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, Sunday, September 7
- Saturday-Sunday: Moon in the sign of Pisces -
- Now is a great time to shear evergreen hedges and screens. This provides enough time for the new growth to develop before the first frost. The exceptions are junipers, cedars, and cypresses, which are best pruned in February or March.
Later in the Week
- Wednesday-Friday Moon in the sign of Taurus - Transplant and fertilize
- This is a good time to pinch back and fertilize Poinsettia plants. Next month, we will start the short-day treatment, so the plants will be in bloom for the holidays.
Other Things To-do
- Yellow Jackets are very active this month. They are easily agitated now as the mating season is approaching. It is advisable to refresh your Yellow Jack Traps by adding new attractant.
- September is a good time to wash off the foliage of indoor houseplants. The moisture helps remove the fine dust and cobwebs that have accumulated over the summer. This layer creates an ideal breeding ground for mites.
- To encourage Lilacs to bloom next spring, stress them in late summer by reducing watering. The leaves should turn brown and crispy from the lack of moisture. Flowers develop in spring because of the water stress and winter cold.