It is back to school time! I have enjoyed shopping experiences with Swayze, our eighth grader, and Arleigh the seventh grader! Wow! A pair of jeans cost more than my entire school wardrobe ordered from Sears and Roebuck in the late ‘50s!

John David did not want to miss a day with Poppy and has given me permission to just take care of his supply list for him. He is very content roaming our Camp David property, observing the effects of a long hot, dry summer on the garden, food plots and young timber growth.

Ticks are a sure sign of summer. They like the shady, moist areas in tall grasses. They enter our yards on the backs of animals like deer or rodents. A three-foot gravel or wood chip barrier could help prevent the ticks from traveling onto your lawn. They do not like crossing the dry rough space. A border of a strong scented plant like sage, mint, lavender, rosemary, or marigolds around your outdoor living area could be helpful. Do not forget to apply an insect repellent.

July is not a suitable time to plant or move shrubs. It is too hot for them to establish a healthy root system. Keep a watch on your established trees and shrubs. It is important that plants in your landscape are mulched with an organic material to retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

A two-inch inch layer of organic material also reduces weed growth and will improve soil quality.

Have you been hydrating your annuals in your landscape?

Those 100-degree days mean we must carefully assist in the plant’s health and well-being. Plants will need to be watered two or three times a week. Research shows that morning watering is preferred. This allows for the plant to absorb more water before the heat causes evaporation.

Make sure you are watering the root area. Excessive water on the foliage encourages rot and fungal spore growth.

How is your composting effort? You should be adding those leaves, clippings, and numerous produce scraps to your recycling efforts.

Compost will help improve soil structure and texture. Many nutrients can reenter the earth to increase the beneficial microorganisms and improve the soil structure and texture.

Read the labels on all insecticides carefully. Use only when necessary after researching. Be alert to those that cause the least damage to soil life and plants.

Are you dreaming of a beautiful corner of your lawn becoming a wildflower bed? Attempt to keep the area free of weeds between now and winter planting season. Allow no other plants in the potential bed. Do not water to encourage weed growth. Begin to research the plants you want to include for this addition to the beauty of your property.

Continue to harvest crops frequently from your vegetable garden. Be sure you check daily. It does not take long for a vegetable to become too large or past its most flavorful period. I remember Mama going out every morning, gathering the produce and we enjoyed it for dinner, our noontime meal and again for supper.

You still have time to get a second crop planted for fall enjoyment. Those shallow rooted quick growing veggies can be started now in mid-July to early August. They should have time to mature before the first frost. Some of our favorites are broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, and leafy greens like turnip and spinach. You might try a few yellow squash or green beans. With the warm soil, plants should develop their root system before cooler temperatures arrive in Mississippi.

There is always an endless list of projects to be done around the home, garden, or lawn. Be careful and take care of yourself. I know I can hear” The World’s Longest Yard Sale” calling my name!

Former elementary teacher and avid gardener Olivia Sansing lives in the New Hope community and shares timely tips on behalf of the Lowndes County Master Gardeners.