News

Oct 27, 2023

HELP FOR GARDENERS

A new month brings new challenges. We had a very dry May with late frosts. The

A new month brings new challenges. We had a very dry May with late frosts. The lack of rain stressed the garden and the cold weather delayed planting. Dry weather is expected to continue, at least for the early part of June. Be prepared to supplement rainfall, particularly if you have recently planted trees (within the past year or three), new lawns (seed or sod) and any unestablished shrubs, perennials or annuals.

Most plants are capable of surviving on about an inch or so of water but there are exceptions. New trees can be very thirsty, vegetable gardens need extra water when producing the crops, and plants in containers can need several waterings a day in hot, dry weather. Containers on hot driveways, porches or patios are exceptionally prone to wilting and drying out. Remember that the grass grows more slowly in dry weather so don't cut too often or too short. This is when a sharp blade pays off. A clean cut grass blade loses less water than one torn by a dull blade.

Also, remember the rules of watering. Don't water sidewalks or driveways. Don't water if there has been enough rain in the last week to keep things well watered. Don't water in the middle of the day — evaporation is just wasting water. Don't water late at night, damp foliage is a breeding ground for fungal diseases. When possible, water the base of the plant and surrounding soil; this is where the water is needed.

Increase your harvest of both vegetables and flowers by paying attention to maturity days and last frost dates. You can spread out the harvest of favorite vegetables by planting successive crops of the same plant over a period of weeks. For example, bush beans planted in smaller than usual batches but replanted at two week intervals will produce the same amount of beans but over a longer period of time. This is good if you like to eat fresh picked vegetables but not something to consider if you are canning or freezing.

You can also get more from the garden by planting cool loving crops, broccoli, peas and such, first and then planting something that likes the summer heat when your early crop is harvested. The same principles can be applied to flowers as well. Pansies and sweet peas are early and fade out as the weather heats. Replace them with zinnias or other summer flowers for longer color in the garden.

Next is pruning. The general rules apply. Don't cut the greenery when you take out the peonies, irises, lilacs and other early flowers. Don't wait too long, spring blooming shrubs start forming next year's blooms about three weeks after their flowers fade so trim as soon as possible after the blooms fade. If you prune later, it won't damage the plant but can substantially decrease the number of flowers you get the following spring. Always use clean shears, preferably disinfecting between cuts. This limits the chances of spreading disease from one plant to another.

Garden Event

Bethlehem Garden Club: A "Standard Flower Show" 3-8 p.m. July 21 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 22. It will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 2344 Center St., Bethlehem. There will be flower displays, vignettes, decorated trays miniatures. A pastry cafe will be on site. The show is open to the public and admission is free.

Sue Kittek is a freelance garden columnist, writer, and lecturer. Send questions to Garden Keeper at [email protected] or mail: Garden Keeper, The Morning Call, PO Box 1260, Allentown, PA 18105

Week in the Garden

Planting: Plant a second crop of snap or pole beans, radishes, carrots. Sow small sections of crops such as beans, radishes, lettuce and spinach at regular intervals to create a longer harvest. Set out tomatoes, basil, eggplant and pepper transplants as weather and soil warms. Start seed for: Baby's breath, cosmos, zinnias, salsify, eggplant, summer squash and winter squash. Direct sow: Corn, okra, and rutabaga. Continue sowing: Snap, bush and pole beans, cantaloupe, melons, cucumbers, rhubarb, summer and winter squash. Plant or pot up summer bulbs and tubers such as dahlias, cannas, calla lilies, and caladiums. Plant bare root trees and shrubs. Make sure the soil is dry enough to work — Don‘t dig or plant in mud. Buy annuals for containers, annual garden beds and to fill in bare spots in perennial or shrub beds.

Seasonal: Cut back boltonia by half the size of the plant. Cut Joe-pye weed back to three feet tall. Cut back candytuft to encourage bushiness. Shear back woodland phlox (P. divaricata) Deadhead sea thrift (Armeria), centaurea, centranthus ruber, dianthus, fringed bleeding heart (Dicentra exima), hardy geraniums, bearded irises, red-hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria/tritoma), catmint (Nepeta), herbaceous peonies, oriental poppies, pincushion flowers (Scabiosa). Fertilize Siberian irises, summer phlox (P. paniculata) and Shasta daisies with a light application of balanced fertilizer Divide spring blooming perennials after they finish blooming. Cut back peony flower stems as the blooms fade. Allow the greens to grow until fall then cut them back to the ground. Clip back iris flower stems as the blooms fade; divide plants in crowded beds. Start pinching back chrysanthemums and asters to promote bushy growth and more flowers. Continue to pinch back new tips at two-week intervals until early July. Ease out your plants that wintered over inside. Start with an hour or so on a warm day and increase outdoor time until the nights are regularly in the 50 F range before leaving them out for the season. Visit nurseries and public gardens for inspiration as well as new plants. Shop for summer bulbs as well. Apply a top dressing of compost to lawns and beds. Test soil for new beds, Retest soil in poorly performing areas or those that haven't been tested in the last 3-5 years. Cut back ornamental grasses. Divide when you see new green growth. Divide hostas and daylilies. Prune and divide perennials that bloom in late summer or fall. Prune back and clear out dead, diseased or unattractive stems from perennials and shrubs, but not those that flower in the spring. Please check proper pruning information for each plant and prune as needed and recommended. Apply spring and summer mulch, 2 to 3 inches deep and placed a few inches away from foundations, tree trunks and other plants. Fluff mulch and add more if necessary. Apply corn gluten based weed control in the garden and establish a schedule for reapplication, usually at four to six week intervals

Lawn: Keep newly seeded or sodded lawns watered; supplement rain in weeks where less than an inch fell. By mid-June: Apply spring fertilizer treatments. Apply preemergent crabgrass control in the next few weeks. Fill in holes and low spots in lawn.

Chores: Water any recent plantings anytime the ground isn't frozen and we experience a week with less than an inch of rain. Fix damaged screens and garden hoses. Note damaged caulking around doors and windows. Dump standing water and remove anything that may collect rainwater to help control mosquito populations. Provide deer, rabbit and groundhog protection for vulnerable plants. Reapply taste or scent deterrents. Clean and fill bird feeders regularly. Clean up spilled seed and empty hulls. Dump, scrub and refill birdbaths at least once a week. Consider setting out nesting materials if you have them. Clear gutters and direct rainwater runoff away from house foundations.

Tools, equipment, and supplies: Store winter equipment and replace or repair as needed. Check spring/summer equipment — repair or replace damaged or worn out tools. Check power tools and mowers and send for service if needed.

Safety: Clear lawns of debris before mowing and make sure pets, children and others are well away from the area being mown. Store garden chemicals indoors away from pets and children. Discard outdated ones at local chemical collection events. Photograph storm damage before clearing or repairing for insurance claims and file promptly. Anytime you are outside and the temperatures are about 50 F or warmer watch for tick bites. Use an insect repellent containing Deet on the skin. Apply a permethrin product to clothing. Wear light-colored clothing, long sleeves, hats and long pants when working in the garden. Stay hydrated. Drink water or other noncaffeinated, nonalcoholic beverages. Even in cold weather, apply sunscreen, wear hats and limit exposure to sun. Wear closed-toe shoes and gloves; use eye protection; and use ear protection when using any loud power tools.

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