Regional Gardening Tips

SuperUser Account — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:13:46 GMT

Wonder what region you live in? See our map here or visit the “Site Specific” column in each issue of Gardening How-To.Pacific Northwest• Plant winter cover crops such as winter kale, Brussels sprouts, turnips, parsnips, parsley, and Chinese cabbage in vacant space around the vegetable garden. • Watch for corn earworm on early corn. Treat as needed. • Clean and fertilize strawberry beds.Southwest • Dethatch lawns early this month to allow time for the grass to recover before fall. • Cut back tomatoes to 1 foot tall to rejuvenate them and stimulate fruit production in the fall. • Fertilize citrus by applying 2 pounds of ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) fertilizer per tree on mature citrus. Water the fertilizer into the soil.Midwest/Mountain • Monitor for Japanese beetle damage. These iridescent insects skeletonize foliage, but will finish feeding by the second week in August. • Place small stakes in the garden bed where you plan to plant tulips, narcissus, lilies, alliums, and other fall-planted bulbs. • Divide and replant daylilies and install new plants at the end of this month.Northeast • Don’t apply insecticides, fungicides, or fertilizers when the temperature is above 80°F. You may do more harm than good. Always read and follow package instructions. • Deadhead (cut or pinch off dead flowers) on annuals and perennials for a longer bloom. • Take stock of your summer perennial garden, noting what changes you want to make. A good rule of thumb is to move spring bloomers in the fall and fall bloomers when they come up in the spring.Southeast • Check mulch around plants. Keep the level at 3 inches and away from stems and trunks. • Keep shallow-rooted plants such as azaleas, camellias, and dogwoods watered during dry periods. • Watch for yellowing leaves on plants, which could be a sign of iron deficiency. Apply liquid iron or minor elements according to label directions.

National Home Gardening Club

Regional Gardening Tips