June 2017 Tips

Dear Gardening Friends,   We’ve had a nice break from daily rain and the gardening season is in full swing. There is so much to do all at once     it’s hard to know where to start. The following are some suggestions.   Night temperatures are mostly in the 50’s although it was 46 at our house last night. Most annuals can safely be planted but be prepared to cover them on cold nights. I still haven’t put my basil out but it is happy and protected near the garage. If you have perennials that need to be divided or moved, do it as soon as you can. They will adjust much better before the hot weather comes.  Any newly planted or moved plants should be watered almost daily depending on how much sun they are in. It’s best to water them before they get droopy as drying out saps their strength and makes them weak. Once their roots are well established they will be more tolerant of dry periods. Weeding is a huge priority. With all the rain everything, including the weeds, are growing rampant. Don’t let them get ahead of you. Once they are well established weeds are much more difficult to remove and they drop seeds to make more weeds for you to deal with. Once the weeding is done cover the bare ground with a few inches of organic mulch like compost or finely ground pine bark mulch. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the crowns of plants. The mulch serves many purposes: It helps prevent weeds and if some do pop up they are easily removed. Reduces the amount of water evaporation so you don’t have to water as often Using compost as a mulch will add nutrients to the soil and reduce the need for fertilization. A variety of mulches are available by the bag and by the yard from nurseries and garden centers. Check what the ingredients are before buying. Avoid the new colored wood mulch products. The dyes are not good for the environment and they do nothing to add nutrients to the soil.   Pinch back perennials that get very tall to reduce the final height and promote branching and increase bloom. Common plants for this are phlox, asters, mums and sedum. When purchasing plants whether annuals or perennials it’s better to choose ones in bud rather than in full bloom. This allows the plant to set roots rather than spend its energy keeping flowers going.  With all the rain there are fungal diseases showing up. Keep an eye out. Organic products are available to treat fungal disease but must be applied before symptoms show up. Pre-treating susceptible plants is important. Due to the mild winter the deer tick population has increased as has the incidence of Lymes disease. People are finding them in their gardens. Wherever there are deer and black footed mice there is a chance of ticks. For complete information and suggestions check out the Department of Health in Erie County’s website: http://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=ticks-lyme-disease. It has a video of how to remove a tick and info on how to prevent as well as identify.   We reuse pots so please drop off left over pots and trays at my home, 170 Pine St (driveway on Lawrence) or 37 N. Union in Wmsvl. (behind the house by back door). I do not use 6 packs or pots smaller than 4 inches. THANKS! Upcoming Garden Events:                       Lessons from Nature Classes: To register call 652-2432 or e-mail [email protected]  If you have a group of 3 – 5, I will schedule a class at your convenience. Classes are being scheduled for June so call or e-mail to set an appointment.             Hypertufa Planter class: Hypertufas are light weight concrete planters. The cost is $30/person including materials. Each person makes 2.   Concrete Birdbath and Stepping Stone Class: Make your own garden art birdbaths and stepping stones. The cost is $30/person including materials. Each person makes 2.   Draped Concrete Planters: This is a new technique that looks liked draped fabric but is concrete, really interesting looking. The cost is $30/person including materials. Each person makes 2.   Garden Consultation: Now that the perennials are up, it’s an ideal time for a garden consultation. I can help you decide what needs to be moved, divided or removed from your garden. We will cover whatever questions and concerns you have from maintenance to disease and insect control. Just give a call or e-mail.   Lewiston GardenFest: Saturday, June 17 & Sunday, June 18 This June marks the 12th Lewiston GardenFest. Located along Center Street, it includes vendors selling flowers, plants, garden art and more to beautify one’s outdoor space. There is also a container gardening contest which is open to the public. All proceeds from the event are given back to the local community for civic beautification and scholarships.           Buffalo Style Garden Art Sale: June 24 & 25, 10:00 – 5:00. This garden art sale has become so popular it’s been expanded to 2 days and moved to the grounds of the Buffalo Botanical Gardens. It’s a great place to find that perfect item for your garden. Other garden themed vendors include jewelry, stationary, glass and much more.     Happy Gardening!   Lyn Chimera Lessons from Nature 170 Pine St. E. Aurora, NY 14052 [email protected] 652-2432       Copyright © 2014 Lessons From Nature, All rights reserved. You're receiving this message because you requested to receive Lessons from Nature newsletters. Our mailing address is: Lessons from Nature 37 N Union Rd Williamsville, NY 14221 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences