Continue to plant warm-season plants, such as begonias, gerbera daisies, coleus, marigolds, periwinkles, pentas, ornamental sweet potatoes, lantana, torenias, ageratum, angelonias and caladiums. Before replanting, give your soil a boost with Vital Earth compost and Fertilome Bedding Plant Food.
Plant seeds of okra, Southern peas, pumpkins, watermelons, cucumbers, summer squash and cantaloupes.
Continue to plant herbs, such as basil, oregano, thyme, mint and rosemary.
Plant seeds of fast-growing annual flowers, such as zinnias, sunflowers, morning glories and moonvines.
Deadhead roses and continue a spray program to prevent blackspot and powdery mildew. We recommend Fertilome Systemic Fungicide, or Serenade for organic gardeners.
Watch the lawn for signs of brown patch and chinch bugs. Treat brown patch with Fertilome F-Stop. Apply Hi-Yield Bug Blaster or Cyonara Lawn and Garden Spray to control chinch bugs.
Keep annuals and perennials deadheaded to prolong blooming.
Apply Sluggo if damage from snails and slugs occurs.
Move houseplants onto the deck or patio for the warm months. Repot those that are crowded and performing poorly.
Irrigate lawns, landscape and garden beds, including newly planted trees and shrubs, in the absence of rain.
Maintain 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch -- chopped leaves, pine straw, bark -- in beds to hold water and deter weeds.
Watch crape myrtles for signs of powdery mildew and scale. Treat powdery mildew with Fertilome Systemic Fungicide and scale with Hi-Yield Systemic Insect Spray.
Control weeds, either by hand pulling, cultivation or herbicide. If you choose a spray herbicide, use it on a calm day and avoid application during high heat.
Watch for canna leaf rollers, which can decimate foliage. If present, treat with Dipel dust, Fertilome 2-N-1 Drench or Hi Yield Systemic Insect Spray.
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