We all know that it has been a wet July. Have you wondered how this month’s rainfall compares with previous years? Master Gardener Volunteer Ellen Herron collects rainfall data for COCORAHS (www.cocorahs.org) at her Durham home. This morning, she reported “We’re now over the 30 year average for July … at least at this station. We’ve received 5.07 inches.  The 30 year average is 4.5 inches.”

You can probably stop doing rain dances for a while.

Here are a few yard and garden chores you might want to add to you to-do list because of all the rain.

• Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Empty buckets, pot saucers, or other items in your yard that collect water during rains so there are fewer places for them to breed.
• Slugs and snails like moist conditions as well. They like to hide in dark, damp places – under a board or a brick, for example. Eliminate their hiding places and remove any slugs you find.
• Warm, moist conditions are favorable for the development of many diseases caused by fungi and bacteria. In many cases, the infected plants should be removed. Please contact the Master Gardener office with any questions.
• Pull those weeds. It is easier to remove the roots of tough weeds when soil is moist.
• Take note of particularly wet areas in your yard. Do you have a spot that puddles during heavy rains? You may want to correct the drainage or consider a rain garden.
• Turn your compost pile, particularly if it is uncovered. A soggy pile can become anaerobic and stinky.