Education
Green Tips
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
February Green Tips
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Lawns
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Houseplants
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Vegetables
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Flowers
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Timely Tip
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Ecco Tip
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April Green Tips
Week One
Week Two
Week Three
Week Four
APRIL TIPS: WEEK ONE
Lawn
Begin mowing turf, if needed, setting mower blade to leave at least 2 ½ inches of grass plants intact.
Landscape
Scratch surface of mulched areas with garden rake to prevent crusting, thus allowing water percolation into root areas and giving a more pleasing appearance.
Wait to apply any new mulch until the soil has warmed. Mulch will keep the soil at uniform temperature. June is ideal.
Promote new growth on forsythia by pruning out 1/3 of the oldest branches close to the ground after flowering finishes.
Watch for Easter tent caterpillar Tent Caterpillar nests to appear about the time the forsythia bloom. Open up nests with a long stick so that birds can help control the caterpillar population.
Mow stands of Liriope spicata before new shoots begin growing, removing tattered leaves with mower or line trimmer.
Prune to the ground the 'Annabelle' hydrangea which blooms on new wood.
Wait to prune the Japanese - type hydrangea which bloom on old wood until after the bloom period is finished.
Top dressing with compost or well rotted manure should prevent chlorosis (lack of iron). Hollies, rhododendrons, azaleas, pieris, blueberries, and pines, benefit from this treatment.
Mow turf grass 2 ½ inches high for blue grass lawns or 2-3inches for tall fescue lawns, removing only 1/3 of the grass blades at any one time. Taller grass plants decrease the need for extra water mid summer and keep sunlight from reaching the soil level where weed seeds may be waiting to germinate.
Identify garlic mustard, a highly invasive biennial weed, and grub out the entire plant, before the seed pods form. Plants continue to mature and produce seeds even after pulling. Collect plants in black garbage bags and let sit in sun to kill all the seed, which can remain viable in the landscape up to 7 years.
Plant ground cover plugs after mid April. Plant 1-1 ½ inches deeper than normal for extra protection against late low temperatures. Cut tips of leaders to encourage fuller growth of the plant.
Plant ground covers that are more aggressive, such as ivy, wintercreeper and vinca minor, in contained areas, such as between the curb and the sidewalk.
Lawn
Apply fertilizer to lawns now and then wait until fall. Over fertilizing in late spring and summer with high nitrogen promotes lush growth that will suffer from drought and will be susceptible to summer disease.
Continue reseeding bare spots of lawn. To ensure good seed / soil contact, scrape or loosen the soil with a rake or garden weasel before applying seed. Cover with a thin layer of peat moss to help retain moisture around the seed. Water lightly each day.
Begin mowing turf, if needed, setting mower blade to leave at least 2 ½ inches of grass plants intact.
Fruits & Vegetables
Plant Strawberries, raspberries and other small fruiting plants.
Prune established grape vines until about 40-60 buds remain on the plant.
Flowers
Plant outdoors the seeds for bachelor button, ageratum, coleus, petunia, annual phlox and cone flower.
Divide and transplant summer and fall-blooming perennials such as astilbe, aster, bleeding heart, coralbells, daylilies, shasta daisy and tall sedum as new shoots reach 2-3 inches in height. Take care to avoid damage to the tender shoots when making divisions.
Plant flowers such as salvia, penstemon, and lobelia that attract humming birds with their tubular blooms.
Remove spent flowers from bulbs, but leave the foliage to produce food for next year's flowers.
Prune off dead tips of winter burned heather, candytuft, lavender, germander and thyme plants.
Prune the shrubby perennials that are sometimes called die-back shrubs at this time. These can be pruned hard to only a few inches to produce a sturdier plant that is more easily shaped, or pruned back to new buds that are emerging, allowing for a larger plant overall. Butterfly bush and Russian sage are two such die-back shrubs.
Avoid a hard cut back with Artemesia 'Powis Castle' or the plant may not survive.
Divide overgrown perennials when 1 inch of new growth appears. Baptisia, butterfly weed and other perennials with deep taproots will not respond well to transplanting.
Wait to move peonies, irises and other early bloomers until late August.
Plant Helianthus, Echinacea and Monarda in the flower bed to attract bird and butterflies.
Ground Covers
After mid-April, plugs of ground cover plants can be successfully planted. Good soil to root contact is critical for these young plants to become well established.
If rain is limited, water every 2-3 days for two weeks, then every 4-5 days for another two weeks to establish good root development.
To encourage fuller plants, cut the tips of the plants encouraging branching at the leaf axils. Prune off dead tips of winter burned Heather, Candytuft, Lavender, Germander and Thyme plants.
Prune the shrubby perennials that are sometimes called die-back shrubs at this time. These can be pruned hard to only a few inches to produce a sturdier plant that is more easily shaped, or pruned back to new buds that are emerging, allow-ing for a larger plant overall. Butterfly Bush and Russian Sage are two such die-back shrubs.
Avoid a hard cut back with Artemesia ' Powis Castle ' or the plant may not survive
Eco Tip
The burrows of earthworms help rain soak into the ground faster, reducing surface runoff and soil erosion. Garden plots having about 100 night crawlers mer square meter can soak up 2 inches of water in about 12 minutes. A similar area without worms will take about 2 hours to soak up the same amount of water.
Tilling soil reduces the worm population by disrupting their burrows and food supply.
APRIL TIPS: WEEK TWO
Lawn
Continue reseeding bare spots of lawn. To ensure good seed / soil contact, scrape or loosen the soil with a rake or garden weasel before applying seed. Cover with a thin layer of peat moss to help retain moisture around the seed. Water lightly each day.
Landscape
Apply dormant oils on fruit trees and other deciduous trees and shrubs before the leaf or fruit buds open, as they are harmful to the green plant tissues.
Use horticultural oils only as label instructs. Horticultural oils will remove the blue color from Colorado Blue Spruce and are harmful to Japanese Maple.
Watch for Inkberry Leafminer to emerge about the time Pear trees and Serviceberry bloom.
Fruits & Vegetables
Move outside transplants of broccoli, cauliflower, collards, lettuce, Swiss chard and seeded onions.
Plant outside a second sowing of lettuce and Swiss chard.
Start seed indoors of peppers, tomatoes and eggplant and begin sweet potato slips indoors.
Fertilize newly planted blueberries six weeks after planting, using one pound of ammonium sulfate per 100 feet of row.
Lightly side-dress asparagus and rhubarb with compost or well-rotted manure.
Plant strawberries, raspberries and other small fruiting plants.
Prune established grape vines until about 40-60 buds remain on the plant.
When purchasing plants, choose plants that are healthy and have good plant structure, not the plant with the most blooms. Perennials usually need a full season to become well established.
First planting of sweet corn can go in mid-April
Start seed of warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers indoors for planting out in mid-May.
Plant asparagus from crown division. Dig several inches of well-rotted manure into the soil and bury the crowns 6 inches.
House Plants & Flowers
Plant outdoors the seeds for Bachelor Button, Ageratum, Coleus, Petunia, Annual Phlox and Cone Flower.
Divide and transplant summer and fall-blooming perennials such as Astilbe, Aster, Bleeding Heart, Coralbells, Daylilies, Shasta Daisy and tall Sedum as new shoots reach 2-3 inches in height. Take care to avoid damage to the tender shoots when making divisions.
