Somehow convince yourself that deadheading is fun. Then, have lots of fun so as to keep the annuals blooming and the perennials from setting seeds.

Pinch mums and asters for the last time.

Keep alert to the rainfall situation - July is unpredictable, and some locales receive much more (or less) precipitation than the official figures. After the soggy middle of June, the hose may have become a forgotten tool - but spring-planted perennials and shrubbery may be thirsty. Your mission is to supplement nature with slow, deep watering every five or so days. Avoid light spritzing.

Prepare to do battle with Japanese beetles. By hand, knock them from plants into a container with soapy water. Traps with attractants should never be put near vegetables or flower beds - you'll just lure beetles from the whole block to your plants. The middle of the lawn is better - better yet is your nongardening neighbor's far corner or next to the chicken coop to provide the birds a high-protein diet.

Harvest zucchini when they're small, thus promoting a continuous crop of tender ones - unless you hanker for weapons-grade veggies.

Use hand clippers to prune new pyracantha shoots back to four or five side leaves, which will encourage more shoots. By mid to late fall, buds should be set for next year's flowers (and berries); prune back to just above the bud clusters. Except for reshaping the plant, no more general pruning until dealing with the next year's new shoots.

Prune wisteria properly to encourage blossoms next year. The goal is to convert vigorous new shoots into short blossoming spurs. Cut off the ends of all side shoots just beyond the sixth or seventh leaf as soon as that leaf develops; when new growth emerges from the cut stems, cut immediately after the new growth has developed first or second leaves. Do not fertilize, as this promotes excessive foliar growth. Note that even a full regimen of proper pruning may not be adequate to induce blossoming if the wisteria is in a shady situation.

Prevent blossom-end rot on tomatoes by providing consistent moisture. In anticipation of heat, mulch to get soil cool and thus encourage blossoming, which is inhibited when the soil is warmer than 85 degrees.

For the fall harvest, sow cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower seeds. Bedding plants can be planted later in the month, but don't count on finding them at garden centers. Last call to sow seeds of beets, carrots and snap beans.

- Michael Martin Mills