Gardening Chores and Tips for June
Poison Ivy
‘Leaves of three, let it be’ is true as these plants begin to grow. Control vines early by applying glyphosate (Roundup) or triclopyr (Brush Killer)
according to label directions. Protective clothing and rubber gloves are a must when spraying.
Mulch
Mulch shrubs and perennials to conserve precious moisture before the dry season starts. Mulch also helps control weeds in ornamental beds, as
the weeds compete for water, nutrients, light and space. Mulch bedding plants to a depth of one inch, shrubs to a depth of two inches and trees
to four inches. Pull the mulch away from the trunks of trees to avoid possible problems.
Fruits
Continue to follow your spray schedule on peaches and plums to ensure insect and disease-free fruit. Periodically apply water slowly over the
root system of figs and allow it to trickle for several hours during periods of dry weather.
Water
Irrigate container plants and hanging plants at dawn and dusk to reduce water loss from evaporation. As the weather gets hot, remember that
new additions to your garden will need watering more often than established plants. Water landscape plantings thoroughly once a week when
rainfall is not sufficient. Try to irrigate less often, but irrigate well each time.
Slugs
Slugs feed at night, so you rarely see them during the day. They can damage the plant foliage and leave it marred for the entire growing season. Effective but dangerous, slug bait pellets can be poisonous to children, pets and birds. You might find a saucer of beer or a sprinkling of fireplaceashes in the mulch around the plants just as effective, cheaper and safer than commercial baits.
‘Leaves of three, let it be’ is true as these plants begin to grow. Control vines early by applying glyphosate (Roundup) or triclopyr (Brush Killer)
according to label directions. Protective clothing and rubber gloves are a must when spraying.
Mulch
Mulch shrubs and perennials to conserve precious moisture before the dry season starts. Mulch also helps control weeds in ornamental beds, as
the weeds compete for water, nutrients, light and space. Mulch bedding plants to a depth of one inch, shrubs to a depth of two inches and trees
to four inches. Pull the mulch away from the trunks of trees to avoid possible problems.
Fruits
Continue to follow your spray schedule on peaches and plums to ensure insect and disease-free fruit. Periodically apply water slowly over the
root system of figs and allow it to trickle for several hours during periods of dry weather.
Water
Irrigate container plants and hanging plants at dawn and dusk to reduce water loss from evaporation. As the weather gets hot, remember that
new additions to your garden will need watering more often than established plants. Water landscape plantings thoroughly once a week when
rainfall is not sufficient. Try to irrigate less often, but irrigate well each time.
Slugs
Slugs feed at night, so you rarely see them during the day. They can damage the plant foliage and leave it marred for the entire growing season. Effective but dangerous, slug bait pellets can be poisonous to children, pets and birds. You might find a saucer of beer or a sprinkling of fireplaceashes in the mulch around the plants just as effective, cheaper and safer than commercial baits.
