Regional Gardening Notes

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Regional Gardening Notes

 

Pacific Northwest

 

-When watering cherry trees, keep water away from the

trunk and the soil at the base of the tree. Instead,

water near the drip line to reduce the chances of

crown rot.

-Fertilize rhododendrons and azaleas and remove dead

blossoms.

-You may see spittle bugs on various types of plant

at this time of year. The spit-like substance they

produce to protect themselves isn't attractive, but

they cause very little damage. Chemical control isn't necessary;

instead, hose them off plants with a strong stream of water.

 

> Southwest

 

-For more efficient watering, use soaker hoses. These

hoses lose less moisture to evaporation. They also

prevent fungal diseases because they deliver water to

plants' roots instead of wetting the foliage.

-Fire ants begin to forage for food at this time of

year, which means it's a good time to apply baits. Be patient--

depending on the bait you use, it can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 6

months before you see results. -Don't spray leafcutter bees. Even

though they slice off pieces of leaves to build their nests, these

dark-colored bees are beneficial garden pollinators. Plants will

quickly produce new leaves to replace damaged ones.

 

Midwest/Mountain

 

-Don't cut back foliage on spring-blooming bulbs such

as tulips and daffodils until it's turned yellow.

Green foliage helps the plant create and store food so

it can bloom again next season.

-Thin out seedlings of carrots, lettuce, and other

crops sown directly in the garden. Vegetables won't

produce as well if grown too closely together.

-Place netting over your strawberries so birds don't

harvest the fruit before you do.

 

Northeast

 

-Bring amaryllis bulbs outdoors once danger of frost

has passed. Plant them in a sunny spot so they can

absorb light, make food for themselves, and be ready

to bloom again next winter.

 

-If your apple or crabapple tree was infected with

apple scab last summer, apply dormant copper spray

(available at garden centers) to decrease the chances

of infection this year. Follow label directions.

-Check junipers and cotoneasters for webworms. Look

for yellowing needles, silk webbing, droppings, and

tan caterpillars. Prune dead branches; spray only if

larvae are present and infestation is heavy.

 

Southeast

 

-In May and June, an insect called the pecan stem

phylloxera causes galls (abnormal growths) on the

twigs and leaves of pecan trees. Individual twigs and

nuts may die back, but healthy trees will survive. If

you have an infestation, make a note to control the

insects in April next year.

-Fertilize your lawn, if you haven't already done so.

Sharpen your mower blade now and again in mid-summer.

-Plant snap beans in the early part of this

month--they generally don't produce well when planted

in late May. Try All-America selections such as

'Derby' and 'Green Crop', both good choices for warm

climates.