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: 4th Quarter begins Sunday, July 12
- Saturday-Monday: Moon in the sign of Aries - Harvest, cultivate weed, and control pests.
- When weeding a vegetable garden, do so gingerly, Peppers, squash, and cucumbers are shallow-rooted and are easily damaged by aggressive hoeing. After weeding, refresh the mulch to reduce the weeds and retain moisture.
Later in the Week
- Don't ignore Camellias during the summer months. Irregular watering from July through September will produce few or no Camellia flowers next year along with burnt leaves. Camellias require regular watering. A one-inch layer of mulch will conserve moisture and keep the surface roots cool on those hot days.
Other Things To-do
- Do not be afraid to pinch back Petunias, Impatiens, and other annuals if they are getting leggy. Reducing the plant's height by 30-50% will force the new growth to develop from the laterals as well as from the base of the plants.
- July is the month to switch fertilizer on Fuchsias from Fish Emulsion to 0-10-10. 0-10-10 is the fertilizer for bigger and better blooms. Also, pinch off any of the curly leaf tips from the Fuchsia Mite and the old spent flowers.