Mow
your lawn regularly to a height of 2 to 3 inches.
Do not remove more than one-third of the height of the
grass blades. Keep mower blades sharp. Dull blades tear
the grass tips, which leaves a lawn looking ragged and
yellow.
Turfgrass needs approximately one inch of water
per week. To avoid shallow roots and related problems,
water deeply once or twice a week unless you have very
sandy soil. Water sandy soil more frequently and apply
less water.
Plant petunias, marigolds, zinnias, asters, nasturtiums,
salvia, coleus and impatiens outdoors.
Watch for notches eaten out of leaf edges of
peonies, azaleas, bergenia, lilacs, rhododendrons, and
other shrubs. That is the root weevil at work. The adult
weevil crawls up the plant from the ground at night,
so you will not be able to see them during the day.
Watch for a build-up of mites on geraniums, fuchsias,
and other susceptible plants as the weather warms up.
Protect these plants with frequent water sprays.
A month after iris blossoms have died back, cut
leaves down to a few inches above ground level. Divide
and replant them after flower heads are removed. Do not
bury the rhizome. Keep it at ground level when replanting.
Keep snipping off faded blossoms
of annual and perennial flowers. Pinching back stems will keep
plants compact and healthy.
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Hang fuchsias in
partial shade and keep them moist. Pinch back shoots with
fading blossoms to keep plants full and compact.
After rhododendrons have
blossomed, fertilize with a high-acid fertilizer formulated
for rhododendrons.
Fertilize roses after
the first bloom. Choose a granular formulation for roses
or use liquid fertilizer on the foliage every two or
three weeks.
Fertilize annuals with
a balanced fertilizer. High nitrogen content is helpful
until the plants reach full size; then apply a high phosphorus
fertilizer for increased blooming.
Pinch back chrysanthemums now to increase bushiness
and flowering later in the season.
Shear hedges and prune tams, junipers and pfitzers. Prune out
water sprouts and undesirable shoots on ornamental trees
and shrubs, maples, walnuts and birch trees.
Transplant basil, tomatoes, eggplant and peppers
into the garden. Sow seeds of beans, corn, melons, squash
pumpkins, and cucumbers.
Look for and pick out cutworms,
root maggots, cabbage worms, aphids, Colorado potato beetles and
weevils in the vegetable garden.
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