Eco Tip
To help control slug problems, wait to mulch problem areas until the soil has warmed above 75 degrees F, and keep debris cleared away that can harbor nests of eggs. Geranium leaves and Horseradish root help deter slugs as do Artemisia, Alyssum, Azalea, Basil, Cosmos, Chard, Daffodil, Endive, Fennel, Garlic, Holly Hibiscus, Lemon Balm and Sage.
APRIL TIPS: WEEK THREE
Lawn & Landscape
Scratch surface of mulched areas with garden rake to prevent crusting, thus allowing water percolation into root areas and giving a more pleasing appearance.
Wait to apply any new mulch until the soil has warmed. Mulch will keep the soil at uniform temperature. June is ideal.
Promote new growth on forsythia by pruning out 1/3 of the oldest branches close to the ground after flowering finishes.
Evaluate plants which need lower pH soils for signs of chlorosis (lack of iron).
Examine leaves for green veins with yellowing between veins. If the problem is identified as chlorosis, apply soil sulfur to the feeder root area / drip line of shrubs and trees, at the rate of 1# / 100 sq. ft. Sulfur will lower the pH of the soil and allow the iron already in the soil to be absorbed. Strength and vigor of the plant is increased over several weeks. Hollies, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Pieris, Blueberries, and Pines, benefit from this treatment.
Mow turf grass 2 ½ inches high for blue grass lawns or 2-3inches for tall fescue lawns, removing only 1/3 of the grass blades at any one time. Taller grass plants decrease the need for extra water mid summer and keep sunlight from reaching the soil level where weed seeds may be waiting to germinate.
Apply fertilizer to lawns now and then wait until fall. Over fertilizing in late spring and summer with high nitrogen promotes lush growth that will suffer from drought and will be susceptible to summer disease.
Flowers
Plant flowers such as Salvia, Penstemon, and Lobelia that attract humming birds with their tubular blooms
Remove spent flowers from bulbs, but leave the foliage to produce food for next year's flowers.
Ground Covers
After mid-April plugs of ground cover plants can be successfully planted. Good soil to root contact is critical for these young plants to become well established.
Apply a mild 10-10-10 solution fertilizer, and if rain is limited, water every 2-3 days for two weeks, then every 4-5 days for another two weeks to establish good root development.
To encourage fuller plants, cut the tips of the plants encouraging branching at the leaf axils.
Fruit /Vegetables / Flowers
When purchasing plants, choose plants that are healthy and have good plant structure, not the plant with the most blooms. Perennials usually need a full season to become well established.
First planting of sweet corn can go in mid-April
Plant out strawberries, raspberries and other small fruit.
Houseplants
Avoid over watering since wet soil can encourage small black fungus gnats.
Remove yellow anthers from Easter Lilies to prolong their blooms. Water to keep soil moist but not soggy , and avoid allowing them to stand in water.
Cut back stems of Easter lilies that have finished blooming to 3-4 inches. Continue watering lightly until mid May. Plant outside to depth of 4-6 inches.
Eco-Tip
The burrows of earthworms help rain soak into the ground faster, reducing surface runoff and soil erosion. Garden plots having about 100 night crawlers per square meter can soak up 2 inches of water in about 12 minutes. A similar area without worms will take about 2 hours to soak up the same amount of water. Tilling soil reduces the worm population by disrupting their burrows and food supply.
To help control slug problems, wait to mulch problem areas until the soil has warmed above 75 o F, and keep debris cleared away that can harbor nests of eggs. Geranium leaves and horseradish root help deter slugs as do artemisia, alyssum, azalea, basil, cosmos, chard, daffodil, endive, fennel, garlic, holly hibiscus, lemon balm and sage.
Control bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii, L. tatarica, and L. morrowii) before berries form and can further spread. Grub out root systems of young shrubs. Cut large plants close to the ground level and apply RoundUp to the freshly cut stump. Roots of honeysuckle exude chemicals that inhibit grown of native wildflowers. These little beauties will likely recur when the pest plants are controlled.
Control Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera Maackii, L.tatarica, and L.morrowii) before berries form and can further spread. Grub out root systems young shrubs. Cut large plants close to the ground level and apply systemic herbicide to freshly cut stump.
Roots of honeysuckle exude chemicals that inhibit grown of native wildflowers. These little beauties will likely recur when the pest plants are controlled.
Timely Tip
When selecting mulch consider the effect of the mulch over time. As the mulch decomposes, it will add to the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Hardwood mulches tend to raise the pH and make the soil more alkaline. Pine mulches tend to lower the pH over time. Cypress seems to be neutral. Neutral.
Native plants are acclimated to our region and the varied weather patterns we experience. In addition, native plants need far less chemicals, less water and attract birds, bees and butterflies, creating a garden 'community' where they are established.
APRIL TIPS: WEEK FOUR
Lawn & Landscape
Identify garlic mustard, a highly invasive biennial weed, and grub out the entire plant, before the seed pods form. Plants continue to mature and produce seeds even after pulling. Collect plants in black garbage bags and let sit in sun to kill all the seed, which can remain viable in the landscape up to 7 years.
Plant ground cover plugs after mid April. Plant 1-1 ½ inches deeper than normal for extra protection against late low temperatures. Cut tips of leaders to encourage fuller growth of the plant.
Plant ground covers that are more aggressive, such as ivy, wintercreeper and vinca minor, in contained areas, such as between the curb and the sidewalk.
Fruits and Vegetables
Seed first sowing of sweet corn in mid April.
Start seed of warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers indoors for planting out in mid May.
Plant asparagus from crown division. Dig several inches of well-rotted manure into the soil and bury the crowns 6 inches.
Flowers
Divide overgrown perennials when 1 inch of new growth appears. Baptisia, Butterfly Weed and other perennials with deep taproots will not respond well to transplanting.
Wait to move peonies, irises and other early bloomers until late August.
Plant Helianthus, Echinacea and Monarda in the flower bed to attract bird and butterflies.
Eco-tip
Native plants are acclimated to our region and the varied weather patterns we experience. In addition, native plants need far less chemicals, less water and attract birds, bees and butterflies, creating a garden 'community' where they are established.
May Green Tips
Week One
Week Two
Week Three
Week Four
MAY TIPS: WEEK ONE
Come to our Preview Party and Shop the Plant, Herb, & Hosta Sale - first weekend in May!
Fruits & Vegetables
Install floating row covers to protect young vegetable transplants from frost damage.
When planning the garden, plant a row for the hungry, and share with local agencies providing food to the unfortunate.
Landscape
Examine Mugo and other pines for small white streaks indicating the presence of pine scale. Treat with dormant oil the first week of May, when crawlers are active.
Begin fertilizing roses in mid May with ¼ cup Epson Salt scattered around the base of each plant. Continue monthly through mid August.
Prune lilacs, forsythia and other shrubs that bloom on old wood after they finish flowering.
Train and trim espaliered plants and topiaries.
Deadhead bulbs as blooms are spent, leaving foliage intact and not folded or otherwise damaged, to photosynthesize and produce food for renewing the bulbs.
After lilacs finish blooming, cut back to the ground 1/3 of the oldest branches to curtail lilac borer and rejuvenate the plant.
Eco Tip
Learn to recognize invasive weed pests in the garden. Garlic Mustard is in blooming now. This biennial weed begins as a low rosette of leaves, the first year. The second year it can grow to 3-4 feet, with small white pompoms of blooms at the top which product a phenomenal amount of seeds that remain viable in the soil for 7 years.
Control by hand-pulling, storing the weeds in black plastic bags for a year to completely destroy the seeds.
