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, Tuesday, July 19

• Saturday-Sunday: Moon in the sign of Sagittarius …Zonal Geraniums are still being planted for color all summer long. With mild winters Geraniums survive easily so you don’t have to replant next year.

Later in the Week

Wednesday-Thursday: Moon in the sign of Aquarius - Harvest, cultivate, weed, and control pests

• … Bud worm season has arrived so be on the look out for Budworm and Tomato Hornworms on Geraniums, Tomatoes, Flowering Tobacco and other plants  The adult moth will be laying, green egg usually in the center of the plants.

Other Things To-do

• … Add a wetting agent like EZ Wet or Percolate to containerized plants that have been in the same container for a year or longer. The wetting agent breaks the surface tension that surrounds the soil particle and allows water to flow through the root ball. At this time of year it is common for water to roll around and out the sides of the container.
•   ...Established fruit trees should have a deep drink of water twice a month while the fruit is maturing and through the harvest. Water is applied under the drip line and avoid the trunk area. If you are using a watering basin make sure it extends from the trunk to the drip line of the tree.