Desert/Water-wise Gardens
- Teaching Grandchildren to Garden
- Children in The Garden
- Garden Vows
- The Case of The Dead Patchouli
- Vitex as Insect Repellant
- Organic Pest Controls
- Right Angle Challenged
- Gardening Websites
- May Waterwise Gardening Jobs
- Spring Waterwise Gardening Chores
Teaching Grandchildren to Garden
Posted by
Robert Dailey
Robert Dailey
Small grandchildren are great learners. Sometimes they balk at what their parents tell them. They seem to be much more malleable in their grandparents' hands.
To date, I’ve taught my two-year-old granddaughter (Madison) how to use metal spoons to achieve maximum clanging noise by banging them against resonant metal objects.
I’ve determined that pots and pans make the best, most irritating sounds. Empty washers and dryers are pretty good too.
I taught her how to use a flyswatter and to say “got that dumb fly.” Her overprotective mother, my daughter, told me at dinner the other night, “I don’t know where she gets all this stuff,” although the accusing look she shot at me told me she suspects.
Maddy follows me out to the garden without so much as a “by your leave” from her mother. If I’m in the garden and she’s here, she’s in the garden. Mom might think she’s sitting under the coffee table playing with her cuddlies, but that slamming door mom just heard was Maddy slipping out to the garden with Poppy.
Here’s how it works in the garden with Maddy. I plant seeds, she meticulously removes them and throws them on the walking path. She picks green tomatoes when I’m not looking and hides them empty planting pots.
Maddy also eats dirt. She inspects bugs. She has been bitten by mosquitoes. She was scratched on the finger and nose by the cat as she tried to deposit him into the compost tea container (it was a kind, not malevolent gesture on her part…she wanted to give him a bath).
She’s fallen in the garden and scraped her knees. She rides in my garden wagon atop a mount of soil and strewing it along the path. I always arrive with half the load I started with.
She’s got her own garden gloves and a plastic trowel and hand rake.Her mommy’s hoping for a prim and proper little girl. Got news for her.
I’ve determined that pots and pans make the best, most irritating sounds. Empty washers and dryers are pretty good too.
I taught her how to use a flyswatter and to say “got that dumb fly.” Her overprotective mother, my daughter, told me at dinner the other night, “I don’t know where she gets all this stuff,” although the accusing look she shot at me told me she suspects.
Maddy follows me out to the garden without so much as a “by your leave” from her mother. If I’m in the garden and she’s here, she’s in the garden. Mom might think she’s sitting under the coffee table playing with her cuddlies, but that slamming door mom just heard was Maddy slipping out to the garden with Poppy.
Here’s how it works in the garden with Maddy. I plant seeds, she meticulously removes them and throws them on the walking path. She picks green tomatoes when I’m not looking and hides them empty planting pots.
Maddy also eats dirt. She inspects bugs. She has been bitten by mosquitoes. She was scratched on the finger and nose by the cat as she tried to deposit him into the compost tea container (it was a kind, not malevolent gesture on her part…she wanted to give him a bath).
She’s fallen in the garden and scraped her knees. She rides in my garden wagon atop a mount of soil and strewing it along the path. I always arrive with half the load I started with.
She’s got her own garden gloves and a plastic trowel and hand rake.Her mommy’s hoping for a prim and proper little girl. Got news for her.
Posted by
Robert Dailey
Robert Dailey
Teaching children to garden requires patience, wide latitudes, patience, an open mind and…patience
I tried to teach my children gardening. I’ve been extremely successful with one. The others have expressed varying degrees of disinterest. My oldest daughter didn’t even like to be outside. Now, she’s itching to get out and have a garden.
My son's tactic was to become "flower blind." I can’t tell you how many amaryllis, herbs and plants have been destroyed by an errant lawn mower (him, not the machine). I asked him to weed once but those “weeds” he pulled were actually fledgling eggplants, beans and cucumbers.
One daughter, when in her teens, actually liked to mow, although I think that the idea of her pushing that lawnmower in shorts, in full view of the boys in the neighborhood had something to do it.
My second youngest daughter thinks that the purpose of outdoors is to provide a place for a bench to chatt with her boyfriend.
