Here's A Comprehensive Guide To Essential Tasks For This Week:
Plant Warm-Season Vegetables and Herbs
With the risk of frost behind us, it's ideal to plant warm-season crops. Consider introducing:
Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, beans, corn, and eggplants. UC Agriculture and Natural Resources +3 SummerWinds Nursery +3 The National Gardening Association +3
Herbs: Basil, Dill, Cilantro, and Parsley
These thrive in the warming temperatures and will yield bountiful harvests in the coming months. The Sun +3 The Spruce +3 The National Gardening Association +3
Sow Flower Seeds
Enhance your garden's vibrancy by sowing seeds of summer-blooming flowers such as zinnias, cosmos, marigolds, and sunflowers. These annuals not only add color but also attract pollinators, benefiting your entire garden ecosystem.
Fertilize and Prepare Soil
Nourish your plants by applying organic, slow-release fertilizers to lawns, perennials, shrubs, citrus, and fruit trees. Incorporating compost or earthworm castings into your garden beds will enhance soil health, promoting robust plant growth.
Prune and Maintain Plants
Prune spring-flowering shrubs like camellias and azaleas after their blooms fade to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth. Remove dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs, and clear out fallen leaves and debris to deter pests and diseases. AP News +2 SummerWinds Nursery +2 UC Agriculture and Natural Resources +2
Manage Weeds and Mulch
Suppress weed growth by applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as compost, leaf mold, or straw. Mulching not only reduces the need for manual weeding but also enriches the soil and conserves moisture. homesandgardens.com +1 SummerWinds Nursery +1
Watering Practices
Water your plants in the early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation and ensure optimal moisture absorption. Lawns benefit from deep, infrequent watering—approximately one inch per week—to encourage deep root growth. The Sun
Support Wildlife
Attract beneficial wildlife by installing bird feeders, shallow birdbaths, and planting native species that provide nectar, pollen, or seeds. Avoid using pesticides near flowering plants to protect these garden allies. SummerWinds Nursery +1 homesandgardens.com +1
Plan and Expand
Evaluate your garden's layout and consider adding new beds or containers for additional plants. Research water-conserving plants suitable for Lodi's climate to create a more sustainable and drought-tolerant garden. lodi.watersavingplants.com
By focusing on these tasks, you'll set the foundation for a flourishing garden that will provide beauty and bounty throughout the season. Happy gardening!