“We can complain that roses have thorns or rejoice that thorn bushes have roses.”
Avoid cutting lawns too severely because the resulting stress causes yellowing.Water citrus being careful not to overwater. Continuously wet soil in the upper few inches risks root rot.Hand pick hoplia beetles from white and yellow rose blossoms.Remove spent blooms. Cut back annuals that have stopped blooming to encourage rebloom.De-candle black pines to encourage compact growth.Avoid fertilizing herbs as too much fertilizer reduces flavor and fragrance.Last fertilization of citrus this month for this year.Spring planting season is over. Anything planted this month will need careful watering.Bulbs, corms, tubers: fall flowering (Crocus).Fruits and vegetables: corn, cucumber, plant from seed at timed intervals to prolong harvest.Annuals: globe amaranth (Gomphrena), lobelia.Annuals and perennials: fibrous begonia (Begonia semperflorens), clustered bellflower, cockscomb (Celosia), morning glory (Convolvulus tricolor).Bulbs, corms, tubers: gladiolus.Trees, shrubs, vines: bird of paradise (Caesalpinia), bottlebrush (Callistemon), fringe tree (Chionanthus).Fruits and vegetables: apriums, cherry, cucumber, eggplant.Garden and harvest crops in the cooler morning or evening hours.Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, or red food coloring in hummingbird nectar.
Source: Adapted from A Gardener’s Companion for the Central San Joaquin Valley, 3rd edition, currently available from Fresno County Master Gardeners for $30. These can be purchased at our demonstration garden – Garden of the Sun (1750 N Winery (McKinley/Winery), open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 am to Noon, and via email at mgfresno@ucanr.edu. Gardening questions answered as well at mgfresno@ucanr.edu. Prepared by Terry Lewis, Master Gardener UCCE Fresno County.