It is time to prune shrubs that put on a lot of growth this year. You should prune them as needed to keep them in the proper scale for your garden. Growth will be mostly hardened off in early to mid-July, so there should be minimal new growth. Try using a pair of hand pruners instead of an electric hedge clipper. For a natural look, make individual cuts at different heights throughout the shrubs; cuts at the same height will produce a more formal look. Prune right above the leaves to help hide the cuts. Careful pruning will leave the plants smaller but not looking “sheared.” Remove dead wood. Avoid pruning panicle hydrangeas as they are just now starting to flower.

• Some varieties of crabapple are very susceptible to a fungal disease called apple scab, and those not treated in spring may be losing their leaves at this time. The remaining leaves will develop black and yellow spots. Spraying with a fungicide at this point will not help, but give the affected tree extra care by providing supplemental water as needed and fertilizing in fall or next spring. Consider replacing disease-prone trees with resistant varieties.

• Keep the following general rules in mind when harvesting most vegetable crops. First, it is important to harvest vegetables when they are at the peak of their flavor. Younger plants and fruits are often more tender than those left on the plant longer. The length of time vegetables remain edible depends on weather conditions. High temperatures hasten maturity. Handle them carefully during harvest time. Check the garden daily, and remove any ripe, damaged or misshapen fruits. Fruits that are not easily removed from the plant, such as eggplant, should be cut with a knife. Harvest on a regular basis to encourage production. Many plants, such as cucumber, okra and zucchini, will cease production if mature fruits are not harvested.

• Tim Johnson is director of horticulture at Chicago Botanic Garden, chicagobotanic.org.