You can plant chrysanthemums this month for color in the fall.
Ten days to two weeks before planting loosen the soil to a depth of six inches,
breaking up all the lumps. Then spade organic matter into the soil, peat moss or
compost. Just before planting, turn over the soil again to take care of any
weeds. Plant the low growing bushy varieties of mums about two feet apart and
all others approximately one foot apart. Choose a location that gets at least
two-thirds of the day's sun but in the inland valley's partial shade in the afternoon
is preferable. Use a mulch and water early in the day so the leaves dry before
nightfall. When small flowered varieties are 6 to 8 inches high, pinch off the light
green growth or the plants might develop weak, spindly stems. Disbud large
flowered mums every two weeks to concentrate growth in a few flowers.
Anyway, you look at it, the mum will give you maximum gardening pleasure.
You still have time to plant gladiolus corms for bloom this summer. To insure
uniform plantings, plant all corms at an equal depth. Large corms are planted
4-6 inches deep in loose soil, only 3-4 inches deep in heavy soil. Space them
apart in single rows and where double rows are planted, stagger the corms.
Group plantings of 8 to 10 corms make good border fill-ins, especially when
planted in one color.
You can have instant color when you want it and where you want it if you join in
the fun of container growing. Small pots, big pots, wine barrels, hanging
baskets, planter boxes can all be planted to brighten any corner of the
landscape. You'll want to pot them up with flowering annuals. Check with your
local garden center for the varieties that are in bloom right now. Hanging
baskets are a good choice for eye level flowers. Choose ivy geraniums,
fuchsias, verbena, succulents and petunias for plants that trail.
Does your garden lack pizzazz? Do you wonder what's missing? Try placing a
few pieces of garden art around the yard. Tastefully displayed statuary,
fountains and other decorative pieces act as accents to sections of the garden
drawing your eye into and capturing your attention. Water features add the
soothing sound of water to the garden and a secluded bench offers sanctuary
after a hard day at work.
Roses are at the height of their glory right now. If you're toying with the idea of
adding some to your garden, get to the garden center this month. Choosing
roses in May gives you the best opportunity to select for color, fragrance and
variety. You'll be able to see hybrid teas, floribundas, old fashioneds, climbers
and minis in bloom and see the differences in the varieties. While you're at the
nursery check with the California Certified Nursery Professional™ for answers
to your rose questions.
If you were distracted by the lovely spring weather and did not get your
vegetable garden planted take heart…there's still time. Garden centers have a
selection of four inch vegetable transplants that can be popped into the ground
right away. They will help you catch up on lost time, but hurry!
Save yourself some time this summer by installing a drip irrigation system. Not
only will you save on the amount of water used in the garden, you will also save
yourself valuable time. Check with your local garden center for easily installed
systems.
Plant vinca, dahlias, zinnias and marigolds this month for long lasting blossoms
through the heat of summer. Feed monthly with a good liquid flower fertilizer
and remove spent blossoms for the best results.
MAY ARTICLES
Petunias Win the Popularity Contest The reasons for petunias' never ending
popularity are as numerous as the vivid colors of their blooms: crimson, maroon,
pink, coral, lavender, purple, orange, salmon, yellow, red, cream and white.
Petunias flourish in almost every region of California. They prefer full sun but
tolerate partial shade in the inland valleys. Petunias have the distinction of being
available in solid, bi-color, striped, veined or picoteed and come in a variety of
shapes and sizes.
Petunias are versatile plants in the garden, performing superbly in flower beds
and borders. They are tailor made for patio planters, hanging baskets and
window boxes. And each year their popularity expands due largely to new
introductions which tempt the experienced and beginning gardeners alike.
Although there are several different varieties of petunias we are going to discuss
the grandiflora and the multiflora petunias. Multiflora varieties produce a great
abundance of smaller flowers, while grandiflora varieties produce blossoms that
are quite large, sometimes five inches across. Multiflora petunias, which stand
up particularly well to rain and other adverse weather conditions, are most
attractive when mass planted. They are also more resistant to botrytis disease
which destroys the flowers and is prevalent if there is high humidity or heavy
watering. Choose grandiflora petunias for spots where dramatic accents are
desired. They produce large showy flowers on spreading foliage. Either type will
tolerate hot weather and dry or sandy soils. Do not water petunias with
overhead sprinklers, the water damages the flower blossoms and encourages
diseases.
