1. Add summer color This is the right time to plant heat loving
summer color in those empty spaces. Planting in the morning and
evening is best. For summer color, zinnias, purslane, moss rose,
and vinca seem to be the hardiest. Make sure they get enough water
when they’re establishing themselves, but don’t overdo it.
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2. Native Tree Care If this month turns out to be hot and dry, re-
member your trees are going to be thirsty too. A small amount of
rain does little to carry moisture deep into the soil.
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3. Mulch This will cool the roots and slow the water loss from eva-
poration. Mixing your mulch 50:50 (bag-for-bag) with compost,
will add nutrition and relieve stress.
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4. Slow release fertilizers When feeding flowerbeds and turf, be
sure to use an organic-based, slow-release fertilizer. You will avoid
burning plant roots in the summer heat and will have little impact
on our watershed. Foliar sprays with seaweed will also help reduce
heat stress.
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5. Care for your roses The first flush of your spring roses has fini-
shed. The flowering ends of the rose stems have probably formed
hips (seed pods). Cut them off and there will be a new round of flow-
ering. Also, give them some rose food. Examine them for any sign of
insects, especially spidermites, and treat with horticultural oil (Sun-
spray or All Seasons) or Spinosad.
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6. Mow high Cut you grass as high as you can stand. Longer grass
blades will help shade the turf and conserve water. Leave clippings
on the lawn.
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7. Water Early morning is the best time… otherwise most of the
irrigation water evaporates. Deep soaking is best because it gives
the plant a greater reservoir to draw from.
Happy gardening everyone!
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