Fresno Gardening Green

 Even in urban areas, your backyard can be a refuge for wildlife – birds, butterflies, beneficial insects, rabbits, snakes and even the occasional red fox or racoon. That’s what UC Master Gardener Alexis Valentin has learned in her efforts to turn the area surrounding her Fresno home into a welcoming…

Relax. Beat the heat with a cool beverage while enjoying your garden from indoors.TasksProtect developing tree fruit from birds and squirrels by placing netting over trees.Continue deep watering of fruit trees and citrus to insure a good fruit crop.Tie and train climbing plants, including those in the…

 As I wrote last month, high summer temps are less than ideal for having beautiful roses. Check your garden in the morning when it is the cooler part of the day. Look at the leaves of your plants for leaf wilt, dry or discolored leaves. If they appear dull, check your plants for disease, drought or…

“Sweet flowers are slow and weeds make haste” ~ ShakespeareTasksWater camellias regularly to avoid bud drop during bloom season.If you have nematode problems in your vegetable garden, summer is the time to solarize your soil.Rinse dust off foliage, especially the underside of leaves, to discourage spider…

Native plants have the ability to survive in the worst of times and thrive during the good times. They require less care, less water, and can make spectacular flower displays.TasksUse Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to control petunia bud worms and tomato horn worms.Watch for pests and treat if necessary.Be sure…