JUNE....................................... Average Daily Temp:80 - Average Rainfall: 5.1
WATERING advances to Top Billing this month. There are various ways to accomplish this necessary job. Ordinary hoses (plain or soaker), attached to ordinary faucets work fine for the small garden. Complex drip systems, automatic sprinkler systems and semi-automatic systems, custom built by professionals, or installed do-it-yourself style by the homeowner - all are possibilities for larger areas. Important to their health and beauty, plants' water requirements must be met. Some trees and shrubs, well established, may not need more watering than our normal rainfall provides ( i.e., yaupon holly), but many of our favorites such as azaleas, camellias and roses need a minimum of one inch of water per week, anytime rain does not provide that much. And, our rainfall does not always come "minimum one inch per week". Plants that are exposed to full sun will need additional moisture, as well as container plants. (For container plantings, irrigation "additives" are avai lable on the market that look like blobs of gelatin, allowing moisture to release into the soil slowly - ask your local garden center.) PLAN a watering schedule that allows enough water for all planting areas, including the lawn. Deep soaking early in the day is best. Plants that are watered during late afternoon and evening tend to attract insects, fungus and disease. An osci lIating sprinkler, left on about an hour, is equivalent to about an inch of rain. Soaker hoses, installed at ground level adjacent to plants, will provide enough water if left on for several hours or overnight. CAUTION: adjust the water pressure to a trickle; higher pressure will break the hose. Of course, if it rains, aren't we the lucky ones?
SPRAYING roses for blackspot is a given during this month. Roses are at peak blooming season and require diligence in feeding and spraying. There has never been a plant that responds to care like the rose. Spray with Triflorine, Funginex or any other brand recommended by a reputable nursery. Bugs should be picked off unless epidemic. Crape myrtle and gardenia may need attention as well. Residue left on the leaves by aphids and white flies cause an unsightly fungus. Plants that have good air circulation tend to be less affected. Spray with Malathion, according to package directions, to control insects.
FERTILIZE, at less than normal strength, every ten days or so, with liquid Miracle-Gro or Peters Special, or Osmocote.
PLANT fall annuals, such as marigolds, chrysanthemums, lantana and zinnias.
For organic maintenance, see Howard Grant, the Dirt Doctor at http://www.dirtdoctor.com
SPRAYING roses for blackspot is a given during this month. Roses are at peak blooming season and require diligence in feeding and spraying. There has never been a plant that responds to care like the rose. Spray with Triflorine, Funginex or any other brand recommended by a reputable nursery. Bugs should be picked off unless epidemic. Crape myrtle and gardenia may need attention as well. Residue left on the leaves by aphids and white flies cause an unsightly fungus. Plants that have good air circulation tend to be less affected. Spray with Malathion, according to package directions, to control insects.
FERTILIZE, at less than normal strength, every ten days or so, with liquid Miracle-Gro or Peters Special, or Osmocote.
PLANT fall annuals, such as marigolds, chrysanthemums, lantana and zinnias.
For organic maintenance, see Howard Grant, the Dirt Doctor at http://www.dirtdoctor.com