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 Thursday, March 10: Daylight Savings Time begins, Sunday, March 13; St.Patricks Day Thursday, March 17
- Saturday-Sunday: Moon in the sign of Cancer - Plant seasonal color
- Nemesis is being rediscovered by a new generation of gardeners looking for a different blend of colors. They are available in various colors that include bi-color and patterned flowers. They like full sun, grow 12-18 inches tall, and bloom into the summer months.
Later in the Week
- Wednesday-Thursday: Moon in the sign of Virgo - plant flowering vines
- Spring flowering vines are available for planting. Hardenbergia (purple) Carolina, Jasmine( yellow), and Jasmine Polyanthum (pink and white are blooming in bud and bloom.
Other Things To-do
- In large deciduous shade trees, Mistletoe is problematic. If left untreated, is can kill the species in time. An easy way to control this problem is with Florel. It's applied when the temperatures are around 65 degrees. Florel does not kill the Mistletoe. It only separates the foliage from the roots, so it's reapplied every three to four years.
- Flowering and shade trees are fed annually in the spring. It's crucial to feed Crape Myrtles as the annual feeding encourages new growth. The new growth is the key for the summer blooms as they only flower on first-year growt
- And finally, feed roses Epsom Salt, Magnesium Sulfate in the spring and fall for improved foliage color and basal shoots. One cup per bush is all that is required.