|
|
July 17, 2006
Gardeners always seem to have an eye on the weather. We tend to track
the forecasts on a daily basis, watching the temperature and rainfall
predictions. After all, our plants’ health can be greatly affected by
weather conditions. This summer we’ve had both wet and dry spells to
contend with as well as the typical hot spells. This week we will be
having temperatures well into the 90’s and possibly breaking 100
degrees, what the weather forecasters call a heat wave. And gardeners
will try to compensate by giving plants extra water to help them
through.
Just be careful not to over water. Prior to this heat wave rainfall has
been adequate. Soil that is mulched retains moisture a lot longer than
bare dirt. Mulched gardens usually do not need watering more frequently
than once a week even when it’s hot. Many annual and vegetable plants
will wilt under high temperatures mid-day and then return to normal
vigor as the sun sets. If your plants are still wilted in the evening
then they most likely need a drink.
Potted plants on the deck or patio will need to be checked daily for
water during these hot days. Smaller pots and hanging baskets may need
to be watered twice a day. If the soil in the pot below the first two
inches is dry, it’s time to water. Watering potted plants every day
will
also cause the nutrients in the soil to leach out quickly. Be sure to
feed container plants regularly with a water-soluble fertilizer. This
is
very important for vegetables grown in containers. They can be fed once
every two weeks during the summer and as often as once a week if you
water the containers every day.
Prior to this heat wave we had high humidity and frequent storms. Some
annuals, especially in containers, may be past their prime or dead from
too much water. Trim back plants that have gotten leggy to encourage
new
growth. Replace the dead plants with some of the heat loving annuals
still available at the garden centers. Cosmos, coleus, lantana,
melampodium, portulaca, vinca, and zinnia all thrive in the heat. And
the tropical plants like cannas, caladiums, hibiscus and mandevilla all
add great color to the summer garden. While other annuals and
perennials
are beat by the heat, the tropicals will thrive.
A long time favorite for summer color in the shade is the coleus. The
new cultivars of coleus have been bred to tolerate sun as well as
shade.
Coleuses are grown for their colorful leaves which range from
chartreuse, hot pink, deep burgundy and many combinations thereof.
Remove the flower buds as they develop and pinch the growing tips to
create full plants. Some of the colorful new coleus varieties to try
are
the ‘Sun Lover’s Series’ and the ‘Stained Glass Series’. Besides their
wide range of colors they come in a variety of leaf sizes, shapes and
textures.
In the vegetable garden beans, cucumbers, squash and melons will put on
lots of growth in hot weather. Pick beans, cucumbers and squash when
they are small for the best flavor and texture. Melons and cucumbers do
best with 1-2 inches of water a week. Keep weeds out of the patch and
watch for destructive insects. Cucumber beetles, squash bugs and vine
borers do the most damage on squash, melons and cucumbers. Treat them
as
soon as they appear with an insecticide or by handpicking. A second
planting of beans, summer squash or cucumbers can be sown now if
needed.
Be cautious when applying pesticides and repellents on hot days. When
the temperature approaches 90 degrees or above an application of either
type of product can cause leaves and flowers to turn brown and die.
Wait
until the evening hours when the temperature drops to apply these
products.
July is the peak month for Japanese beetle activity. Besides eating the
flowers and leaves of many ornamental plants, the females are laying
eggs in lawn areas. Now is a good time to apply the season-long grub
control to prevent lawn damage in late summer. Use a product that lists
either Merit or Mach II as its active ingredient. Grub control can be
applied with a spreader and should be watered in after application.
Beth Nardone, botanist, is a resident of Hillsborough and is the
Nursery
Manager at the Belle Mead Co-Op. Questions and comments can be sent to
bethtanical@patmedia.net <mailto:bethtanical@patmedia.net>
<mailto:bethtanical@patmedia.net> |