Flowers
Plant annuals when danger of frost is past - usually May 15 for Cincinnati.
Choose drought-tolerant annuals for plantings around bulbs so that the bulbs will be less likely to rot from overly moist soil.
MAY TIPS: WEEK TWO
Landscape
After Lilacs finish blooming, cut back to the ground 1/3 of the oldest branches to curtail lilac borer and rejuvenate the plant. Lilac will bloom next year on this year's growth.
Attract hummingbirds by planting Weigela, red buckeye, hawthorn, flowering crabapple, butterflybush, and Clethra.
Unsure about the location of underground utilities? Call this number 48 hours before you dig 1-800-362-2764. Allow a week for a crew to visit the site and mark underground phone lines, sewer lines, etc. A phone call can save lots of headaches, time and money.
Learn to recognize invasive weed pests in the garden. Garlic mustard is blooming now. This biennial weed begins as a low rosette of leaves the first year. The second year it can grow to 3-4 feet, with small white pompoms of blooms at the top which product a phenomenal amount of seeds that remain viable in the soil for 7 years. Control by hand-pulling, storing the weeds in black plastic bags for a year to completely destroy the seeds. Seeds are also destroyed by leaving the bag in the sun so that the heat kills the seed.
Flowers & Bulbs
Encourage the root establishment of Hosta by preventing blooms for one or two seasons. Clip the bud stalks to the ground.
Pinch back Phlox, Monarda, Physostegia and Tradescantia to control the height and fullness of the plants.
Finish digging and dividing ornamental grasses.
Fruits & Vegetables
Attract beneficial insects to the garden by planting Monarda, Achillea, Asclepias and Queen Ann's Lace.
Make additional plantings of sweet corn, mustard, radishes and lettuce. Make first plantings of snap beans, lima beans, cucumbers, pumpkin watermelon and tomato transplants.
Add to planting holes for vegetable transplants, one cup of starter solution. Prepare solution by mixing soluble fertilizers with high phosphorus (middle number on the container) at the rate of 2 Tablespoons per gallon of water.
Check raspberry and blackberry shoots when 12-14 inches tall for viruses and orange rust. Infected plants will be thornless, thin and willowy, and will have orange spores under the leaves. Dig out and destroy all infected plants. Do not put in compost.
Eco Tip
Compost heaps need a balance of 'greens', which contain nitrogen and 'browns', which contain carbon.. Alternate layers and toss in an occasional shovel of garden soil to add microorganisms. Turn to incorporate air and hasten decomposition, and water when it gets dry. Watch the heap reduce to 70% of its original size over several months.
MAY TIPS: WEEK THREE
Landscape
Choose sites carefully for planting narrow-leafed evergreens.
Avoid low, wet areas with standing water where roots can drown.
Plant narrow-leafed evergreens in sites free from winter de-icer runoff, or create a diversion for this water, which is high harmful salts, and can kill roots and cause foliage to brown.
Water newly planted shrubs and trees slowly with a trickle of water from a hose placed at the base of the trunk, so that water soaks in rather than running off. Be sure the root ball is well soaked at time of installation to protect roots that were distur - bed during the planting process.
Avoid getting too close to the trunk when mowing and power trimming around trees or shrubs. Even slight damage makes an entrance for borers and other damaging insects.
Lawn
Mow lawns frequently enough so that no more than one third of the grass blade is removed at each mowing.
Flowers
Plant tender bulbs such as agapanthus, dahlia, gladiola, ama-ryllis, canna and calla lily.
Plant annuals in the evening or on a humid, windless, cloudy day to minimize drying out while plants become established.
Fertilize annuals at planting time with 1-2 teaspoons of slow- release fertilizer. A small amount of this type of fertilizer is dissolved and made available to the plant with each watering.
Fruit & Vegetables
Plant sweet corn in blocks rather than in long narrow rows to facilitate pollination.
Sweet corn will attract ladybird beetles (also known as ladybugs) to the garden.
Eco Tip
Use disease-resistant cultivars to reduce the need for chemicals "Petite Delight bee-balm resists powdery mildew and "Red Jewel" crabapple has excellent disease resistance.
MAY TIPS: WEEK FOUR
Landscape
Prune dead, broken, crossed or damaged limbs from spring-flowering trees and shrubs when petals have fallen.
Inspect azaleas, pieris and pyracantha for signs of lacebug. The upper sides of foliage will have a bronzy appearance while undersides will have black spots. Treat with insecticidal soap or organic horticultural oil spray.
Fertilize spring-flowering trees and shrubs after petal s fall with compost or well rotted manure. Apply one pound of 5-10-10 (or similar analysis product) per every inch diameter of tree trunks, or ½ pound per three feet of shrub height.
To attract bluebirds to the home landscape, plant dogwoods, elderberries, hollies and sumacs in May.
Tap spruce branches over white paper to detect spider mites. Control by spraying with a strong stream of water from the garden hose. Treat remaining mites with insecticidal soap or superior oil spray weekly, for three applications, to control subsequent hatchings.
Prune dead, broken, crossed or damaged limbs from spring-flowering trees and shrubs when petals have fallen.
Lawn
Mow lawns frequently enough so that no more than one third of the grass blade is removed at each mowing. Use a mulching blade or mower in order to return the nutrients in the clippings to the soil.
Use a rain gauge to determine if the lawn is receiving the needed one inch per week of moisture. Slow, deep watering is best to insure penetration of roots into the soil. The deeper roots gather water and nutrients during the dry season after the surface moisture is gone.
Fertilize by spreading a thin layer of compost or well-rotted manure then watering it in well.
Fruits and Vegetables
Plant tomatoes, eggplant and peppers deeper than they were growing in the pot. Avoid damage to roots by setting stakes in the ground before planting the seedlings.
Spray fruit trees with a complete home orchard spray for insects and disease. Continue at recommended intervals until fruit ripens.
Patio Gardening
Plant salad vegetables and tomatoes in containers and place where they will receive at least six hours of sun daily. Choose small tomato varieties such as "Patio" or "Basket King".
Add finished compost or slow release fertilizer to potting soil before planting containers. If using time released products, mix in two TBS of fertilizer pellets for each gallon of soil.
Eco Tip
Clean, fresh water is as important to birds, bats and other wildlife as it is to people. Provide needed water in a saucer, birdbath or pond. The water must be kept clean, and replenished often during hot, dry spells. Stones with depressions that collect water will help attract butterflies.
June Green Tips
Lawn and Landscape
Week 1
Landscape - To attract bluebirds to the home landscape, plant dogwoods, elderberries, hollies and sumacs in May. Tap spruce branches over white paper to detect spider mites. Control by spraying with a strong stream of water from the garden hose. Treat remaining mites with Safer soap or superior oil spray weekly, for three applications, to control sub-sequent hatchings. Honeysuckle shrubs (Lonicera mackii), is an invasive non-native plant which can choke out light and rob nutrients needed by many of the less aggressive native wildflowers. The smaller plant forms may enjoy a resurgence once the honeysuckle is removed. Patrol regularly for honeysuckle seedlings and pull out by the roots. Use pliers, if needed, pulling near the base of the plant. Daffodil foliage can be cut back 5-6 weeks after blooming. If possible, leave the foliage of bulbs until it begins to yellow. The leaves produce food to replenish the bulb for next year.
