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, Friday, July 27
• Saturday-Sunday: Moon in the sign of Scorpio - Plant seasonal color
  • Now is the time to plant Crape Myrtles as they are blooming everywhere. Crape Myrtles are drought tolerant, and they are the perfect tree for a small yard, provide good fall color and are one of a few summer blooming trees.

Later in the Week

• With warm weather, be sure to replenish your birdbath often as many birds especially hummingbirds enjoy water on warm days. Not only do they drink it but they splash in it to cool themselves down.
•   Perennials should be cut back when they have finished blooming. This would include Mexican Evening Primrose, Penstemon, and others. To add color to these areas plant Vinca Rosea, Portucala, Salvia and Zinnias

Other Things To-do

• Feed poinsettia plant(s) now with  Fish Emulsion or any other good plant food. They should be fed monthly until September. Also, before fertilizing 1) water the plants and 2) prune or pinch back up to 15% of the new growth to keep the plant(s) compact. In October, we start the short day treatment to get the plant(s) to bloom in time for the holidays.