“I try to rely less and less on controlling nature. Instead, I am learning to live with its chaos.” ~ Mas Masumoto
Tasks
- Monitor fruiting pear and apple trees for codling moth.
- To control powdery mildew on grapevines, apply sulfur every 14 days until fruit begins to taste sweet. Do not treat if temperature exceeds 100°F.
- When using herbicides for weed control, spray on a calm day and protect nearby plants by shielding with a large piece of cardboard.
Pruning
- Pinch back annuals and perennials to encourage sturdy growth.
- Remove spent lilac flower clusters just above points where leaf buds are forming.
- Lightly prune lavender. Do not prune into the woody parts.
Fertilizing
- Yellow leaves may be a sign of chlorosis, which can be treated with chelated iron.
Planting
- Spring planting season is over. Keep recent plantings well-watered.
- Postpone planting non-essential annual flowers, vegetables, and container plants until fall.
Enjoy now
- Annuals and perennials: cosmos, dahlia, foxglove (Digitalis), coneflower (Echinacea), rockrose (Cistus).
- Bulbs, corms, tubers: watsonia.
- Trees, shrubs, vines: chitalpa, clematis, escallonia, smoke tree (Cotinus).
- Fruits and vegetables: nectarine, peach, plum.
Things to ponder
- Manage spider mites by rinsing dust from foliage.
- To water hillsides, set emitters on the upper side of slope.
- Grafting can be performed on citrus and avocado trees now.
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Prepared by UC Master Gardener Terry Lewis with information adapted from A Gardener’s Companion for the Central San Joaquin Valley.
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Garden trouble? Submit a question and photo to the Fresno County Master Gardeners Helpline.