Lawn - Avoid spring fertilization unless no fertilizer was applied last fall. Lawns yellowing in late May can be lightly fertilized with ½ pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. Heavy fertilizing in spring and summer increases turf stress, diseases and weeds. Apply a second application of pre-emergent crabgrass control in May or June, six weeks after the first treatment.
Week 2
Leave grass clippings on mowed lawn to replenish nutrients unless the lawn was too long before mow-ing. Clippings do not contribute to thatch build-up. Mow Bluegrass lawns to height of 2–2 ½ inches, Tall Fescue lawns to a height of 2-3 Inches and Perennial Ryegrass to 1-2 inch height, but if possible, keep grass 3 inches tall or more to combat turfgrass weeds. Grow lush plants close together, so that weed seeds cannot germinate and sunlight cannot reach the soil to aid weed growth. Ground covers that can be invasive in the landscape, such as English Ivy and Euonymous (purple winter creeper), are best planted in areas where they will be contained between curbing, driveways and sidewalks. When planted near buildings, fences, walls and trees, both ivy and euonymous will eventually climb all of these. Mature forms of ivy and euonymous can damage and even choke trees.
Week 3
Control broadleaf weeds this month. Use a product that does not have high Nitrogen fertilizer to avoid plant stress during dry weather. Water turf areas slowly so the water penetrates deeply. Lawns need one inch of rainfall total each week from rainfall and supplemental watering. Water regularly those plants sensitive to drought: Japanese maple, dogwood and azalea. To fill in small bare places that occur in the lawn through-out the season, select grass seed that is the same cultivar as the established lawn. Rough up the surface of the crusted soil with a garden weasel or small tipped hoe. Sprinkle on the grass seed and cover with a thin layer of peat moss. For best germination, there must be good soil-seed contact. Water each morning to moisten the peat moss.
Fruits and Vegetables
Week 1
Plant culinary herbs such as basil, coriander, dill and sweet marjoram outdoors. When setting out vegetable plants, pour one cup of starter fertilize solution in the hole. Look on the package for high middle number on the formulation, for root development. Prepare two tablespoons per gallon of water. Side dress (fertilize) with compost 3 weeks after transplanting: cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage. Apply side dressing of compost to fertilize kale and spinach when 2 /3 grown. Sweet corn can be similarly treated when 12 inches tall. Adding additional nitrogen might reduce yield or lower quality of squash, watermelon, turnips, sweet potatoes, parsnips, lettuce, beets and carrots. Good soil amendment and preparation before planting is the best way to assure good yield with these plants.
Week 2
Choose short-season cultivars for earlier harvest such as ‘Provider’ beans (50 days), ‘Ruby Queen’ beets (52) ‘Savory Express’ cabbage (55), ‘Pioneer’ carrots (67), ‘Tasty Green Hybrid’ cucumber (52), ’Vivaldi’ (65) or ‘Purple Pepper’ (60) peppers.
Week 3
Reduce water on potatoes as the plants blossom and mature. Control Colorado potato beetles by handpicking eggs and larvae or spraying with Bt var. san diego. After normal June Drop has happened with fruit trees, thin out those fruits remaining leaving one fruit per 6-8 inches of branch. Avoid shaking the tree to thin out. Weed the asparagus bed carefully after harvest is complete and mulch deeply with chopped leaves or other organic material to conserve moisture. Divide daffodils now while foliage is still showing. Care-fully lift and separate, either replanting the divisions or placing on a screen away from rain and with good air circulation to dry for planting in the fall. Prune spent roses back to a leaflet with five leaves to encourage more blooms. Examine stems, and select the leaflets that are on the outside of the plant. Pruning to the outside leaves ensures the plant will grow in that direction, leaving the inner portion of the plant open for good air circulation. Shear back moss phlox, and ajuga after blooms finish. This encourages the plants to bush out and lends a tidier appearance to the garden.
Flowers & Bulbs
Week 1
Prevent black spot and other diseases of roses by spraying every week with a mixture of 2 tsp. of baking soda and 2 tsp. of liquid soap(not detergent) per gallon of water. Water in the morning and avoid wetting the leaves to prevent black spot and mildew on roses and other disease-prone flowers. Sow directly seeds of these annuals into the garden since they do not transplant well: Zinnia, Cosmos, Four O’clock, and Mexican sunflower (Tithonia).
Week 2
Add organic matter to lighten the soil and improve drainage before planting shade-loving annuals such as Caladium, Begonia, Coleus or Salvia. Prune spring blooming Clematis immediately after they finish flowering in May or June. Cut peony flowers are heavy drinkers. Water frequently to prolong blossoms indoors. As peony flowers fade, they should be removed from the plant. Clean up the spent, soggy flower heads and foliage having any signs of fungus (dark concentric circular spots). Put in the trash, and avoid adding the infected plant parts to the compost pile. That can only spread the problem. Iberis sempervirens(Candytuft), a great ever-green perennial for full sun or partial shade can be trimmed back now. Prune the spent blossom stalks by taking a hand full of stems and cutting midway back to the base of the plant. This encourages the plant to bush out and occasionally to blossom again in fall. Gladiolia can be planted anytime between May 1 and July 15. For continual show of color, plant at ten-day intervals. Plant 6-8 inches deep to provide support for stems and to avoid the need to stake the plants. As hardy begonias emerge, thin and transplant. Spacing of at least six inches is important for sturdy plants.
Week 3
Pinch back the growing tips of Basil, Marigolds and Straw- flowers once desired height is been reached. Encourage establishment of newly planted or transplanted Hosta by clipping back any bloom stalks to prevent blooming the first season or two, allowing the plant’s energy to go toward root development rather than flowering and seed production.
Houseplants
Week 1
It is now safe to move many houseplants to a shady area outside. The plants will dry out faster outdoors, so monitor the soil moisture frequently. Move African violets out of south-facing windows in the summer. Relocate to an east- or protected west-facing window is best. Clean dust off African Violets by spraying the foliage with tepid water. Allow to dry away from light and drafts to avoid developing spots.
Week 2
Move houseplants outdoors, keeping out of direct sunlight for several days to prevent sunburn. Even sun-loving plants need the protection of a patio cover or shade tree for 7-10 days before moving full sun. Examine leaves for stippled or bronzed leaves and webbing on the under side indicating spider mites at work. Control efforts include first spraying with a strong spray of water under the leave to drown and wash off the mites.
Pest Control
Week 1
Increase the diversity of nectar and pollen producing flowers which bloom all season long. These will attract and provide food for many beneficial insects which will also help control unwanted insects.
Week 2
Bagworm eggs hatch in late May/early June. Examine conifers for feeding damage on needle edges, which will cause a washed-out color. Look for small holes appearing on the leaves of deciduous trees. This will be accompan-ied by small bags hanging on the plants in holiday ornament fashion. Handpick bagworm egg pouches early in spring, or treat early instar larvae with Bacillus thuringie-nsis (Bt) found under names such as Caterpillar Attack, Thuricide or Dipel. Treat any bags larger than ¾” with pyrethroids. Learn to recognize various patterns of damage from pests feeding on Hosta leaves. Caterpillars will chew holes that are long and narrow in the middle of the leaf; slug damage will be round holes in the center of the leaf; Vine Weevil damage will be irregular notches on the edge of the leaf; and leafcutter bee damage, also found on the leaf margin(edge) will be clean-cut semi circles.
