when you are gardening.

Butterfly buffet:

Every gardener welcomes the sight of beautiful butterflies floating above their flowers. Along with being a visual treat, butterflies play an important role in the environment. They pollinate flowers and are a food source for other animals.

Keep weeding:

Weeding is a never-ending garden task, even during hot July days. It is essential to remove unwanted plants that compete for water and soil nutrients. Weeds are easier to pull when the soil is damp, so it can be better to weed immediately after watering the garden.

Deadhead, cut back flowers:

Native flowering perennials should be deadheaded in July. Simply cut off or pinch off spent blooms. A perennial plant’s goal in life is to propagate; plants propagate from seeds, and flowers make the seeds. By deadheading perennials, flowers will continue to bloom profusely for several weeks. More flowers also mean more benefits to pollinators.

Cut back your annuals so they won’t look ratty.

“Growing Green” is contributed by Lehigh County Extension Office Staff and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613.