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The Gardeners Calendar |
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Bulletin #2100c |
Horticultural Observations for Healthier Landscapes |
JANUARY
Take care of your
lawn. Make every effort to avoid
walking on your lawn if frost is present, damage will show later. Mowing
should not be needed during this month. Fescue should not be cut short
at any time. Fertilization with high nitrogen fertilizers should have been completed
in November.
Prune deciduous trees
and shrubs. No leaves? Pruning Best done during
January. The plants are fully dormant. Thin out congested tops, remove crossing
branches and broken, damaged or diseased wood. Do not pollard trees! Prune roses. Winter temperatures are rarely cold enough for long
enough to put roses into a dormant state. They need a dormant period to
produce well in spring. Now's the time to make it happen. Strip all leaves
from the bushes and prune. See Bulletin #2520, Rose Selection, Care and
Planting for complete instructions. Dormant spray fruit
trees and roses. Prevent spring
and summer pest and disease problems with applications of dormant-disease control and
dormant oil sprays. The treatment will prevent fungal spores and destroy over
wintering insect eggs. This also will help prevent aphids, powdery mildew,
peach leaf curl and other problems common to fruit trees and roses. It's
important to spray early before the buds swell. DO NOT USE SULFUR
SPRAYS ON APRICOT TREES. Continue to plant Roses,
Dormant Pot roses and Fruit Trees.
This is a good planting time for spring and summer production.
FEBRUARY
Watch out for strong winds. Spring often comes early to the Desert Southwest. Winds can stress new plantings and burn young leaves. Water deeply and make sure all new trees are staked properly. Use multiple poles and soft ties to keep trees from breaking or blowing over.
Finish planting Dormant Pot Roses and Fruit Trees.
"Wake up" Established roses. About 3 weeks after pruning, get roses ready for the spring blooming period with the "Garden Galaxy's Rose Potion" formula discussed in Bulletin # 2605, Fertilizer Blend for Established Roses.
Fertilize fruit trees and grapes early in the month. The greatest need for nitrogen is about 6 weeks before and after bloom. Proper feeding during this period helps ensure the highest quality fruit. The use of a soil alkalinity modifier can substantially enhance your plants uptake of nutrients.
Frost damaged plants. If your area happened to have had a freeze or hard frost, some plant damage may begin to show up now. Leave plants unpruned and undisturbed until later in spring. Pruning or transplanting after such damage may further weaken or kill the plant. When new growth emerges, you'll see where to prune it.
Prevent spring lawn
weeds
Through application of a pre-emergent weed control product. These do not
kill plants, but prevent new weed seeds from gemanating during spring rains.
Apply to lawns, shrubs and flowerbeds. Safe for established plants.
(top)
MARCH
Reset sprinkler clocks to match requirements of the Local Watering Authority Drought Watering Restrictions if drought conditions are in effect. (details) Replace the clock battery to prevent a summer catastrophy.
Inspect your irrigation system to match requirements of the Local Watering Authority Drought Watering Restrictions if drought conditions are in effect. Inspect your irrigation system. Check the valves and solenoids. When the electric solenoid chambers begin to bulge, it's time to chjange them out. Also walk the landscape and check for correct water delivery to all plants. Plants that have grown may need emitters added away from the trunk. A 1 gph emitter will put out a tablespoon in about 14 seconds. Actually sample a few, guessing without a bit of testing is asking for trouble.
Hard Prune straggly and mishappened shrubs and evergreen trees.
Plants like Salvia, Euryops Daisy,
Rosemary, Texas Sage, or Junipers (and other evergreens), that have grown
wild looking should be cut back aggressively in March (March only).
Because it is early spring the plants are in their growing mode. After
this "refurbishing type pruning"; fertilize them and they will quickly fill in nicely.
Fertilize your trees
and shrubs. Your plants are
stirring and will benefit from a feeding of balanced or complete processed fertilizer
like 16-16-16. An organic-based fertilizer works best in springtime. The soils
are warming up, and the organic nutrients that feed the soil will be effective.
Feed desert plants & cacti. Use a 3-5-10 formula (or similar) for these plants.
You don't want these to become "leggy" with excessive growth, but you do want flowers.
The added potassium helps them deal with summer stress.
Survey your yard. Clean up debris. Dead leaves may harbor disease or insects if not
properly composted. Plan to remove and replace unacttractive, old or diseased shrubs.
For large trees consult a certified arborist.