Week 3
Examine stems, tender shoots and buds and under-sides of leaves for aphids. Webbing, small dots of bug waste and the chubby aphids may be found in groups, or scattered about. Aphids will suck juices from the plant thus weakening it. The first action to control this pest is to direct a strong stream of water to drown or dislodge them. Predators that eat aphids are small wasps, lacewings, syrphid flies and Ladybird beetles (ladybug). Larvae of the ladybird beetle may be present on the plant as well. Look for their presence and move them to another plant before spraying. Developing about ½” long with orange and black segments, this predator may eat more voraciously than the adult beetles.
Container Gardening
Because nutrients leach out of the soil in containers over several weeks, add time-released fertilizer to the potting soil as the containers are planted up. To re-moisten container soil which has dried and separated from the container wall, place ice in the middle of the top of the soil. As the ice slowly melts, the water is absorbed into the soil instead of running down the space between the soil and the pot.
Design Plants
Selecting roses for the garden will involve evaluation of the area where the rose will be planted and when and how long the blooms are hoped for in the garden ‘show’. Some roses will thrive in partial shade, but most prefer as much light as possible.
Eco Tip
When using sprays of any kind, apply during the very calmest time of day for air movement. This usually occurs in the early morning. Even when it seems there is no breeze at all, there will always be some wind drift. Fertilizers, herbicides and other chemicals are often highly toxic to fish. When applying near ponds, use extra caution.
July Green Tips
Week One
Week Two
Week Three
Week Four
JULY TIPS: WEEK ONE
Vegetables
Begin the fall vegetable garden. In early July plant seeds of beets, Chinese cabbage, carrots, collards, endive, kale, leaf lettuce mustard greens and turnips. Place a rain gauge in the garden to be sure adequate moisture is being received.
Established plants need one inch of water per week. Prevent and minimize disease by installing a soaker hose or watering from below. If watering overhead, complete early in the day so foliage dries before nightfall.
Landscape
Fertilize roses with ¼ cup Epsom salts per plant. Avoid adding other fertilizers to prevent burning of foliage. Pines that are yellowing and loosing needles before the normal end-of-summer shedding time, may benefit from soil sulfur applied to the drip line. Apply at the rate of one pound sulfur per 100 sq. ft. Scratch into soil with garden rake and water to begin the slow migration to the root area. Watch for improved vigor and deeper green color in 6-8 weeks.
Eco Tip
Learn to recognize invasive weed pests in the garden. Garlic Mustard is in blooming now. This biennial weed begins as a low rosette of leaves, the first year. The second year it can grow to 3-4 feet, with small white pompoms of blooms at the top which product a phenomenal amount of seeds that remain viable in the soil for 7 years.
Control by hand-pulling, storing the weeds in black plastic bags for a year to completely destroy the seeds.
Flowers
Plant fragrant flowers such as sage and lavender to attract pollinators to the vegetable garden. Cut back Nepita (catmint) this week by two-thirds to keep plant compact and encourage more blooming. Oenothera (Ozark Sundrop) can be sheared after blooming back to basal evergreen rosette. No further pruning is needed until next season.
JULY TIPS: WEEK TWO
Landscape
Avoid pruning live cuts on trees and shrubs after July 4th since pruning stimulates growth which may not have time to ‘harden off’ before colder weather. Install plants with white flowers or foliage to brighten areas of deep shade. Water regularly newly planted Clematis. Plant a companion at the base Clematis to keep their feet cool. Spring-flowering Clematis can be pruned/shaped now. Take ripe cuttings of Clematis this month for propagating.
Nuisance Plants
Grub out wild violets to get all the root system. Violets deplete the soil of potassium. Wild onions reproduce themselves by blooming and by producing many bulblets underground. Carefully dig bulblets when soil is moist. Cut off blossoms before seeds develop. Watch for Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) which resembles the growth of bamboo. Yellow to white flowers will be appearing soon. This highly invasive plant forms dense thickets and is spread both by wind-born seeds and vigorous underground stems that reach 60 feet. Control by spraying leaves and slitting / treating stems with systemic herbicide such as full strength Round-Up.
Houseplants
Water Pothos with tepid water. Using cold water will shock the plant resulting in yellow leaves, which later fall off. Pothos can be groomed now, trimming straggly vines to encourage new growth. Trimmings can be rooted in water and planted within 2 months.
Flowers
Oriental poppies can be pruned back to the ground after blooming. Keep soil around plants evenly moist until new foliage appears in late summer. Seedpods can be hung upside down to dry for use in floral arrangements. Cut hydrangea blooms for drying, Hang upside down to retain shape and keep blue and pink trimmings in the dark to retain color. Fertilize container-grown flowers by adding compost. Water containers daily or for larger containers, every other day to replenish moisture lost through their leaf surfaces and used for growth.
Pest Patrol
As Japanese beetles emerge, collect in a small container with soapy water during cooler times of day when they are less active.
Vegetables
Begin the fall vegetable garden. In early July plant seeds of beets, Chinese cabbage, carrots, collards, endive, kale, leaf lettuce mustard greens and turnips. Place a rain gauge in the garden to be sure adequate moisture is being received. Established plants need one inch of water per week. Prevent and minimize disease by installing a soaker hose or watering from below. If watering overhead, complete early in the day so foliage dries before nightfall. Finish planting seeds for fall crops of Bibb lettuce, kale, green beans, sweet corn, carrots, and beets. Choose varieties that are resistant to disease.
Eco Tip
Grow maypopsMaypops (native passion flower) on fences. Deer apparently loathe this plant.
JULY TIPS: WEEK THREE
Landscape
Avoid pruning any spring-blooming trees and shrubs since this month those plants are forming flower buds for next season. Prune out and destroy browned tips of shrub and ground cover-type Junipers caused by Phomopsis Tip Blight. To minimize this disease, avoid overhead watering. A fungicidal spray can be applied every two weeks.
Pest Patrol
As Japanese Beetles emerge, collect in a small container with soapy water during cooler times of day when they are less active. Check trunks of Prunus species (flowering peach, plum and cherry) for borers.
Nuisance Plants
Wild onions reproduce themselves by blooming and by producing many bulblets underground. Carefully dig bulblets when soil is moist. Cut off blossoms before seeds develop.
JULY TIPS: WEEK FOUR
Landscape
Examine Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) on underside of foliage for small grayish scale. Crawlers are active in July. Spray with summer oil, following directions carefully. Avoid applying spray when humidity is expected to be above 90% for 36-48 hours or when rain is expected. For best results foliage must be dry. Spray summer horticulture oils in the morning when winds are calmest to avoid drift reaching oil-sensitive plants such as Maple, hickory, smoketree, spruce, Cryptomera, many Azaleas Redbud, Japanese holly, beech, some Junipers, and Douglas fir.
Lawn
Avoid overstressing lawns during the heat of summer by avoiding mowing as temperatures reach 90 or higher. Avoid mowing during midday. Remove no more than 1/3 of the blade. Mow lawns at 2 ½ - 3 inches to encourage deeper rooting.
Wait until fall to fertilize, dethatch or renovate lawns.
Flowers
Fertilize container-grown flowers with compost each month. Water containers daily or for larger containers, every other day to replenish moisture lost through their leaf surfaces and used for growth.
Vegetables
Finish planting seeds for fall crops of Bibb lettuce, Kale, green beans, sweet corn, carrots, and beets. Choose varieties that are resistant to disease.
Nuisance Plants
Watch for Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) which resembles the growth of bamboo. Yellow to white flowers will be appearing soon. This highly invasive plant forms dense thickets and is spread both by wind-born seeds and vigorous underground stems that reach 60 feet.
