.

•GENERAL

•Water new plants and older plantings, too, as soil becomes drier and temperatures increase.  For easy watering of several plants at one time, use a soaker hose (one that drips) for 1 to 1 1/2 hrs. once a week.

•Check for bagworms and spider mites on evergreens. Handpick bagworms and destroy, or spray with Thuricide (Bacillus thuringiensis).  Spray mites with HiYield Kelthane, Insecticidal Soap, or YearRound Oil.

•Trim evergreens and spring flowering shrubs (such as forsythia, lilac, and azaleas) now that blooming has ended.

•Spray roses weekly for black spot and powdery mildew with Fertilome Systemic Fungicide or Rose Flower and Garden Spray.

•Mulch all plants with 3-4" shredded bark or leaves to hold moisture and control weeds.

FRUITS

•Renovate strawberry patch immediately after harvest.

•Spray peach trunks for borers with HiYield Garden, Pet, and Livestock Spray (permethrin).

LAWNS

•Mow lawns high (2 1/2-3 1/2") to hold moisture and keep weed seeds from germinating.

•Spray post emergent crabgrass killer on problem areas and Manage on nutsedge.

PERENNIALS

•Continue planting container grown perennials.

•Cut off faded flowers and stalks after bloom.

•Continue to pinch off top 1/2" of mum stems.

VEGETABLES

•Plant pumpkin seeds and sow more squash, beans, cucumbers, corn, and melon seeds.

•Fertilize and mulch asparagus after harvest. Use mushroom compost, manure, or worm castings.

•Check for insects. Use biological sprays or dust such as HiYield Rotenone or Fertilome Dipel, if needed.

•Apply pyrethrin or cedar oil spray in the evening on cucumbers, melons, and squash to control cucumber beetles and squash bugs