My youngest daughter is the gardener. She’s tagged along behind me in the garden since she was old enough to walk. She’s eaten dirt and earthworms, and I let her. She was (and still is) in the garden with me often. When younger she taught me a lot about gardening
Like don’t leave open seed packets lying around. They like to stick those seeds in improbable places. The larger seeds like lima beans are pretty easy to detect protruding from a nostril. Tiny radish seeds are impossible to see. I know it’s totally unrealistic and silly, but I had nightmares about these things.
“Doctor,” I would say (in my dream). “I’m not sure what’s going on but she’s complaining of an earache and I’m noticing little green things sprouting in there.”
And the doctor says “it’ll be okay. Just give her two of these slow-release fertilizer capsules and call me in the morning.”
My son's tactic was to become "flower blind." I can’t tell you how many amaryllis, herbs and plants have been destroyed by an errant lawn mower (him, not the machine). I asked him to weed once but those “weeds” he pulled were actually fledgling eggplants, beans and cucumbers.
One daughter, when in her teens, actually liked to mow, although I think that the idea of her pushing that lawnmower in shorts, in full view of the boys in the neighborhood had something to do it.
My second youngest daughter thinks that the purpose of outdoors is to provide a place for a bench to chatt with her boyfriend.
My youngest daughter is the gardener. She’s tagged along behind me in the garden since she was old enough to walk. She’s eaten dirt and earthworms, and I let her. She was (and still is) in the garden with me often. When younger she taught me a lot about gardening
Like don’t leave open seed packets lying around. They like to stick those seeds in improbable places. The larger seeds like lima beans are pretty easy to detect protruding from a nostril. Tiny radish seeds are impossible to see. I know it’s totally unrealistic and silly, but I had nightmares about these things.
“Doctor,” I would say (in my dream). “I’m not sure what’s going on but she’s complaining of an earache and I’m noticing little green things sprouting in there.”
And the doctor says “it’ll be okay. Just give her two of these slow-release fertilizer capsules and call me in the morning.”
Posted by
Robert Dailey
Robert Dailey
Growing up on a farm, I was expected to work in the garden, something I didn't look forward to. Things have changed.
My dad had a garden for each season, although in southern Louisiana, there are only two real seasons: really hot and not so hot.
So our garden had tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, cukes, watermelons, cantaloupes, garlic, onions, potatoes, and a few exotics dad tried out each year.
We were expected to weed, help haul and amend soil, build rows, plant, harvest, consign spent plants to the compost heap then help mama preserve and can the harvest.
We also had satsumas, lemons, oranges, pears, plums and figs. In the spring, we picked dewberries and a little later, blackberries.
I remember lazy fall afternoons lying under a Satsuma bush, pulling down the fruit, peeling away the thick, loose rind, pulling the ready-made slices apart and biting into each one, feeling the tart-yet-sweet pulp and juice hit the back of my throat.
Or in the winter, putting syrupy-sweet fig preserves on hot buttered homemade breakfast biscuits
Fresh blackberries were made into blackberry cobbler, or dumplings, and finally, jelly.
The last summer before I went away, I vowed I would never, ever, get caught in a garden again for the rest of my life.
Having said all that, I was just outside checking on my tomatoes. The plants have stopped producing and are basically spent. However, there are still some nice green shoots, so I’m layer rooting the shoots. In about a week, I’ll have some rooted clones (tomatoes clone very easily). I’ll snip these loose from the mother plant and plant the new clones, which I’ll then plant. That way, I’ll have some fall tomatoes.
Got to get some bush bean plants as well as some squash for the rest of my fall garden. Once it gets a little cooler I’ll sow some turnips, radishes and greens.
So much for my non-gardening vow.
So our garden had tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, cukes, watermelons, cantaloupes, garlic, onions, potatoes, and a few exotics dad tried out each year.
We were expected to weed, help haul and amend soil, build rows, plant, harvest, consign spent plants to the compost heap then help mama preserve and can the harvest.
We also had satsumas, lemons, oranges, pears, plums and figs. In the spring, we picked dewberries and a little later, blackberries.
I remember lazy fall afternoons lying under a Satsuma bush, pulling down the fruit, peeling away the thick, loose rind, pulling the ready-made slices apart and biting into each one, feeling the tart-yet-sweet pulp and juice hit the back of my throat.
Or in the winter, putting syrupy-sweet fig preserves on hot buttered homemade breakfast biscuits
Fresh blackberries were made into blackberry cobbler, or dumplings, and finally, jelly.
