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: Monday, June 20 Full Moon and the Summer Solstice (the longest day of the year)- Saturday-Sunday: Moon in the sign of Sagittarius- … It is time to remove struggling spring color such as Pansies and Violas. Replace them now with those that thrive with warm temperatures and long days. The summer color should continue to bloom into November.
Later in the Week
Tuesday: Moon in the sign of Capricorn - Plant for root growth- … Another opportunity to plant beets, carrots and radishes for a late summer harvest. They can be grown in containers as well as in the ground.
- …The Bud and Hornworm Season has arrived. So, be on the look out for them to prevent the worms from devouring your tomatoes and geraniums.
Other Things To-do
- …If the leaves on your Rhododendrons, Photinia, Azaleas, Viburnums, and others are turning a distinct silvery color, you have a Thrip problem. It is the Thrip rasping month parts that cause the leaves to turn color Thrips are easily suffocated with Horticultural Oil but I would first pick off the worst of the leaves.
- ...The best time to water turf is in the morning between 4:00am and 11:00 am. Why? Because water is available or replaced as the grass needs it as the temperature rises. Watering in the afternoons or in the evening hours can cause problems during the summer months.
- ...Fuchsias flower only on the current year's growth so it's important to feed them regularly with Fish Emulsion through the end of July. Also, remove the faded flowers and/or seedpods to quicken the next series of blooms.