Houseplants
Water Pothos with tepid water. Using cold water will shock the plant resulting in yellow leaves, which later fall off. Pothos can be groomed now, trimming straggly vines to encourage new growth. Trimmings can be rooted in water and planted within 2 months.
August Green Tips
Week One
Week Two
Week Three
Week Four
AUGUST TIPS: WEEK ONE
Landscaping
Avoid pruning trees and shrubs from July through the end of winter. Woody plants begin forming buds for the next season in July. Pruning during late summer and fall encourages new growth, which suffers during fall cold snaps. Direct supplemental watering to trees and shrubs where feeder roots are found, underneath the outermost ends of the branches. Maintain 2-3 inch layer of mulch around shrubs and trees to maintain cooler root temperatures, even moisture, and to minimize weeds.
Flowers
Stop pinching back chrysanthemums and allow buds to develop for fall bloom. Water flowers early in the day near base of the plants to minimize powdery mildew and leaf spot on Zinnia, Phlox, Achillea (yarrow), Rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan), Shasta Daisy, Dahlia, Begonia and mums. Trim back diseased foliage of Peony plants. Leave as much foliage as possible to replenish the energy resources as the plant forms growth 'eyes' for next year. Destroy diseased foliage - do not compost and risk further spread of disease.
Harvesting Flowers and Herbs
Select and cut early in the day, flowers to be dried for floral arrangements such as African Daisy, Dianthus, Marigold, Violets and Chrysanthemums
Cut herbs early in the day and just before blooming for maximum content of essential oils and flavor. Dry herbs in dark dry place for best flavor retention. Try a dust-free container under the bed, a darkened area in a basement or a tray placed under a dark cloth in the back window of the car. Clip, rinse well and chop lavender, mint or basil to mix in spreads or butters.
Fruit Crops
Avoid summer pruning of fruit trees except to prune out water sprouts and suckers. Poor pruning practices can result in dwarfing and reducing overall vigor of fruit trees.
Arrange drip or trickle irrigation to all fruit crops to ensure adequate moisture without wetting foliage, which encourages disease. Apply 3-4 inches of mulch around bases of blackberry and raspberry bushes. Use grass clippings, hay, straw, sawdust, straw-y manure.
Pest Patrol
Check for spider mites on evergreens exhibiting overall browning. Tap branch over white paper and observe if any of the specks on the paper begin to move. Check for webbing on branches to further confirm mite problem.
AUGUST TIPS: WEEK TWO
Landscaping
Cut back any shrubs such as Buddleia (butterfly bush) no later than the end of August to allow time to harden off before winter. Check Cotoneaster for skeletonizing of foliage by hawthorn lacebug. Conduct a soil test to determine needed nutrients in the garden.
Flowers
Observe Siberian Iris for hollowing of clump centers. Hollowed-out clumps need dividing, either in August or early spring. Use root portions from the periphery of the clump only for best plant vigor. Compost the older center of plant. Replant rhizomes so that the crown of the plant is no deeper than 1 ½ -2 inches below the soil level after the soil settles. Check bearded Iris root systems for borer damage and cut away affected portions, replanting only healthy portions. Cut back leaves by 1/3 to ½ before transplanting. Keep regular watering program for all plants installed this season to ensure adequate root development before frost. Cut back spent flower heads that will not be left for birds to glean. Cut back all diseased or insect damaged foliage. Do not compost.
Vegetables
Side-dress Beans with fertilizer after heavy blooming and set of pods. Fertilize cucumbers one week after bloom begins and 3 weeks later. Fertilize tomatoes 1-2 weeks before picking and again 2 weeks after first harvest.
Houseplants
Keep Norfolk Island pines out of direct sunlight in summer. Water twice a week and fertilize every other week. Observe potted Cyclamen for yellowing leaves marking the beginning of dormancy. Place in cool place outdoors until leaves die and can be easily pulled off the corm. Repot in fresh soil, with corm placed on the surface. Begin normal watering but wait a month to begin fertilizing.
Eco Tip
Collect and swap seeds for Hollyhock, bachelor's buttons, sweet William, cosmos, sunflowers and black-eyed Susan, all of which will attract beneficial insects to the garden. Learn about the life cycle of insects found in the garden to determine the most affective timing of treatment / control. Prepare compost bin or area to receive garden debris to get ready for fall clean-up projects.
AUGUST TIPS: WEEK THREE
Landscape
Water spring-flowering shrubs deeply every 8-10 days on through September as they set their buds for next years bloom. Mark volunteer seedlings of holly, rose-of-Sharon or redbud for fall transplanting. Plan for fall bulb planting and order when the bulb catalogues arrive. Wait to plant bulbs until October and the ground begins to cool. Select bulbs low in deer attraction from the following list: Hyacinths, Allium (Ornamental Onion), Muscari (Grape Hyacinth), Galanthus (Snow Drops), Fritillary(Crown Imperial), Eranthus hyemalis (Winter Aconite), Leucojum(SnowFlake/giant SnowDrop), Scilla(Siberian Squill), Lycoris(Naked Lady / Spider Lily) and Crocus tommasiniana (most resistant to deer browsing).
Vegetables and Fruits
Monitor apples for adult apple maggot flies which are laying eggs, and control as needed. Plant nitrogen-fixing legumes every third year in vegetable beds to provide a significant amount of nitrogen for the crop that will follow next season. Fertilize cucumbers 3 weeks after blossoming begins with a side dressing of compost or composted manure. Harvest garden produce while young and tender. Fruit left on the vine too long can slow and even stop production for some plants.
Flowers
Continue fertilizing hanging baskets every few weeks with liquid fertilizer to keep vigor until frost. Give roses their last summer fertilizing this week and their last deadheading this month so that the plant can develop rose hips and prepare for dormancy. Continue to prune out dead or dying stems that may harbor diseases.
Houseplants
Gradually reduce watering potted Amaryllis over the next two weeks to prepare the plant for a period of resting for 2-3 months. Repot African Violets into containers that are 1/3 the diameter of the outer-most foliage. Their shallow root systems are best suited to smaller pots. Too large a pot tempts the owner to over water, which is certain death for violets. Overcrowded roots, however, will stunt growth.
AUGUST TIPS: WEEK THREE
Landscape
Continue trimming out spent flower stems and dead plant material and add to compost pile. Any diseased plants should be destroyed to avoid contaminating compost. Continue to treat shrubs such as Cotoneaster for Lace Bugs using hort-icultural soap concentrate diluted with half alcohol and half water. Be sure to spray underside of leaves and leaf/stem notches.
Flowers & Vegetables
Prune back spent foliage and blooms of non-evergreen perennials. For best results, prune evergreen perennials in spring after appearance of new growth. Transplant peonies now. Discard and do not compost any leaves with black concentric spots indicating the presence of fungus. Replant peony roots giving 30-40" spacing to reduce crowding and allow for good air circulation between plants. Plant roots so that the 'eyes' for new growth are no deeper than 2 inches below the soil line.
Deeper planting reduces bloom production.
Lawn
Cool season grass cultivars such as the tall fescues are beginning to grow again as the weather cools and rainfall increases. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizer at this time. Evaluate lawn for possible renovation or spot renovation. Renovation is desirable if the lawn area is more than 25% non-grass material. Begin turf renovation with control of weeds. Mow area with de-thatching blade attachment.
Soil/seed contact is critical for best results. Cover with thin layer of peat moss or straw. Water each morning to completely moisten seed and cover material. With the warmer fall soil temperatures, germination will be in about a week.
