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.

• Saturday-Sunday: Moon in the sign of Capricorn - Plant root crops, transplant and prune
  •  June is the perfect time to give your leggy annuals a little TLC. Pinching back 50% of the new growth encourages side shoots, resulting in more compact and healthier plants. Don't forget to fertilize liquid plant foods to further stimulate new growth.

Later in the Week

• Wednesday and Thursday: Moon in the sign of Pisces - Transplant, water and fertile
  • For your established Cherries, Plums, Apricots, Peaches, and Nectarines, it's important to strike a balance with watering. A watering schedule every three to four weeks is sufficient during the summer months. Create a six- to eight-inch-high watering basin around the tree, extending from the trunk to the drip line. When you water, fill it to the brim twice for optimal hydration.
  • Before applying any granular fertilizer, water the day before or at least four hours before fertilizing, and always water afterward. This prevents any chance of fertilizer burn.

Other Things To-do

• Finally, it's not too late to start string beans from seed. Late-planted beans are less susceptible to weather fluctuations than early-season plantings.