THINGS TO DO OUTDOORS

Weed and fertilize containers - water as needed. The plants are now beginning to approach their mature size and it is important to keep them well fed and hydrated. If you used slow release fertilizer pellets in a dilute solution of liquid feed.. During hot periods, containers may need to be watered twice per day.

Some of the plants, such as Coleus and Plectranthus benefit from an occasional pinching to make the plants fuller. For Roses, deadhead, give them a light feeding and remove any leaves from the plant or the ground that have blackspot (this will reduce future outbreaks). Some perennials can be pinched or cut back to the ground, such as Catnip (Nepeta faassenii), early blooming Salvias (Salvia nemerosa cultivars) and Yarrows (Achillea cultivars) to encourage a second flush of flowers. Stop fertilizing all woody plants - trees and shrubs.

Provide a light pruning to rampant growing Wisteria stems, stray stems of Clematis, and other vines. A heavy pruning will invigorate excessive vegetative growth and less flowering buds. Prune watersprouts and suckers on small trees and large shrubs before they become too large and begin to deform the plant.

For turf grass, raise the cutting height to 3” during the hotter and drier months in order to reduce stress. If you irrigate, do so for extended periods early in the morning to encourage deeper root growth. Try not to water in the evening, since that will promote various fungal problems. Avoid fertilizing during the summer.

Weed, then weed, then weed a little more.......

Apps for plant identification: Plant Net, Picture This, Plant Snap