Eco Tip
Observe Robber Flies, larger than a bumble bee with a slender body. These beneficial voracious predators catch grasshoppers, cicadas, beetles and flies.
During cleanup, look for praying mantid egg cases attached to twigs and stems in the garden. The brownish one-inch hardened foam egg cases can be saved over the winter by clipping the twig bearing the egg case and place in a safe place, such as the garage or a protected area of the garden. When spring temperatures rise, over 200 nymphs will emerge to help take care of garden pests next year.
September Green Tips
Weeks One & Two
Week Three
Week Four
SEPTEMBER TIPS: WEEKS ONE & TWO
Flowers
Divide perennials this month. Spring and summer blooming perennials are best divided in the fall; fall blooming perennials are best divided in the spring.
Leave spent coneflower blooms for the birds to glean.
Leave evergreen perennials such as Artemisia, lavender and Santolina, for spring pruning and shaping as the top foliage protects the crown of the plant through the winter. Trim back other perennials during fall garden clean-up.
A side-dressing of composted leaves applied after the soil cools will protect the plant crowns, and provide nutrients to the plants.
Retrieving tender bulbs:
Caladiums and begonias need to be lifted before the first killing frost.
Gladiolus need to be dug when the top leaves turn yellow.
Dahlia and Canna roots can be dug after the first heavy frost
Houseplants
Water indoor plants less frequently and discontinue fertilizer application toward the end of the month.
When bringing plants in after a summer outdoors, slowing place plant in areas of decreasing light to acclimate to its new setting, and drench the soil mass with water and insecticidal soap to flush out pill bugs and other critters that need to stay outside.
Vegetables
Plant fall radishes and spinach this week. Fall-planted spinach won't go to seed and the smaller plants will even survive a mild winter, becoming next year's first crop.
Lawn
Aerate turf areas on steep slopes or that have been compacted with heavy foot traffic especially vehicle traffic. Make several passes in several directions with core aerating machine creating spaces for root development, better air circulation and water and nutrient penetration.
Leave the cores / plugs of soil on the turf as a top dressing. These will break down over a few weeks and serve the development of the lawn by bringing nutrients from lower soil layers to the surface.
Landscape
Collect and destroy all leaves from apple and pear trees, including leaves from nearby trees, to control apple scab, pear scab and pear leaf spot. Good sanitation practices decrease chances of pathogens over wintering and developing even larger problems next season.
Prepare beds and plant plugs of ground cover up until Oct 15 for best root development before colder weather sets in. Water-in well and apply mild fertilizer high in phosphorus for best root development.
SEPTEMBER TIPS: WEEK THREE
Lawn
Inspect turf in shaded areas for presence of moss. Moss infestations may be associated with dense shade, poor air circulation and / or low fertility.
Limb up lower branches of trees and remove leaves from shaded turf areas to ensure light reaches the grass plants.
Vigorous, dense grass, which is mowed 2 ½-3" high, is the best prevention of weeds in the lawn. Sunlight cannot penetrate to the soil and thus germination won't occur.
Landscape
Remove and destroy all galls of cedar-apple rust from nearby cedars and junipers which persist from the spring to minimize the problem next season.
Space the two hosts of cedar-apple rust at least 100 feet apart in the landscaping to minimize the problem or avoid planting one of the hosts all together.
Fruits and Vegetables
Continue watering strawberries sufficiently after bearing fruit and through the fall to ensure bumper crop next year.
Collect and destroy all mummified fruit beneath trees and left hanging on tree limbs to control brown rot.
Rake and destroy old cherry leaves to control leaf spot.
Flowers
Purchase summer-blooming bulbs now, but wait to plant until mid October.
Transplant perennials this month that bloomed earlier in the season this month. .
The soil is warm and roots can develop to hold the plants in place during winter freezing and thawing.
Avoid disturbing Heuchera in the fall since they establish root systems best if planted or transplanted in spring.
Fruits & Vegetables
Plant fall radishes and spinach in mid-month. Fall-planted spinach won't go to seed and the smaller plants will even survive a mild winter, becoming next year's first crop.
Continue watering strawberries sufficiently after bearing fruit and through the fall to ensure bumper crop next year.
Collect and destroy all mummified fruit beneath trees and left hanging on tree limbs to control brown rot.
Rake and destroy old cherry leaves to control leaf spot.
Root prune tomatoes to speed up ripening process before frost by inserting the spade 6 inches from the stalk.
Eco Tip
Identify poisonous sumac by its drooping, white berries. The poisonous type usually is found in wet soils. Non-poisonous varieties have red berries and grow in drier settings
SEPTEMBER TIPS: WEEK FOUR
Landscape
Leave plumes of most ornamental grasses to provide winter interest and seeds for birds.
Trim plumes of Pennesetum 'Moudry' (Black Fountain Grass) and other grasses that generously self seed to prevent unwanted seedlings in garden beds.
Remove leaves from lawns. Shred leaves and add to compost use for mulch in garden beds.
Deep water all shrubs and trees through fall before winter weather sets in.
House plants
Reduce watering of Amaryllis for 3 weeks in late summer and before frost. Then discontinue watering and allow resting for 2-3 months in a cool, dry, well ventilated place.
Vegetables
Plant parsley and cool-season salad greens, preferably in cold frames for protection from temperature extremes.
Cover fall-planted crops in the cabbage family with floating row cover to prevent looper and cabbage worm damage.
Mulch heat-loving crops such as peppers and eggplant and cover with floating row covers to prolong production.
Enrich garden soil with a layer of compost or by planting a cover crop such as alfalfa or annual rye.
Fruits
Prune out spent bramble canes after fruiting has finished.
Gently bend raspberry canes to the ground and pin/secure in place to encourage rooting by layering.
Houseplants
Examine plants for insect populations. For spider mite problems, take plant outside and spray all foliage with strong stream of water. If pest persists, treat with ryania or insecticidal soap concentrate diluted with half water and half denatured alcohol.
Make sure solution reaches underside of all leaves and leaf / stem notches. Repeat every 5-7 days until all eggs hatch.
Water indoor plants less frequently and discontinue organic fertilizer application toward the end of the month.
Reduce watering of amaryllis for 3 weeks in late summer and before frost. Then discontinue watering and allow resting for 2-3 months in a cool, dry, well ventilated place.
Pest Patrol
Handpick any bagworms found hanging like small tree ornaments from twigs and branches and drop in hot soapy water to kill the worm inside.
Eco Tip
Identify poisonous sumac by its drooping, white berries. The poisonous type usually is found in wet soils. Non-poisonous varieties have red berries and grow in drier settings.
October Green Tips
OCTOBER TIPS: WEEKS ONE & TWO
Landscape
Keep falling leaves from piling around trunks of trees, as the leaves trap moisture and can cause root rot.
Plant deciduous trees and conifers any time. Warmer soil in fall encourages root establishment. Water until ground freezes.
Use hardware cloth or screening to protect trunks and stems of woody plants from rodent damage.
Replenish organic material in soil by adding 2-3 inches of compost, rotted manure or mushroom compost over garden beds and turning in. The beds will be ready for planting when the soil dries out in spring.
Avoid pruning all trees and shrubs in the fall. Pruning now opens up wounds to winter cold and 'dehardens' the plant, which should be getting acclimated to the drop in temperatures.
Lawn
Lightly sprinkle new lawns daily until grass becomes well established.
