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, Saturday, June 17: Sunday, June 18 is Farther's Day: Summer Solstice ( longest day of the year) is Wednesday, June 21
- Saturday-Sunday: Moon in the sign of Gemini - Plant seasonal color
- It is time to remove struggling spring color such as Pansies and Violas. Replace them now with those that thrive with warm temperatures and long days. Vinca, Marigolds, Zinnias, and Salvia are available for planting. The summer color should continue to bloom into November.
Later in the Week
- Tuesday and Wednesday: Moon in the sign of Leo - Cultivate and weed
- Mulching should be used to control the summer and fall weed problem. A two-three inch layer is recommended. The cost of the mulch saves money on your water bill.
Other Things To-do
- If the leaves on your Rhododendrons, Photinia, Azaleas, Viburnums, and others are turning a distinct silvery color, you have a Thrip problem. The Thrip, rasping mouth parts cause the leaves to turn color Thrips are easily suffocated with Horticultural Oil, but I would first pick off the worst of the leaves.
- And finally, to prevent water from rolling around and out the side of containerized plants, apply a wetting agent such as E-Z Wet. E-Z Wet breaks the surface tension allowing water to penetrate the root ball of established plants.