Pre-dawn irrigation is preferable to reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation.
Tasks:
Control weeds before they flower, produce seed, and multiply.If citrus trees have scale, mites, or thrips, spray with summer weight horticultural oil.Treat petunia, geranium, and tomato plants with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to control budworm and tomato hornworm.Deeply water fruit and nut trees. Ideally, mature fruit trees should be irrigated to a depth of 3 feet.
Pruning:
Pinch back new growth to improve plant shape and encourage bloom.If bush training fruit trees to a 5- to 6-foot bush, do not miss this pruning in June.
Fertilizing:
Do not fertilize cool-season lawns (fescues, bluegrass, perennial rye) during hot summer months.Avoid fertilizing herbs as too much fertilizer reduces flavor and fragrance.
Planting:
If your needs are such that you must plant now, remember to provide ample water and temporary shade.Fruits and vegetables: corn, parsnips, plant from seed.
Enjoy now:
Annuals and perennials: lisianthus (Eustoma), blanket flower (Gaillardia), gazania, globe amaranth (Gomphrena).Bulbs, corms, tubers: gladiolus, amaryllis (Hippeastrum).Trees, shrubs, vines: crape myrtle.Fruits and vegetables: boysenberries, eggplant, melons.
Things to ponder:
A small water feature, such as a recirculating fountain or a shallow pebble-filled bowl, provides drinking water for thirsty birds, butterflies and other garden wildlife. Regularly replenish the water and check for leaks.
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.
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