Check irrigation: Now that the rain is “gone” and we are heating up it is crucial to make sure your irrigation is up and running.

-First, do a run through of all of your valves and make sure there are no major leaks. Depending on the size of your system, 5-10 minutes per valve is usually enough time to check each individual emitter and make sure there are no clogs.

-Once you have confirmed that all the water is flowing as it should, check watering days and times. Early morning watering allows for the water to get down before the heat of the day evaporates it but also allows the plants to dry out a little before the night and cold cause issues such as rot or fungal growth.

-Lastly, make sure your controller is turned ON.

Thin fruit trees: If you are the proud owner of fruit trees now is a great time to thin them. Fruit trees often set much more fruit than they can support and not thinning can potentially lead to broken limbs. While thinning will ultimately leave you with less fruit, what is left will develop to full size and make for a much healthier and more delicious harvest.

Typically you want to leave one fruit per “bunch.” Simply follow each branch and leave one fruit every 6-8 inches, retaining the largest of the bunch when possible. Using a pair of clean, sharp pruners will make the work less strenuous.

WHAT TO PLANT

Summer veggies

(Beans, squash, tomatoes, peppers, melons, basil, sunflowers, corn, pumpkins)

Summer annuals and bulbs

Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon), Zinnia, Petunia, Geranium pyrenaicum (Hedgerow Crane’s bill), Tagetes (Marigold), Violaceae (Viola, Violet, Pansy),

Gladiolus (Sword Lily), Dahlias, Freesia

Congrats! Now that you have done the work of thinning your fruit trees, planting and confirmed your irrigation system is up and running, it’s time to pull out a chair, have a seat and take in some sun.

Happy planting!

Preparing Your Garden for Winter

As the colorful hues of autumn begin to fade, it's time to turn our attention to preparing our gardens for the winter months. Just a little effort now will go a long way in ensuring a thriving garden come spring. Here's how to make sure your outdoor oasis weathers the cold season with grace.

It's crucial to tidy up your garden.

Remove any fallen leaves and debris to prevent mold and disease. Prune back any dead or overgrown branches from your plants to encourage healthy growth in the future. Now is also a great time to divide and replant any perennials that may have outgrown their space. Don't forget to mulch your flower beds to insulate the soil and protect plant roots from any freezes we may incur.

Consider providing winter protection.

Covering your more delicate plants with burlap or frost blankets can shield them from extreme cold and wind. If you have potted plants, move them closer to your home or into a sheltered area. Be mindful of watering; while it may be tempting to reduce watering during winter, it's essential to ensure some plants don't dry out, especially on sunny days.

Plan for next year's garden.

Consider what worked well in your garden this year and what didn't. This is a great time to browse seed catalogs, sketch out new garden layouts, and set goals for the upcoming growing season. Preparing your garden for winter isn't just about protection; it's also about laying the foundation for future success. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to safeguarding your garden during the winter season, setting the stage for a vibrant springtime revival.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or overbooked, Petal & Stone is always available to consult or do the dirty work for you!