|
Written by Patrick
|
|
Tuesday, 11 May 2004 |
Here's a quick list of some things that need to be done:
As temps pick up, your roses will be under increasing
assault by all the bugs and insects in the area. The easiest control is
to wash them off with a hose or soapy water. Regular releases of lady
bugs and praying mantis will also help keep nasties in check.
Check your apples, peaches, plums, and nectarines.
Now is the time to thin the fruit out. A rule of thumb is approximate
6" of limb between each fruit. Removing the excess fruit prevents the
trees energies from being diluted. This will give you larger, better
tasting fruit. (More vitamins too!)
Prune all your spring-flowering shrubs and trees.
Lilac, forsynthia, camellias, azaleas, loquats, quince, and others.
These plants set their buds in the summertime (June/July), so you need
to make sure to prune them well before then. Pune them anytime after
May, and your cutting off next-year's flowers. When you're done
pruning, fertilize with a 0-10-10 fertilizer. The phosphorous and
potassium will help to develop new flowerbuds, putting on an even
better show next year!
Raise your lawn mower. Summer lawns should be kept no shorter
than 2 1/2 inches. The taller blades will help combat heat stress by
shading the roots, will keep the lawn healthy, and prevent weeds from
sprouting.
Mulch, Mulch Mulch! Apply a thick layer of mulch
(2-3") around your shrub beds to reduce summer stress and bud drop. We
recommend a light compost, bark, or forest humus.
If you've got your own tip for this week, post it in the comments!
|
