The weather has been really hot and muggy recently – almost too hot to work outside in the garden. However, the weeds are really flourishing, especially the goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria), and it has taken over in some areas.

There’s so much to be done, and I’m reminded every time that I look at our garden calendar. Published by the University of Massachusetts, it features gorgeous photographs, lists the daily sunrise/sunset times, and gives daily garden tips in addition to providing resources for gardeners regarding plant problems, soil testing, tick testing, and more.

Among this year’s July reminders are: Trim late season perennials, such as asters, for more compact plants; harvest garlic when the lower third of leaves turn yellow/brown; sow a second crop of summer squash and cucumbers; dig potatoes as soon as leafy stems die; pick zucchini at about 4 inches long for tenderness and flavor; remove lower diseased leaves on tomatoes; trim off green tops before storing carrots to avoid losing moisture; and divide daylilies every 4 or 5 years to keep them flowering profusely.

Sadly, I’ve neglected to divide our clumps of daylilies. Hopefully, I’ll get to it this year. It’s on my to-do list!