2016-04-30 06:04:00
May
Summer is on its way … dig in!
PLANTING
Plant gourd seeds with plenty of room to sprawl or train on a trellis or fence.
Sow seeds for warm-season vegetables such as chiles, cucumbers, melons, okra, pepper, squash and tomatillos.
Plant drought-tolerant perennials such as chocolate flowers, lantana, Mexican primrose and gazania.
Plant warm-season annuals that will take the heat, such as ageratum, gaillardia, sunflower, zinnia, tithonia, coreopsis and cosmos.
FERTILIZING
Fertilize citrus and palms at the end of the month.
Feed cacti with a cactus fertilizer or an all-purpose type diluted to half strength.
WATERING
Check your irrigation system for leaks and damaged emitters.
Readjust your watering schedule for the warmer weather.
Water lawns in the morning to avoid fungal growth.
Water roses deeply, fertilize and spread mulch around roots.
PRUNING
Prune back salvia plants to promote denser growth.
Do not prune the lower branches of citrus trees because this foliage shades the trunk.
PREPARING
Put away your smaller containers and exchange them for larger ones for the warmer months.
TRANSPLANTING
Plant palms as the hot weather settles in.
Transplant new warm-season herbs such as basil, chives, oregano, lemongrass, yarrow, mint and pineapple sage.
Divide cacti and succulents. Allow the roots to callus over before transplanting to prevent rot. Provide temporary shade to reduce stress while roots are getting established. Choose locations carefully when planting mesquite, palo verde, acacia and desert willow trees. Allow for adequate canopy and root growth.
TIP OF THE MONTH
Succulents are plants that have thick stems, leaves or roots that store water. A remarkable number of choices are in nurseries in a multitude of colors, shapes and sizes.They also have become very popular due to their low maintenance and ease of propagation.
Even apartment dwellers and gardeners with small patio spaces can grow beautiful collections of unusual varieties in shallow containers.They are perfect additions to your rock garden’s nooks and crannies.
These plants have short root systems, so shallow containers work well. Be sure to use a potting soil specially formulated for cacti and succulents. Container-grown species should be watered more often than those in the ground. The frequency depends on the soil’s water retention and the amount of sun exposure and temperature. Allow the top soil to dry out completely to avoid overwatering. When actively growing, water once a week in warm weather and fertilize once a month.
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