What to do in your garden in July

This month, wherever you are, make an effort to outsmart pests.

In Northern California, create a border that will attract beneficial insects (we like coreopsis, cosmos, goldenrod, etc.); in Southern California, where the sun is hot, solarize your soil to destroy fungus, bacteria, and nematodes; in the Southwest, fight cochineal scale, green aphids, and spider mites with a strong blast of water; and in the Northwest, use a little bait to battle slugs.

In all regions, once you've got the pests under control, consider planting 'Henna,' a showy coleus.

Get more info on what to do in your own region of the West:

Northern California

Southern California

Northwest

Southwest 

Rocky Mountain states