Summer Garden To-Do List for July
Summer is here, and with it comes the need for extra care for both indoor and outdoor plants. As the growing season progresses, houseplants require more frequent watering and fertilization, while trees outside may face damage from summer storms. However, a common issue that gardeners often encounter is the appearance of shredded leaves on plants, without any obvious causes like hail, chicken damage, or caterpillars.
In this article, we delve into the mystery of shredded leaves and explore the possible factors that could be causing the damage.
1. Insects and Pests: Tiny creatures such as spider mites, aphids, and various sucking insects like thrips or whiteflies can infest plants and cause damage that looks like shredding, especially if they infest the underside of leaves.
2. Diseases: Fungal infections and bacterial leaf spot can cause edges of leaves to become brown or shredded, especially if they lead to lesions or blights.
3. Environmental Factors: Strong winds, sudden temperature swings, and dry air can weaken leaf tissues, making them more susceptible to damage.
4. Physical Damage: If branches are rubbing against each other or against structures, it can result in shredded leaves.
5. Nutrient Issues: Lack of essential nutrients can weaken leaf structures, making them more prone to damage.
Inspecting the plant closely for signs of pests, diseases, or environmental stress can help determine the exact cause of shredded leaves.
Meanwhile, gardeners should also be mindful of other garden-related issues. For instance, Winsome flies lay their eggs on Japanese beetles, causing large white spots on the beetles' bodies. Instead of killing the beetles immediately, it's essential to check for these signs of parasitism.
As summer progresses, it's time to consider growing a late summer/fall cover crop to improve soil and take a break from vegetable growing. Direct-sowing fall vegetables, such as cabbage, carrots, beets, and broccoli, in areas where early-season vegetables have bolted can provide a bountiful harvest.
Lastly, it's important to remember that wild turkeys have been observed eating leaves off broccoli plants in raised beds, causing erratic damage and leaving turkey scat and footprints. If you notice such damage, it might be a sign that you have some unexpected visitors in your garden!
For answers to your lawn and garden questions, tune in to the "Smart Gardens" show on WCCO Radio every Saturday, 8-9 a.m., on AM 830 or smart speakers. Happy gardening!
[1] Source: University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources [3] Source: Cornell University Cooperative Extension [5] Source: Michigan State University Extension
- While investigating the mystery of shredded leaves on plants, consider the possibility of insects and pests such as spider mites, aphids, and various sucking insects like thrips or whiteflies infesting the plants, particularly the underside of leaves.
- In their home-and-garden pursuits, gardeners should also be aware of the gardening aspect of wild turkeys that have been observed eating leaves off broccoli plants in raised beds, causing erratic damage and leaving turkey scat and footprints.