Both classes include single and double varieties. Single petunias have the classic
trumpet shaped flowers; some of the blooms feature fringed edges. Double
petunias have blossoms with extra petals in the center, like the carnation. Single
varieties are naturals for beds and borders, while doubles make spectacular
displays in planters and hanging baskets. If your soil is particularly heavy, select
the single-flowered varieties.
Petunias mix beautifully with other flowering annuals. Try edging a walkway
with white geraniums surrounded by multiflora petunias in pale lavender-blue
and deep purple. For an unforgettable window box display, combine scarlet with
hot-pink double grandifloras. Zinnias, marigolds and sweet alyssum also make
good companions to petunias of all kinds.
Orchids Are Easier Than You Think Are you looking for a dramatic display of
flowers? Something easy to grow? Then choose an orchid! Three of the most
popular orchids are the phalaenopsis, cymbidium and cattleya. They present a
spectacular show of flowers and are easier to care for than you think.
Phalaenopsis Orchid, commonly called Moth Orchid, due to the shape of the
blossoms is one of the more popular orchids on the market today and one of the
easiest to grow. The flowers are borne on long sprays, up to five feet long.
Phalaenopsis produce white, cream, pale yellow or light lavender-pink flowers
in spring or fall. Like other orchids, the Moth Orchid prefers bright to moderate
indirect light. Orchids do not want direct sunlight because it burns the foliage.
A healthy Phalaenopsis will have light to medium green leaves. The silvery or
white roots will generally grow on top of the orchid mix and work their way
around the pot. If your plant has dark green foliage it is not getting enough light
to produce flowers. Phalaenopsis bloom at approximately four years of age and
can live up to 100 years.
Cattleya Orchids have earned the reputation as "Queen of Flowers" and are
generally known to the public as the orchid used in corsages. There are more
than 50 species of these beautiful, intricately designed flowers found growing in
the foothills of Central and South America.
Cattleya orchids adapt easily to home environments by following a few simple
rules. They require a good amount of light and can be placed in a bright window
if protected by sheer curtain panels. Early morning sun, accompanied by high
humidity and a moderate temperature are best. A note of caution: protect from
direct exposure to the hottest sun. A good guide is the foliage color. It should be
light green and not burned.
In order to create adequate humidity for your orchids, fill a tray with gravel,
shells or stones. Fill it approximately half way with water. Set your plant on top
of the stones. Never allow the plant to sit directly in water because the roots will
rot. The humidity created by the water evaporating off the stones provides the
moisture needed by the plants. Cattleyas like to have alternate periods of being
well watered and dried out. To determine whether your orchid needs water take
a freshly sharpened pencil and insert it three inches into the bark at the center of
the pot. Twist back and forth several times. Remove it and look carefully at the
wood, if there is an indication of moisture then don't water. If it is dried through
water thoroughly.
Cymbidiums provide us with those long spikes covered with a multitude of
flowers. They are very stately looking plants that thrive in a cool environment. If
you live in an area where the temperature seldom falls below 30 degrees you
can grow them outdoors. There are two types of cymbidiums: Standard and
Miniature. The miniatures bloom more profusely but have smaller spikes. They
also bloom earlier than the standards (Nov.--March). The standards have larger
blooms and generally bloom December through May. Cymbidium flowers are
exceptionally durable, they often last 4-6 weeks when displayed under optimum
conditions.
Place your cymbidium in a cool, bright window so the flower buds will open
properly. These orchids like a constant temperature around 75 degrees during
the day and 62 degrees at night. A sign of a happy cymbidium is golden-green
foliage.
Melons Can Thrive Almost Anywhere Many gardeners have stopped planting
melons in their vegetable patches because they've heard how much heat they
need to mature. It's true they need heat but with a little Yankee ingenuity and
some of the new short season hybrids you can enjoy home grown melons.
If you live near or on the coast where the summer days are often overcast or
breezy you can grow melons by locating them in the hot pockets of your garden.