The last summer before I went away, I vowed I would never, ever, get caught in a garden again for the rest of my life.
Having said all that, I was just outside checking on my tomatoes. The plants have stopped producing and are basically spent. However, there are still some nice green shoots, so I’m layer rooting the shoots. In about a week, I’ll have some rooted clones (tomatoes clone very easily). I’ll snip these loose from the mother plant and plant the new clones, which I’ll then plant. That way, I’ll have some fall tomatoes.
Got to get some bush bean plants as well as some squash for the rest of my fall garden. Once it gets a little cooler I’ll sow some turnips, radishes and greens.
So much for my non-gardening vow.
The Case of The Dead Patchouli
Posted by
Robert Dailey
Robert Dailey
I didn't mean to kill it. I had good intentions, and just wanted it to look nice.
I love to give my wife and daughters plants as gifts. Mainly for selfish reasons. The plants usually languish on some table or corner somewhere, until I can “rescue” them and blend them into my landscape.
So the patchouli plant was great. It smelled so good, and my wife loves incense. I planted it in front of my miniature bamboo. I see my garden with the same eye as I think an artist would paint a canvas, carefully matching colors, textures, sizes, aroma, dinensions.
I realized that the patchouli was placed too close to the bamboo. For two reasons.
One, I wanted it closer to the pathway, so that a casual brush against it, or a stirring breeze, could waft the scent up to the passer by.
Two, I needed another plant, taller than the patchouli, something with darker and broader leaves.
Therefore, I dug up the happy patchouli and moved it about two feet forward in the bed.
My wife walked out into the garden to pick a ripe tomato or two. And saw the wilted patchouli, splayed out over the mulch like a drunken cowboy.
And she was not happy.
“My patchouli,” she sputtered. “What happened? What did you do?”
I did the honorable thing. I blamed it on Leon, our exuberant boxer, who was recently reprimanded for destroying a newly planted rhododendron with natural urea.
Somehow, though, I think she really knows I committed the murder. First of all, she knows that Leon, as smart as he is, lacks opposing thumbs and therefore would have a very difficult time transplanting the patchouli plant. And secondly, I answered too fast. Any rookie cop would have noticed immediately how quickly I answered her question, as though I had already prepared an alibi.
By the way, I'm heading out to the nursery tomorrow to find another patchouli plant.
So the patchouli plant was great. It smelled so good, and my wife loves incense. I planted it in front of my miniature bamboo. I see my garden with the same eye as I think an artist would paint a canvas, carefully matching colors, textures, sizes, aroma, dinensions.
I realized that the patchouli was placed too close to the bamboo. For two reasons.
One, I wanted it closer to the pathway, so that a casual brush against it, or a stirring breeze, could waft the scent up to the passer by.
Two, I needed another plant, taller than the patchouli, something with darker and broader leaves.
Therefore, I dug up the happy patchouli and moved it about two feet forward in the bed.
My wife walked out into the garden to pick a ripe tomato or two. And saw the wilted patchouli, splayed out over the mulch like a drunken cowboy.
And she was not happy.
“My patchouli,” she sputtered. “What happened? What did you do?”
I did the honorable thing. I blamed it on Leon, our exuberant boxer, who was recently reprimanded for destroying a newly planted rhododendron with natural urea.
Somehow, though, I think she really knows I committed the murder. First of all, she knows that Leon, as smart as he is, lacks opposing thumbs and therefore would have a very difficult time transplanting the patchouli plant. And secondly, I answered too fast. Any rookie cop would have noticed immediately how quickly I answered her question, as though I had already prepared an alibi.
By the way, I'm heading out to the nursery tomorrow to find another patchouli plant.
Posted by
Robert Dailey
Robert Dailey
Using vitex leaves, water and some soap can repel a number of unwanted insects and larvae
In parts of the tropics, vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)leaves are used as a repellant for armyworm, diamondback moth, hairy caterpillar, rice leaf folder, rice stem borer, and semi-looper, among others.
Here’s how to make it:
Tools and Supplies
Although the mixture should not have any effect on humans, some people may develop a slight rash. Therefore, it is necessary to use proper safety precautions, just as you would for any substance.