Pest Patrol
Watch for lacebug on azaleas and pyracantha, and scale on evergreens such as boxwood, euonymus and holly. Treat with horticulture oil while the pests are active.
Bulbs
Plant spring-flowering bulbs in mid October as temperatures are begin to decrease.
Plant bulbs in the Amaryllis family such as Narcissus & Daffodils to foil squirrels and chipmunks. This group of bulbs are poisonous , while tulips are slightly sweet and tasty to critters.
For success with tulips, dig a wide trench for a large group of bulbs and cover with chicken wire before filling in with soil.
Houseplants
Buy and plant amaryllis bulbs for blooms at holiday time.
Use the light meter on a camera to check available light for house plants. When bringing plants indoors try to place them in a location where the light is the same as the plant received while outdoors.
Vegetables
Remove vegetables that have finished producing. Work the bare areas of the garden and plant with crimson clover or Austrian winter peas.
Harvest tomatoes. Any fruit with a radiating star on the bottom or that has shiny skin, will continue to ripen. Use the rest for relish, chutney or fried green tomatoes.
Flowers
Dig geraniums and store the roots in a paper bag.
Dig tubers of canna, dahlia, caladium and elephant ear as soon as frost burns the foliage. Store in cool place for replanting in spring.
OCTOBER TIPS: WEEK THREE
Vegetables
Harvest all tomatoes, peppers and other warm weather crops before the first fall frost (usually Oct 19).
Install row covers to extend the harvest period of frost-sensitive plants such as cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes.
Harvest all pumpkins, gourds and squash before the first freeze.
Outdoor Flowers
Mulch perennials after ground has cooled, apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch, avoiding covering the crown of the plant, which can cause rot. Mulching helps keep the temperature of the soil even, and can minimize damage from frost heaving due to freezing and thawing of soil.
Avoid fertilizing perennials any more this fall with high nitrogen fertilizers which promote growth. Use a either top dressing of composted materials to or granular products that are high in phosphorus, which promotes root development.
Vegetables
Remove vegetables that have finished producing. Work the bare areas of the garden and plant with crimson clover or Austrian winter peas.
Harvest tomatoes. Any fruit with a radiating star on the bottom will continue to ripen. Use the rest for relish, chutney or fried green tomatoes.
Harvest all tomatoes, peppers and other warm weather crops before the first fall frost (usually Oct 19).
Install row covers to extend the harvest period of frost-sensitive plants such as cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes.
Harvest all pumpkins, gourds and squash before the first freeze.
Bulbs
Plant spring-flowering bulbs in mid October when temperatures are beginning to lower.
Plant bulbs in the amaryllis family such as narcissus and daffodils to foil squirrels and chipmunks. This group of bulbs are poisonous while tulips are slightly sweet and tasty to critters.
For success with tulips, dig a wide trench for a large group of bulbs and cover with chicken wire before filling in with soil.
Landscape
Replenish organic material in soil by adding 2-3 inches of compost, rotted manure or mushroom compost over garden beds and turning in. The beds will be ready for planting when the soil dries out in spring.
Avoid pruning all trees and shrubs in the fall. Pruning now opens up wounds to winter cold and 'dehardens' the plant, which should instead be getting acclimated to the drop in temperatures.
Lawn
Lightly sprinkle new lawns daily until grass becomes well established.
Avoid applying herbicides to new turf areas. Most will also kill the new grass seedlings.
Houseplants
Buy and plant amaryllis bulbs for blooms at holiday time.
Use the light meter on a camera to check available light for house plants. When bringing plants indoors try to place them in a location where the light is the same as the plant received while outdoors.
Bring inside Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus Cactus before frost. Flower buds are stimulated by the cooler fall weather. Once inside, avoid temperatures over 75 o 75degrees F and sudden changes in light, water or temperature to prevent unopened buds from failing.
Pest Patrol
Watch for lacebug on azaleas and pyracantha, and scale on evergreens such as boxwood, euonymus and holly. Treat with organic oils while the pests are active.
November Green Tips
Landscape
- Wrap the trunks of fruit trees and very young shade trees around Thanksgiving time to protect from sun scald and animal damage.
- Continue watering program on all woody plants, especially newly installed plants, to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
- Erect burlap wind shields to protect tender broadleaf evergreens such as Boxwood, Pieris, Azalea and Rhododendron from drying and winter burn.
Houseplants
- Move houseplants that are dropping leaves closer to a sunnier exposure.
- Start hyacinth bulbs in hyacinth glasses.
- Provide humidity for houseplants once the indoor heating is used.
- Pot up spring-flowering bulbs to force blooms indoors.
- Bring dormant amaryllis into a warm, bright area to begin its growth cycle again. Water sparingly. As foliage or flower stalk begins to grow, Expect flowering after 4-8 weeks.
- Repot amaryllis carefully only every 3-4 years avoiding disturbing their sensitive roots, at the time it comes out of dormancy.
- Bring rosemary indoors when temperatures approach freezing. Since rosemary prefers cooler climate, take back outside when temperatures are warmer than 38degreesF.
- Provide flowering plants with bright, reflected light all day long or full sun for 2-5 hours daily. Zebra plant, shrimp plant, begonia, geranium, violets and lipstick plant all need ample light to bloom well.
- Examine regularly all houseplants for evidence of white flies, scale or mealy bugs. Try removal of these pests by hand or by spraying them with a strong stream of water. As a last resort, apply organic pesticides at weekly intervals to control all eggs and future generations of these pests.
- Water plants on as-needed basis rather than on a set schedule. In winter months houseplants need more light and less water.
- Avoid placing Ficus trees near heater ducts or opening doors. The change in temperatures will cause them to drop leaves.
Flowers
- Mound 12inches of soil, compost or aged sawdust around hybrid tea and grandiflora roses after several hard frosts and they have lost their leaves. Avoid using soil from the rose root zone.
- Prune canes back to 18 inches to facilitate the mounding protection.
- Place a protective covering of straw mulch over fall-planted pansies, dwarf Carnations, Johnny-Jump-Ups, Primrose and sweet Sweet William to aid in successful over-wintering.
Pest Patrol
- Patrol needled shrubs for signs of scale. Control with an organic spray.
- Leave outside as long as possible before hard frost lantana and other plants susceptible to white fly and let the temperature help control the pest.
December Green Tips
Purchase your Christmas tree from the Civic Garden Center!
Landscape
- Wrap the trunks of fruit trees and very young shade trees around Thanksgiving time to protect from sun scald and animal damage.
- Continue watering program on all woody plants, especially newly installed plants, to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
- Erect burlap wind shields to protect tender broadleaf evergreens such as Boxwood, Pieris, Azalea and Rhododendron from drying and winter burn.
Houseplants
- Examine regularly all houseplants for evidence of white flies, scale or mealy bugs. If discovered, a pply insecticidal soap / alcohol mixture at weekly intervals to control all eggs and future generations of these pests.
- Water plants on as-needed basis rather than on a set schedule. In winter months houseplants need more light and less water.
- Avoid placing Ficus trees near heater ducts or opening doors. The change in temperatures will cause them to drop leaves.
Flowers
- Mound 12 inches of soil, compost or aged sawdust around hybrid tea and grandiflora roses after several hard frosts and they have lost their leaves. Avoid using soil from the rose root zone.
- Prune canes back to 18 inches to facilitate the mounding protection.
- Place a protective covering of straw mulch over fall-planted pansies, dwarf Carnations, Johnny-Jump-Ups, Primrose and sweet William to aid in successful over-wintering.