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: New Moon, Wednesday, June 25
- Saturday-Sunday: Moon in the sign of Taurus - Water and fertilize
- Established cherries, plums, apricots, peaches, and nectarines typically require minimal water during the summer months. Every three to four weeks is sufficient from June through August. There should be a six- to eight-inch high watering basin around the tree, extending from the trunk to the drip line. Additionally, the basin is filled to the brim twice when watering.
- Before applying any granular fertilizer, ensure the soil is moist. This can be achieved by watering the day before or at least four hours before fertilizing, and always water afterwards. This prevents any chance of fertilizer burn.
Later in the Week
- Wednesday- Thursday: Moon in the sign of Cancer - Plant seasonal color
- Vinca Rosea is one of the best summer annuals for a hot location. They are pest-free and require very little water once established.
Other Things To-do
- It's not too late to start string beans from seed. Late-planted beans are less susceptible to weather fluctuations than early-season plantings.
- June is the ideal time to pinch back leggy annuals, such as petunias and impatiens. I would remove 50% of the new growth. This will force the side shoots to develop, making the plants more compact. Additionally, fertilize to encourage new growth.