Here’s how to make it:
Tools and Supplies
- ¼ kg (1/2 pound) of vitex leaves
- Two liters (4.2 pints) of water
- 1 ml (1/2 teaspoon) of liquid soap
- A pot to steep the mixture
- A strainer
- A spray bottle
- Soak the leaves overnight in about a half liter of water. The next day, bring the mixture to a boil and boil for a half hour.
- Let it stand until room temperature and then strain the liquid.
- Back into the pot, add the remaining liter and a half of water, then the soap. Mix well.
- Place the mixture into a spray bottle and spray infested plants. Make sure you spray thoroughly, getting under leaves and on stems as well as over the top of leaves.
Although the mixture should not have any effect on humans, some people may develop a slight rash. Therefore, it is necessary to use proper safety precautions, just as you would for any substance.
- Clean all utensils well after brewing.
- Wear protective clothing, safety glasses and breathing mask before applying.
- Wear rubber gloves when brewing the mixture and when handling it.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Harvest fruit before spraying.
- Use a potash-based soap.
- Remember to wash hands after handling.
Posted by
Robert Dailey
Robert Dailey
Organic materials are replacing environmentally unsafe chemicals in controlling garden pests, fungi and weeds.
Microbes, insecticides and repellants made from plant extracts and even certain naturally occurring minerals are being used to control unwanted pests.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), Bacillus subtilis, Gliocladium virens and Saccharopolyspora spinosa are microbial bacteria which affect a variety of pests. Each acts in different ways in killing or preventing pests from damaging vegetation.
Insecticidal soaps works well in killing a wide variety of insects, including aphids, grasshoppers, earwigs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, sawfly larvae and spider mites, to name just a few.
Horticultural oils, mostly made from Neem oil, kill small, soft-bodied insects.
Pyrethrum and pyrethrins are chemicals extracted from chrysanthemums. D-limonene is an element in citrus oil. Diatomaceous earth consists of finely ground shells of fossilized creatures called diatoms.
Corn gluten is a byproduct of the corn milling process and in some studies, has a significant impact on weeds.
Boric acid is a natural compound and is often the “secret” ingredient in many insecticides.
Nicotine comes from the tobacco plant, of course. Pure nicotine is highly toxic to mammals. However it works extremely well against aphids, leaf hoppers, white flies and thrips.
Rotenone is an extract of the Derris plant, which is native to South America. Used to control aphids, caterpillars and some beetles, it is harmless to plants, moderately harmful to mammals and highly toxic to fish.
Suggested reading:
Plant-Derived Pesticides
Organic Pest Controls
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), Bacillus subtilis, Gliocladium virens and Saccharopolyspora spinosa are microbial bacteria which affect a variety of pests. Each acts in different ways in killing or preventing pests from damaging vegetation.
Insecticidal soaps works well in killing a wide variety of insects, including aphids, grasshoppers, earwigs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, sawfly larvae and spider mites, to name just a few.
Horticultural oils, mostly made from Neem oil, kill small, soft-bodied insects.
Pyrethrum and pyrethrins are chemicals extracted from chrysanthemums. D-limonene is an element in citrus oil. Diatomaceous earth consists of finely ground shells of fossilized creatures called diatoms.
Corn gluten is a byproduct of the corn milling process and in some studies, has a significant impact on weeds.
Boric acid is a natural compound and is often the “secret” ingredient in many insecticides.
Nicotine comes from the tobacco plant, of course. Pure nicotine is highly toxic to mammals. However it works extremely well against aphids, leaf hoppers, white flies and thrips.
Rotenone is an extract of the Derris plant, which is native to South America. Used to control aphids, caterpillars and some beetles, it is harmless to plants, moderately harmful to mammals and highly toxic to fish.
Suggested reading:
Plant-Derived Pesticides
Organic Pest Controls
Posted by
Robert Dailey
Robert Dailey
Some folks take to do-it-yourself projects naturally. On the other hand, some of us are truly incapable.
I can’t help it…I’m an incorrigible do-it-yourselfer. I wouldn’t recognize a right angle if it came up and bit me, if right angles actually bite.
A case in point: when I was about nine, I wanted a pet rabbit. I can’t remember exactly why I wanted or needed a rabbit. I do remember telling telling my dad that rabbit manure was great for his garden. He already knew, I'm sure, that the amount of fertilizer created by one rabbit (even a very productive one) would be limited for my father’s extensive vegetable garden. My dad said I could have one, if I could build a rabbit hutch.
