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 - 2nd Quarter begins on Wednesday, April 13 Saturday/Sunday: Moon in the sign of . Gemini- This year when planting tomatoes be different and bold by planting a new variety, one you never planted before. It may be the next favorite for years to come.

Later in the Week

Monday/Tuesday: Moon in the sign of Cancer - Plant Seasonal color You can make Petunia plants drought tolerant or water wise by not over watering them early on. After the initial watering, don't water again until they start to flag or wilt then water thoroughly. You'll be surprised on how little water they require when watered in this manner.

Other Things To-do

It's not to late to start pole or bush beans from seed. They are best started in peat or plastic pots. With the weather warming up, place the pots outside where they get indirect or morning sun. April is the month to switch from the winter fertilizer on all shade loving plants to the Azalea, Camellia, and Rhododendron Food. Beneficial Nematodes are applied to the soil around apple and pear trees to prevent wormy fruit this summer. The worm is the larva stage of the Coddling Moth that over winters in the soil. In May, Coddling Moth traps are hung in the trees to monitor the activity of those that fly in.