Thin fruit on trees when it's the size of peas. You'll have better
fruit and protect the tree from breakage due to overproduction. Aphids, Leaf Hoppers
and Plant tomato starts. An early start ensures a good crop since most
varieties won't set fruit well in the heat of summer. Plant different types for a
continuous supply since harvest dates vary. Remember that Heirloom tomatoes have not been
modified with disease or pest resistant genes, and though the taste is wonderful,
they should be watched more carefully for these pests.
Prepare herb gardens in containers or the yard. If your soil is slow draining (high clay)
it will be best to grow herbs in pots or raised beds. Cedar Mulch repels insects
and is very helpful when topping a rased bed garden. This will provide
control without pesticides. Plant spring and summer
bulbs like Gladiolus, Canna
and Dahlia for bright colors all summer long. Try Caladiums for beautiful color without flowers
where insects might be a concern. Check for proper placement, many of these need afternoon
shade.
Brighten up your yard. Plant all kinds of annual and perennial flowers for
spring and summer color. Set out ground covers. Gazania, Iceplants, Hearts
and Flowers, Ivy, Verbena and Australian Racer are some good
choices. After planting, use a pre-emergent weed control. Apply mulches on the surface of your vegetable and flower beds
and around trees and shrubs. It keeps the soil cool and helps moisture
retention. Bark mulch is a good
alternative in high wind areas. Give lawns a workout to prepare them for the hot summer months.
Bulletin #2820, Lawn Care and Maintenance Calendar, lists fertilizer
choices. Continue over seeding as
needed and aerate the lawn every 2-3 years. Vegetable tips. Mulch tomatoes to conserve soil moisture and water
deeply, but not every day This will encourage deep rooting and discourage blossom
drop. Plant warm season vegetables like squash, peppers, beans and melons.
Plant warm season tomatoes.
Feed monthly with a 5-10-8 or similar formula. Make certain your fertilizer has
plenty of calcium and other vital micro nutrients.
Reset sprinkler clocks to increase watering length due to increased
temperatures and daylight hours. The best time to water turf is between the hours of 3 and 6 AM.
Check your local Water Authority for any watering restrictions.
(details)
The Moth is Pretty
Control wild unwanted Bernuda
Bermuda
as soon as night time temps are above 65 o,
by fertilizing and watering it until it is lush (this will make the plant more vulnerable.)
Then if in an area by itself (no desireable plants),
treat with a non-selective grass killer like
Glyphosate.
If the Bermuda is in your lawn - There are selective herbicides that are effective
against bermuda.
Several treatments may be necessary for effective control.
Treated areas can be replanted or re-seeded
after dead turf is removed.
Aggressively manage
insect pests with insecticides or
organic controls. Paint fruit tree trunks with white, water-base paint or use tree
wrap to protect from sunburn and help prevent borer infestation.
Refresh potted plants by adding new potting soil or shifting overgrown
house and patio plants into larger containers with fresh soil. Adding 1/4" of sand
to the top each year will help maintain soil permeability; as it tends to decompose and
reduce drainage over time.
Prune desert plants. Now is a good time to do light pruning on low-water
use plants and reduce stress from overgrown foliage and seedpods. Be careful
not to expose tender trunks to full sun if they've been well shaded previously.
Be picky about
fertilizer.
Most ornamentals will benefit from a mild feeding of a complete & balanced
fertilizer. Fertilize lawns before the end of the month to get
them through the first heat wave. Renew mulches as necessary. Plant heat-loving
flowers like Texas
Bluebells, Pentas, Vinca, Marigold, Moss Rose and Zinnias. Amend soil thoroughly and use surface mulches to
make them more water efficient. Continue to plant summer bulbs like Dahlias and
Cannas.
Second application of
Pre-emergent weed control. Depending
on the amount and timing of your first application, it may have become
ineffective by now. Weeds will continue to start from seed throughout the warm
season (especially if there are summer rains). Do NOT fertilize your
regular (non-Palm) plants with high nitrogen (over 5%) now! Fertilize palms 2-3 times during this period with a good
Palm Tree Food (15-5-15) or equilvanlent, with a full compliment of micro nutrients;
(including boron and manganese).
More is not always
better! Resist the temptation to
water everything to death just because you feel hot. Just because a plant "looks dry"
does not mean it needs more water. If the soil is watered too often, the plant's
root system can not breathe. Then it doesn't take up the water in its soil. Turf? Consult your watering
guide.
Click to read water scheduling for Lawns.