Western or southern facing walls reflect heat and will help the melons grow long
after the sun is off the walls. Another benefit of walls is that they block
temperature cooling breezes which helps to raise the air temperature around the
melons. You can also cover the soil with black plastic and increase the warmth
of the soil which is as important as increasing the air temperature. If you have a
compost pile you can actually plant the seeds directly in there since the
decomposition of the vegetable matter creates heat for the melons to thrive.
Containers offer another heat creating alternative. By strategically placing your
containers in a hot, protected area you can encourage melon vines to produce.
Use a welded wire trellis to train the vines if space is limited. As the fruit matures
use a cloth sling to support each melon.
Melons like rich soil with good drainage. Mix compost, manure and bone meal
with garden soil. Plant melons in hills or rows approximately three to four inches
higher than the surrounding soil. Make an irrigation ditch next to the row on both
sides. As seedlings develop keep the moisture near their roots. Mature plantings
can be watered through the ditch. Do not overhead water because this
encourages mildew and rot.
As the melons reach maturity withhold water for approximately one week
before harvest so they will sweeten. Cantaloupes are fully ripe when they pull off
the stem easily. Other kinds of melons emit a strong, pleasant fragrance at the
blossom end of the fruit. Check with your local California Certified Nursery
Professional™ for more tips and the best varieties of melons for your area.
Gardenias Perfume the Garden There is an air of tropical isles and luxuriant
jungles about the gardenia. Its sweet fragrance and waxy-white blossoms add
an exotic note and yet seem right at home in the climate of California gardens.
The most popular gardenias are jasminoides types. In this group are the
Mystery, Veitchi and Radicans varieties. The Mystery and Veitchi are the most
common selection for California gardens, and their flowers are used in florist
shops too. The Radicans is a dwarf from six to eight inches high, contrasting
with the usual 4-6 foot growth of the Mystery and Veitchi. Mystery loves the
sun while Veitchi takes to partial shade. Although in the hot inland valleys even
the Mystery enjoys some afternoon protection.
Gardenia thunbergia is another species of this plant. It is a more open, taller
growing plant with pointed long leaves and large white flowers measuring three
inches across. Thunbergia is not as hardy as the Mystery but is more tolerant of
various soils and needs less heat.
In general, the Gardenia grows well in areas with hot days and warm nights. It
requires a well-drained area and an acid soil. Feed an acid type commercial
fertilizer each month from March to September. Some time after the first
planting, apply cottonseed meal or bone meal if the soil fertility seems depleted.
Watering should be done carefully during hot, dry weather. Sprinkling around
the plant during very high temperatures will help maintain high humidity and
lower temperatures. California Certified Nursery Professionals™ also
recommend regular applications of iron sulfate or chelated iron.
The California Association of Nurserymen recommends that you plant
Gardenias in different situations according to the climate of your locale. In
climates that are near perfect, try planting en masse, hedges, and as focal points.
In areas with adverse climate conditions plant them in containers so they can be
moved to protected areas when needed. Growing gardenias is another one of
the special gardening pleasures afforded Californians, for here, as in few other
areas of the country, the Gardenia is an outstanding performer.
Looking For "Quality Time"? Plant A Garden As A Family! Gardening is one of
the most productive things you can do together as a family. Think about it, kids
learn about growing things, they learn discipline and patience waiting for the
harvest and they are rewarded with the satisfaction of a job well done. (Family
gardening has also been known to stimulate young appetites to try vegetables
that earlier were unacceptable!) Gardening can be done on patios, small
vegetable plots or the family's south 40. The important thing is to take the first
step and do it!
If you're new to vegetable gardening the best way to start is by consulting your
local California Certified Nursery Professionals™ . You can find a CCN Pro at
your local garden center. These gardening professionals can help you select the
right variety of vegetable plants and provide you with a successful start your first
time out.
The first important step is to be sure the soil is ready for planting. Choose an
area that gets at least six hours of strong sun daily. A good rule of thumb is to
add organic mulch to the garden soil. A 2 cubic foot sack per each 50 sq. ft.
area (5' x 10') is a good amount. Double dig the mulch into the soil to a depth of
8 inches. Next add a good vegetable fertilizer. Your CCN Pro™ can make the
proper recommendation for your area. Rake the soil so that it is level and the
large clods have been broken up.
