By Pat Shay
Keep after weeds - staying on top of them when they are small is much easier than trying to get rid of them when they have begin to choke out producing plants.
Water - a constant issue in summer gardening. Monitor plants and maintain enough water to keep everything from wilting without wasting water.
Wherever possible use drip. It is much more efficient. Even then, it is important to watch the plants - if anything begins to look dry, it is very possible that a sprinkler head is broken or clogged.
Water consistently and if possible in the morning. Keep water away from plant stems. Keep lower leaves of plants cut back so they do not aid in transferring disease. If you use mulch, keep it away from plant stems, as well. Ideally, soil is moist (NOT soggy) 6 - 12 inches deep to get to the root zone.
Keep herbs pinched back to control size and avoid bolting (setting bloom). You might want to plant some ornamentals (zinnias/marigolds/daisiesyarrow, etc.) among veggie plants and herbs to encourage beneficials for pollinators.
If your tomatoes grow like weeds and seem to take over the garden, remember there are determinant and indeterminant varieties. Determinant grow to a certain size, produce fruit and quit. Inderminant grow lanky and produce fruit over a longer period. Each is great, but for containers, etc., determinant is more controllable. (If you are facing a jungle of tomato plants - remember to select determinant varieties next spring!)
Fruit trees should be thinned when fruit is about walnut size. It is much better for the tree and the remaining fruit will grow larger. Where there are three or more fruits, remove at least one and preferably two. If some branches have become too long it is OK to prune them back rather than have the branch break from the weight of fruit later in the summer.
If you choose, you can fertilize fruit trees with 1/2 recommended application of nitrogen (first number of 5-5-5 or similar on the label) now or in August.
Generally speaking fruit trees do not need nutrients beyond those in the soil. If you do fertilize - WATER it in (apply at drip line and then irrigate).
Avoid killing spiders in your garden, they are eating pesky insects! If you do seem to have a pest infestation, apply soapy water to deter.
Deadhead ornamentals as the flowers fade. This will lead to another flowering. Rake under all plants to remove debris that can spread disease.