Prevent and control
Spider Mites on evergreens like
cypress, juniper and pines by using a high pressure hose to wash the foliage
every 2-3 weeks. Symptoms include a dusty, off color or rust colored appearance
and fine webbing on the foliage. Apply a miticide like malathion or
acephate if infestation becomes severe. Keep your lawn healthy without excessive growth by using a balanced, high
iron fertilizer (5-5-5 or equivalent).
Control insect pests like roaches, ants, black widows, earwigs and sow
(roly-poly) bugs with chemical or pyrethrin based insecticides. A pesticide
combining spinosad and iron sulphate is safe and very effective on these.
When using any
pesticide, read complete instructions and follow package directions exactly!
Reset sprinkler clocks (again)
Cool season
vegetables.
Turn the soil your vegetable
beds and amend with: 1/4th inch sand, and 5% organic planting mix.
Begin to plant heat hardy cool season vegetables from transplants.
Sow cool season vegetable seeds directly in the raised bed (or pots)
to start carrots, radishes, lettuce, peas, onions or
spinach.
Feed monthly with a 5-8-5 fertilizer (or equivalent) with a full complement
of micro nutrients. Flavor and vigor depend on these important minerals.
Remember; micro nutrients are not organic - They Are Minerals!
Kill unwanted Bermuda
grass that has appeared this
summer.
It’s your last chance to control before the dormant period
sets in. Once dormant, Bermuda is unaffected by herbicides. (re-read) Give fruit trees a
final feeding with low nitrogen,
high phosphorus fertilizer to stimulate fruit buds for next spring. A 5-10-5 or equivalent.
Feed shrubs and trees with a complete,and balanced fertilizer. (15-15-15) or equivalent.
Help them recover from summer stress and get ready for the winter. Clean and feed roses to bring them from the summer blahs to the fall
color show. Prune dead wood, spindly twigs and lightly shape the bush. Remove
and discard all old leaves and other debris to prevent insect and disease
problems. The soil is still warm, a good organic fertilizer (3-5-4) or equal will
help rebuild the soil as well as the plant.
Irrigate fruit trees
less often. Water deeply, but less often to encourage dormancy and fruit spur production. Watch for increased
insect activity as the weather
cools. Aphids and caterpillars are once again very active this time of year.
Control caterpillars with Bacillus Thuringensis.
There are many chemical and pyrethrin based insecticides that provide
effective control of Aphids. If pests like roaches and earwigs try to enter
the house, treat garages and door stoops with a Home Pest Control spray.
Purchase spring bulbs like Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Narcissus and
Crocus. Artificially cool bulbs by placing them in paper bags in your
refrigerator for 4-6 weeks. Do not freeze! Plant as soon as you remove from
the fridge. Anemones and Ranunculus can be planted now. Space plantings 2-3
weeks apart for continuous flowering.
Decorate your patio and
yard
with fall color. If dayly high temps are below 80o, now is an
ideal time to plant cool season flowers like pansies, stock and ornamental kale. They're
great in pots or beds and will give continuous color straight through the
winter. Fall is for planting all kinds of trees and shrubs, especially deciduous
plants. Get them in now. They'll establish good roots through the winter and
perform beautifully next year. The roots will grow through winter getting ready for next summer.
Check to see if your lawn needs aeration and/or de-thatching
Reset sprinkler clocks
(re-read)
to match requirements of Winter water scheduling.
Your first watering
time should not be earlier than 9am due to potential frost. Stop lawn weed seeds
from sprouting through application
of a pre-emergent herbicide to stop
cool-season weeds such as wild mustard, dandelions and oxalis. Keep lawns active by applying a high nitrogen cool-season fertilizer.
15% to 24% Nitrogen (NPK = 20-3-3) or equivalent.
Continue to plant fall and winter flowers. Retrieve spring bulbs from the fridge and plant now. Use a tablespoon of
rose & flower fertilizer (5-10-5, or equvalent) in the bottom of each hole.
For a natural look, scatter bulbs by
hand and plant where they fall. For an English garden look, plant annuals like
pansies or stock on top of the bulb bed. The bulbs will sprout through them and
the annuals will hide faded bulb foliage after spring bloom.
Watch for frost as early as mid-month. Prepare to move houseplants
indoors and have burlap or thermal blankets ready for citrus and other tender
plants in case of a sudden freeze. Don't prune deciduous plants until after New
Year's Day. Consider a living
Christmas Tree for the coming
holiday season. Make it a permanent addition to your yard or donate it to a
city park.
Christmas Trees are available as living pines or cut varieties for
holiday decoration. Junipers and Cedars can also provide a unique and holiday look.
