Warm summer evenings in Fresno are perfect for backyard barbecues. (Photo: Pixabay)

Tasks

• Be sure your watering schedule conforms to new guidelines. Check sprinkler timer settings at least once a month.
• Water citrus being careful not to overwater. Continuously wet soil in the upper few inches risks root rot.
• Be sure mower blades are sharp. Clean cuts to the lawn reduce stress and the need for water.
• If severe drought restrictions are in place, concentrate on keeping your trees watered.

Pruning

• Fire blight is best pruned out in winter, but if the infection is spreading rapidly in a pear or apple tree during the growing season, prune out the infected growth as soon as it appears.
• Prune blackberries, raspberries and other caneberries after harvest.

Fertilizing

• Fertilize almond, apple, peach, nectarine, and plum.
• Apply a light feeding to summer flowers and vegetables. Water thoroughly after application.

Planting

• Spring planting season is over; keep recent plantings and transplants well-watered.

Enjoy now

• Annuals and perennials: Santa Barbara Daisy (Erigeron), blanket flower (Gaillardia), sunflower (Helianthus), strawflower (Helichrysum).
• Bulbs, corms, tubers: giant allium.
• Trees, shrubs, vines: Butterfly bush (Buddleja), Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis), Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), morning glory (Ipomoea), lantana.
• Fruits and vegetables: figs, potatoes, squash, tomatoes.

Things to ponder:

• A walk around the garden just before dark can be a good opportunity to hunt for snails as they emerge to feed at night.
• If it rains in June, expect fruit damage.