Hot days really test your devotion to landscape care. Working outside in July is not very pleasant, but some plants do need attention. If your azalea leaves, for example, look yellowish, they need more iron. This is commonly caused by high soil pH. You may be able to remedy this chlorosis by applying aluminum sulfate or a chelated [key-lated] iron compound to the soil around the base of the plant. Poor leaf color also may occur on gardenias, roses, camellias, hollies and centipede lawn grass.
Many azaleas are showing lace bug damage to foliage, similar to iron chlorosis symptoms. Apply recommended insecticides when lace bugs are present, usually each spring and late summer/early fall. Recent LSU AgCenter research has shown that there are as many as five generations of azalea lace bugs every year in Louisiana.
If you’re planning a fall vegetable garden, early August is a good time to transplant tomatoes and bell peppers. In addition, you can plant broccoli seeds, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, Chinese cabbage, collards, mustard, turnips, squash, cucumbers, lima beans, shallots, Irish potatoes and southern peas. Mid- to late August is a good time to plant carrots, beets, snap beans and lettuce. You also can transplant broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.