Select and plant
dormant pot (or bare root) roses. The
season for successful planting begins now. Plant as early as possible for best
results. Amend soil properly and follow package directions. Ask a friendly
sales associate at your favorite Nursery if you have questions. Plant protection and
watering: Frost is possible or likely
throughout the month. Over watering increases susceptibility to frost damage.
Barring rain or an abnormally warm period, a deep soaking every 2 weeks or so is
sufficient. Don't water cactus at all until February. Cover or bring tender
plants indoors as necessary. Divide spreading or
tuberous perennials like
chrysanthemum, daylily, primrose and ornamental grasses. Dig up the clump and
divide by hand. Be sure to include equal amounts of roots and stems. All brown
foliage should be cut off at ground level to encourage strong, fresh growth in
spring.
Though legumes have nitrogen fixing bacteria in their root systems, and can
provide that nutrient to themselves and surrounding plants, they still need the other nutrients.
A formula like 5-10-10 may be ideal for these.
Feed flowering shrubs a formual similar to 5-10-10.
(top)Over seed existing lawns or plant new lawns.
Early spring has just the right temperatures for starting turf from seed.
Check to see if there is any sign of lawn fungus before beginning.
Also, if you previously applied a pre-emergent to the area in order to control weeds - the
new seeds will not germinate either. Most pre-emergents last for 3 to 6 months, read the lable
to know when it is safe to over-seed.
Apply a seed cover dressing before and after in order to have the highest percent of
successful germanation. Also applying a seed starter fertilizer (2-5-2) or similar
will improve the new seedlings root growth.
If there are only a few; pick them off by hand as soon as you see them,
and wash off with the hose. Beneficial insects like lady bugs and praying mantids
are also effective. Do not just ignore them - your crop is at stake.
Some good desease resistant choices are Early
Girl, Patio, Cherry, Champion and Better Boy. Heat tolerant
varieties like Heatwave continue to produce well into the summer and can
be planted through April with excellent results.
(top)APRIL
(top)MAY
but the larvae - destructive
(top)
If using herbicides near desireable plants much caution is needed. The spray can and will drift
from the area your spraying onto nearby foliage of you flowers. The trunks of Palo Verde trees
will absorb herbicide and actually kill the trunk!
Air Movement - any breeze, can be a major gardening mistake.
A good idea, where possible is to pre-mix an amount of the herbicide, and dip
a paint brush into the solution. Then carefully apply the herbicide by brush to
the foliage of weeds you intend to kill.
(top)
Use a long slow
outdoor watering to leach buildup of fertilizer and water soluble salts. Apply
a mild fertilizer like 3-5-5 to promote root growth and resilience.
Using cache-pots to surround patio plants and keep them from overheating. Increase
watering frequency as needed.
(top)JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST
Deep, infrequent water and
surface mulches keep your shrubs and trees healthy through this stressful time.
If watering grass more than once a day, space the waterings one hour
apart. With the exception of new lawns, never water between the hours of
11 am and 2pm. Most of the moisture will evaporate before penetrating the soil.
Avoid watering turf after dark as this encourages fungal diseases.
(top)
Watch for summer weeds like dandelions
and spurge. Pull dandelions by hand (careful not to spread seeds).
Spurge is loaded with seeds. Use a pre-emergent to stop its return.
When temps are 95 and up avoid spraying the whole lawn with a post emergent herbicide.
Herbicide-temperature interaction could cause
severe damage.
(top)SEPTEMBER
turf will need shorter run times and more
frequent irrigations.
Click to read water scheduling for Lawns
Click to read water scheduling for Trees and Shrubs
Inspect your irrigation system for
correct water delivery to all plants.
(top)OCTOBER
(top)
Check a small plug of your lawn. About 2 inches deep.
Thatch is a build up of debris (old grass clipping & dead roots), and can be spotted
when cutting the plug from the lawn. Thatch prevents grass from utilizing
water and fertilizer properly.
There are power & hand de-thatchers available (depending on the size of the job),
remove thatch before aerating if planning to do both.
If the soil easily forms a plug (like clay would), aerating is appropriate.
When excess clay is the issue, the plugs that are pulled should be discarded
(not left to re-integrate with the lawn). A 50% mixture of sand and seed cover will
aid to improve the soil. Adding a light mix of lawn seed to this will help
the lawn to recover quickly.
If adding new seed into the lawn, use a mild fertilizer (seed starter) 3-5-5 (or equivalent) and
follow with an application of seed cover.
NOVEMBER
(top)DECEMBER
For indoor; Poinsettias make a festive addition to your decorating
scheme.
Editing and Updating by Garden Galaxy
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