More ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ for summer gardening By Tom Harris, Ph.D. The Hill Country Gardener DO keep the soil around plants moist. During these especially hot and dry days and nights it is extremely important to the production of flowers and/or fruits. This is easily done with drip irrigation and saves money at the same time. DO maintain the mulch around the plants to help hold moisture in. Mulch should be applied 2-3 inches deep. DO seed zinnias and portulaca now. Be sure to keep the roots moist as the plants establish their root system?2-6 weeks depending on the plant. DO keep dead or dying flowers pinched off the plants that bloom all season. (By the way, this is where the term “green thumb” comes from.) Pinching off old blooms causes the plant to bloom again. DO keep the roses fertilized with a high nitrogen (10-20%=first number on the container) fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to keep the blooms coming. A light application on other seasonal-blooming plants helps, too. DO eat lots of watermelon. You know they’re ripe when the white spot on the bottom is yellow. DO remember that even the hardiest native plants need some moisture—not as much as others, but some is critical for life. DO keep the birdbaths full and clean. DO brighten a landscape in the heat of the summer by planting lantana, bougainvillea, mandevilla vine, allamanda, hibiscus, salvia, periwinkle, marigold, zinnia, portulaca, purslane, copper plant, and Bush morning glory. DO take out the old canes in the blackberry patch. Old canes are the ones that had berries this year. Only the new ones next year will have berries. DO look for yellowed leaves with green veins. This is an indication of iron chlorosis. Apply Copperas or green sand. DO prune the oak trees in July and August. Be sure to paint each cut with latex-based paints on all cuts within 30 minutes. DO check for grubs and chinch bugs if you see “dead” areas in the grass. DON’T water your plants (including the lawn) in the afternoon after work. It’s the worst time for the plants. Wet leaves at night invite fungus problems. DON’T plant trees and shrubs now. It’s too hot. Wait until October-November. DON’T mow the grass shorter than the recommended height. Bermuda = 1-1.5”, Zoysia = 2”, St. Augustine = 3.5” in shade and 4.5” in full sun. DON’T try to prolong the veggie garden in this heat. Take out all the old, spent plants and get ready for fall gardening. (South Texas primarily).
Posted on: Mon, 29 Jul 2013 15:58:33 +0000
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