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: 4th Quarter begins on Monday, October 21
- Saturday-Monday: Moon in the sign of Cancer - Plant for root growth.
- Darwin tulips are the best tulips for naturalizing. This variety can remain in the ground year after year. Other bulbs that are good for naturalizing are Crocus, Scillas, Grape Hyacinths, Alliums, Amaryllis, and Daffodil and now is the time to plant.
Later in the Week
- Monday/Thursday: Moon in the sign of Leo/Virgo - Harvest, weed, and control pests
- On irrigated hillsides, Weed Stopper from Monterey Lawn and Garden can be applied to control the unwanted weed seeds that will germinate once the rainy season begins. Weed Stopper can be applied right over the top of desirable plants without harming them.
Other Things To-do
- For fall and winter color, California Toyon, the Strawberry Tree, and Cotoneasters are a few the shrubs other than Pyracantha the produce beautiful fall berries. The nursery professional at your favorite garden center can introduce you to these species.
- Now is the time to knock down all the watering basins around trees and shrubs. During the rainy season, we want the water to drain away from the base of the plants. In areas were it drains poorly, dig some narrow trenches to move the water elsewhere.
- Anemones are planted on their side or an angle as the top and bottom look similar. Do worry as the new stem will find the surface
- And finally, withhold the water to Crape Myrtles. The water stress will enhance and prolong the fall color.