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: Wednesday, July 7. Waning Half begins: 4th of July Weekend 
• Saturday-Monday: Moon in the sign of Pisces - Plant and transplant for root growth
  • Kangaroo Paws are cultivated for their distinctive red and yellow flowers. These plants thrive in sunny environments, are drought-tolerant, and exhibit pest resistance. Their strap-shaped leaves render them an ideal alternative to Agapanthus.  

Later in the Week

• Tuesday-Friday; Moon in the sign of Aries/Taurus - Weed, cultivate, water, control pests, fertilize 
  •  Despite their relatively quiet demeanor thus far this year, Yellow Jackets are known to become particularly active starting with the Fourth of July holiday and persisting into the fall. Therefore, it is advisable to set out Yellow Jacket traps several hours before engaging in outdoor barbecuing.
  • If your Blackberries or Raspberries have not matured or have only partially ripened, you may be experiencing Berry Mite infestation. Unfortunately, by the time you notice damage from Berry Mite, it is often too late to control the infestation. During the winter months, Berry Mite can be effectively managed with a dormant-season spray.
  • When cultivating a vegetable garden, take care not to disturb the roots around pepper plants. Peppers are shallow-rooted and are sensitive to root disturbance.

Other Things To-do

• To promote compact growth in leggy annuals such as Petunias and Impatiens, pinch back the new growth. By removing approximately 50% of the new shoots, the plant will be encouraged to develop side shoots, resulting in a more compact form. 
• It is advisable to thin out or prune the center of your tomato plants to enhance air circulation. Additionally, it is crucial to inspect the leaves for signs of damage, as this can indicate Tomato Hornworms.