To prevent the spread of this disease, be sure to toss away the clippings. Early this month, pruning is also in order for summer blooming beauties like crepe myrtle, buddleia and vitex. Camellia and Azalea leaf gall is best controlled by handpicking the fleshy leaves or by spraying with zineb before bloom. Roses Spray roses every 7-10 days until frost, beginning with the onset of new growth. Plant container-grown roses.
Control aphids with insecticidal soap.
This is the harvest season for cool-weather vegetables. Cut the broccoli while the buds are small and tight. Leave the plant in the garden after cutting the center head, as side shoots will develop for a smaller second harvest. Cut the lower leaves of Swiss chard, spinach, mustard, collards, kale and leaf lettuce. Cover soil around plants with 3 or 4 inches of organic material, such as wood chips, pine needles, or straw.