Plot your garden on paper first so you have an idea of just how much you can fit
into the space. Lay out the garden with taller growing vegetables on the west
side of the garden so their shadow does not cover the other vegetables during
the day. Use a string tied to a short stake at both ends of the row to lay out the
vegetables in a straight line. If you plan to use drip irrigation this is the time to
install it.
Now come to the nursery and stock up on the products and seedlings you'll
need to make your own spaghetti sauce or salsa this summer. And if you like
pesto, California has some of the greatest climates to encourage basil to grow. If
you have young children at home try planting pumpkin seeds or seedlings.
They'll get a big kick out of growing their own Jack O Lanterns.
And speaking of seedlings, many nurseries carry a large selection of organically
grown vegetables as well as many gourmet varieties. If you are in a frost
sensitive zone it may be best to wait until the end of the month or protect your
planting with a mulch of black plastic to help keep the soil warm or use cold
caps to cover tender seedlings.
May In The Garden May is a rewarding month in the garden, but it is also a
busy one! Dig into gardening this month and you will be rewarded with
satisfaction for the rest of spring as well as a productive garden through the
summer and into fall. The longer days and predictable weather make it easier to
schedule what needs to be done and to garden at a leisurely pace.
* Planting is still a top priority this month! The soil is ready to plant and the
weather is warm to encourage growth. Your local nursery has great
choices: roses, trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals are all ready to go
into the yard or containers. And you still have time to sow seeds of heat
loving annuals such as cosmos, portulaca, ornamental sunflowers and
zinnias.
* Vegetable seedlings are still available. There's still time to plant a garden.
Set out tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, beans and corn. These newly
planted seedlings can be slowed down by May heat spells so protect
them with screens, shade cloth, or newspapers to shade them for a few
days after planting.
* Prune. Spring blooming shrubs and trees can be pruned after bloom to
prevent overcrowding. Not all spring bloomers need this attention.
Some that do are forsythias, weigelias, lilacs, and quince. Shearing
hedges keeps them in shape also, they'll soon be covered with soft new
growth. And, remove fast growing shoots emerging from the root stalks
of grafted plants, especially citrus, deciduous fruit trees and roses. As
well as affecting the shape, these suckers compete with top growth for
nutrients, space, sunlight and water. Pinching out the growing tips of
azaleas, fuchsias, geraniums, impatiens and other annuals encourages
branching and fullness.
* Groom Rhododendrons. To encourage maximum rhododendron bloom
next year, break off faded flower trusses just above new growth buds.
Be careful not to damage new buds. If plants have gotten leggy, prune
lightly to shape back for green dormant buds on the brown stems.
* Encourage Rose production. Remove spent flowers on roses, cut stems
just above a leaf with five or more leaflets. Feed your roses at least
monthly.
* Feed! Most garden plants need continued feeding through the summer
and fall to do their best. Ask your local California Certified Nursery
Professional™ if you have questions on what your gardens' nutritional
needs are now.
* Control Pests. Wash aphids off fresh new growth with a strong stream
of water from the hose or by spraying with a pesticide. Watch for lawn
fungus; ask for a recommendation from your CCN Pro™ that will
fertilize your lawn as well as controlling fungus and insects.
* Prevent Olive Fruit Set. Olives that form now will blacken and drop
from the tree late in the year. Without leaching and processing, these
olives are inedible. They do, however, stain the sidewalk and harm the
lawn. Spray your trees with a fruit eliminator first when the tree blooms,
then twice more at weekly intervals.
* Mulch! Reduce the need to water and weed, spread a 2-4 inch layer of
bark chips, compost or other organic material on areas of bare ground.
When mulching around plants, leave a small circle of soil bare around
the base of each plant.
* Lawns. To keep lawns looking great, mow weekly or twice a week.
Raise the mower blades so that lawns are cut at a height of 2 1/2 - 3
inches and fertilize monthly.
* House Plants. In general your house plants should now show substantial
spring growth, especially since the days of artificial heat are over.
Fertilize plants well rooted in their containers with an all purpose house
plant fertilizer.