I went to work. First, I sketched it. Well, sort of sketched it. The drawing was more in my head than on paper.
Two days later, it was finished. I thought it looked pretty good, although it had a little trouble standing upright. I nailed a small extension onto the short leg which gave it a lot more stability.
“How did you measure the angles, son?"
“Just figured them out in my head, Dad,” I said proudly.
Two days later, I got my rabbit.
Year later, rummaging around in the barn, I came across some two by fours nailed together and wrapped in chicken wire. My rabbit hutch. There wasn’t a right angle anywhere on the contraption.
Decades later, and I’m afraid I haven’t learned much more about carpentry. I think that’s why I love gardening…I can hide so many horrible mistakes...and I don’t have to do right angles.
A case in point: when I was about nine, I wanted a pet rabbit. I can’t remember exactly why I wanted or needed a rabbit. I do remember telling telling my dad that rabbit manure was great for his garden. He already knew, I'm sure, that the amount of fertilizer created by one rabbit (even a very productive one) would be limited for my father’s extensive vegetable garden. My dad said I could have one, if I could build a rabbit hutch.
I went to work. First, I sketched it. Well, sort of sketched it. The drawing was more in my head than on paper.
Two days later, it was finished. I thought it looked pretty good, although it had a little trouble standing upright. I nailed a small extension onto the short leg which gave it a lot more stability.
“How did you measure the angles, son?"
“Just figured them out in my head, Dad,” I said proudly.
Two days later, I got my rabbit.
Year later, rummaging around in the barn, I came across some two by fours nailed together and wrapped in chicken wire. My rabbit hutch. There wasn’t a right angle anywhere on the contraption.
Decades later, and I’m afraid I haven’t learned much more about carpentry. I think that’s why I love gardening…I can hide so many horrible mistakes...and I don’t have to do right angles.
Posted by
Robert Dailey
Robert Dailey
Need to find something about gardening? Here are some great websites to help you.
Looking for a gardening website? Here are some that should help you.This is by no means an exhaustive list. That would take hundreds of pages. These sites will lead you however to other gardening and gardening-related sites.
General
General
- U. S. http://www.gardenweb.com/
- Australia http://www.au.gardenweb.com/
- Europe http://www.uk.gardenweb.com/
- Ohio State University http://webgarden.osu.edu/
- Canada http://www.icangarden.com/
- Botany http://botany.suite101.com/
- Cacti and Succulents http://www.cactus-mall.com/
- Rhododendrons http://www.lib.virginia.edu/brown/sciscan/rhododendrons/ran9904/rhodo.htm
- Flower Gardens http://flowergardens.suite101.com/
- Biological control http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/
- Ohio State Horticulture http://hcs.osu.edu/
- Landscaping http://flowergardens.suite101.com/
- Texas Aggie Horticulture http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/
- Gardens and Collections Library http://dir.gardenweb.com/directory/d-home.html
- Organic gardens http://organicgardens.suite101.com/
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center http://www.wildflower.org/
- American Public Gardens Association http://www.publicgardens.org/
- Plants and Bulbs http://plantsbulbs.suite101.com/
- I Love Plants http://www.iloveplants.com/
- American Bamboo Society http://www.bamboo.org
- American Camellia Society http://www.camellias-acs.com
- Vegetable Gardens http://vegetablegardens.suite101.com/
- Composting Council http://www.compostingsociety.org
- Water Gardens http://watergardens.suite101.com/
- National Arbor Day Foundation http://arborday.org
- Desert and Waterwise Gardens http://desertwaterwisegardens.suite101.com/
- California http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/calif/
- Florida http://www.floridagardener.com/
- Florida http://www.floridaplants.com/
- Great Lakes area http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/grtlks/
- Louisiana Gardener http://www.louisianagardener.com/
- Metro New York http://www.nygardener.com/
- Italy http://www.uk.gardenweb.com/forums/italia/
- Sweden http://www.uk.gardenweb.com/forums/sverige/
- Timber Press http://www.timberpress.com/index.cfm
- National Gardening Association http://assoc.garden.org/b2b/index.php?q=show&id=2264
- New Society Publishers http://www.newsociety.com/bookid/3901
- Amazon http://www.amazon.com/
- Baarnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
- Hastings http://www.hastingsentertainment.com/catalog/
- Hortus http://www.hortus.co.uk/
- Amateurs Digest http://www.theamateursdigest.com/
- Northern Gardener http://www.northerngardener.org/
- Canadian Gardening http://articles.canadiangardening.com/mochasofa/client/en/publication/home.asp?id=14
- Jardinage http://www.jardinage.net/index.py
- Fruit Gardener http://www.crfg.org/fg/
- GardenGate http://www.gardengatemagazine.com/
- Japanese Garden Journal http://www.rothteien.com/
- Plants http://www.plants-magazine.com/
- NSF Center for Integrated Pest Management http://cipm.ncsu.edu/
- Biological Control Information Center http://cipm.ncsu.edu/ent/biocontrol/
- North Carolina Entomological Society http://cipm.ncsu.edu/ent/ncentsoc/
- South African National Biological Institute http://www.sanbi.org/
- Glossary of Botanical Terms http://glossary.gardenweb.com/glossary/
- Waterwise Garden Glossary http://desertgardens.suite101.com/article.cfm/desert_garden_glossary
- Hortiplex http://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/
- Multi-Lingual Gardening Sites http://www.uk.gardenweb.com/forums/
Posted by
Robert Dailey
Robert Dailey
Different USDA (or Swedish Fuchsia Society) zones require different chores for May.
