Gardening by the Moon Weekend To-Do
An idea as old as agriculture, based both folklore and superstition but there are scientific ideas to back it up.
- Lunar Phase: Full Moon, Monday, September 20, Wednesday, September 22 Autumn Equinox
- Saturday-Sunday: Moon in the sign of Pisces - Plant seasonal color
- Coral Bells are available in various foliage colors, purple, harvest yellow, radiant red, burnt orange, to mention a few. They like a semi-shady location and are a perennial, so the color last year-round.
Later in the Week
- Tuesday-Wednesday: Moon in the sign of Aries - Harvest, weed, cultivate and control pests
- When harvesting thyme, oregano, rosemary, and other herbs, take more than your need. They're then grouped together in a vase or pitcher. Finally, you snip off what is needed for cooking or a garnish, and in between, enjoy their fragrance.
- The Aphids on the new growth of Camellias are controlled with Insecticidal Soap. One or two applications a week apart should be sufficient.
Other Things To-do
- This is the last month to feed Poinsettias. If the plant(s) are leggy, pinch back the terminal growth to encourage the side shoots to develop. Next month, we start the short-day treatment, so the plant(s) will be in bloom for the holidays.
- Now is the time to remove all the spent Lily of the Nile blossoms. The stalks should be cut off at the ground. In addition, I would remove all of the old flowers of any perennials. With Mexican Evening Primrose and Penstemons, prune them off at the ground, and don't worry, they will grow back.