May 21in GENERAL
Get Your Yard Ready for Summer
This cloudy, gloomy weather has got us all in the Pacific North West. I think it is time that we got some sunshine and heat. With summer almost at the door, it is a great time to get your backyard in shape for some fun activities and yummy bbq’s.
Here are a few important projects that you can take care of now to make your yard and garden beautiful all summer.
·Control Pests
Aphids and garden pests love spring growth. If you see curled or poorly formed leaves on certain plants and trees, such as roses, citrus, or fruit trees, this is a likely sign of aphids.To get rid of them, wash plants frequently with a strong jet of water and spray insecticidal soap oil.
· Prepare Flowerbeds
Amend the soil of planting beds with organic matter. Compost will help in several ways—it will keep weeds down, enrich the soil, help keep the soil at a constant temperature, and retain moisture around the plants.
·Plant & Maintain Flowers & Vegetables
Decorate your yard with healthy home-grown vegetables or beautiful flowers. What you plant is all based on the climate of your area. Generally, where warming weather allows, plant veggies such as corn, beans, tomatoes, and melons. In colder climates, you can still plant cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and leafy greens.
·Prune
It’s best to prune evergreens and hedges early when they begin new growth. Though pruning of most fruit trees is best in the winter when they are dormant, you can do some pruning to shape and strengthen mature trees in the spring and summer.
·Take Care of the Lawn
After watering the lawn, dig out deeply rooted dandelions and similar weeds. If lawn growth has slowed, apply fertilizer according to label directions. As the weather warms, cut the grass 1 1/2 to 2 inches tall so that the lawn will be more resistant to summer heat.
·Water & Irrigate
Water seedlings and small plants as necessary, but plan now for how you will manage your garden when heat and possible drought conditions of summer set in. Also, make sure you have taken care of your sprinkler system before summer.