Gardeners living in USDA Zones 6 through 11(or in the European equivalent) have an assortment of jobs to do now.
- Prune flowering shrubs after flowers begin to fade. Don’t be squeamish. This will promote new healthy growth and improve the general health of the plant.
- Continue pinching back flowers until mid-June. This will give you more blooms which will be more uniform in size.
- Deadhead and remove fading leaves from spring-blooming plants. These can harbor insects or, more probably fungi, which can then infest the entire plant.
- Take softwood cuttings (or layered cuttings) from trees and shrubs to make new plants. Use a rooting hormone before replanting. Also make sure the tools you use are sterile.
- Remove any fruit that has fallen beneath trees. This prevents insects from taking up residence there and laying eggs. It also keeps hungry animals from being attracted to the area.
- Look under rose leaves. Rose slugs love to hide here, and they can cause serious damage to your roses.
- Check for infestations of scale on euonymus and pachysandra.
- You can now move houseplants outside.
- In lower zones (6 and 7) plant tomatoes outside now. In higher zones (2-5), make sure your tomatoes are kept watered.
- In zones 8 -11, your tomatoes should be already in the ground.
- Remember to mulch all your plants. This helps retain moisture, discourages weeds, and keeps the soil at a more constant temperature.
- Sterilize your pruning shears often.
- Attend gardening seminars and lectures at local nurseries.
Spring Waterwise Gardening Chores
Posted by
Robert Dailey
Robert Dailey
Warm weather means greening up and, no matter where the gardener lives, May is a gardening month.
The sun is warming stones (and compost piles). It’s also warming the earth itself in many climes.
In Zones 6 through 11, last frost date has already passed. However, last frost date for much of the world (Zones 2 through 5) is upon us and it’s time to start getting some plants in the ground. (Zone 1 includes the Artic Circle in the Northern Hemisphere, and last frost date there is June 15. Of course, first frost date there is July 1, providing a tiny window for summer gardening.)
If you live in Zones 2 to 5, it’s time to:
In Zones 6 through 11, last frost date has already passed. However, last frost date for much of the world (Zones 2 through 5) is upon us and it’s time to start getting some plants in the ground. (Zone 1 includes the Artic Circle in the Northern Hemisphere, and last frost date there is June 15. Of course, first frost date there is July 1, providing a tiny window for summer gardening.)
If you live in Zones 2 to 5, it’s time to:
- Plant warm weather crops now.
- Sow melon and squash seeds. Don’t put in the ground until the last part of the month to discourage pests like squash bugs and borers.
- Begin pinching back annuals and perennials to make more blooms
- Prune evergreens now
- Prune stone fruit blooms (cherry, almond, peach, nectarine, plums) at bloom time. This will produce larger, more succulent fruit.
- Stake tall perennials.
- Remove azalea galls. These are fungal and will turn white and explode spores. Prune the azaleas before they turn white.
- Clean and maintain your garden tools.
- Attend gardening seminars. Many nurseries sponsor lectures, presented by plant experts, master gardeners, plant pathologists or other knowledgeable persons. They are generally free, or at minimal charge.
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