Apple Valley, Utah
2004
Garden tips
Remember that less frequent but deep watering
will condition plants to be more desert hardy.
Noxious Weeds
Weed control is best done before seeds develop.
Even newly formed seeds will mature after cutting.
The following tips come from several sources on gardening.
SPRING
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Time to cultivate and plant gardens of all types.
TREES/SHRUBS - Mar- Apply fertilizer as growth starts. Apple dormant oil to lilacs fefore leaves appear to prevent scale infestation. Apr- Add 3-4 inches of organic mulch. Evergreens with yellow leaves need a high-nitrogen foliar fertilizer. May- prune tent caterpillar nests and destroy them. PERENNIALS/BULBS - Divide and replant overgrowth and add mulch. Cut back after flowering to promote vigor and rebloom. ROSES - Mar- PH test and amend as needed. Water deeply to encourage roots to go deep. Apply complete slow-release branular fertilizer. Prune stems below borers' tunnels. Apr- begin weekly sprays to control black spot and mildew. Remove only dead wood. VEGETABLES - Mar- plant seeds for cold tolerant plants. Apr & May- plant seeds for other types as per packet instructions. LAWNS - Remove winter debris. Aerate and overseed. Apply slow-release 4-2-1 fertilizer. Watch for signs of fungus. Water 1 inch weekly with one deep soaking during very dry weather and cut your lawn at a high setting. |
SUMMER
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Remember to mulch all plants to protect against evaporation.
TREES/SHRUBS - Jun- Lightly prune small tree. Apply acid fertilizer to acid loving plants PERENNIALS/BULBS - Cut back after flowering to promote plant vigor and rebloom. ROSES - Jun- Apply granular complete fertilizer. Cut spent flowers from ever-bloomers to encourage rebloom. Cut stems to a leaf with 5 leaflets. Jul- Watch for mildew and aphids. Spray as needed with fungicides diluted by 1/3 to prevent burning. VEGETABLES - Harvest when mature and control weeds. Use drip water systems in the mornings. LAWNS - Regular mowing and watering keeps grass healthy. Leaving the clipping returns nutrients used in growing. A dull blade causes lawns to be susceptible to disease and insects. Aug- Cut grass 1/2 inch longer. Control fungus and insects with sprays. |
AUTUMN
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Time to prepare gardens for next years planting.
TREES/SHRUBS - Adding 2" to 4" of mulch adds winter protection and reduces evaporation and adds nutrients to the roots. PERENNIALS/BULBS - Sep- divide bulbs to prevent crowding. Oct- plant spring flowering bulbs. Cut back bloomed out plants and add the cuttings to your compost. Remember to water all plants lightly during dry winters. ROSES - Sep- Spray shrubs with fungicides as needed during the cooling weather. Oct- Store garden sprays in a protected ventilated place. Extreme cold will destroy the chemicals. Nov- After leaves have been shed, cut back canes 50% to reduce winter damage. Water deeply during thaws. VEGETABLES - As frost kills the crops, compost the plant matter or till it into the soil. Add extra mulch. Nov- Mix fresh manure into the soil EXCEPT where root crops will be planted the next year. Destroy diseased plants. LAWNS - Sep- Aerate if the soil is hard. Apply 3-1-2 fertilizer. Sow a little seed over thin spots and keep moist untill seeds sprouts. A light covering of soil improves germination and straw prevents erosion. Oct- Raise the mower blade 1/2 inch. Water during dry weather. Apply pre-emergent herbicides. |
WINTER
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Plants are only dormant and need some water during dry spells.
TREES/SHRUBS - Keep deep snow off young plants to prevent damage. Leave cold-damaged foliage of evergreens on plants untill spring. Protect bark from hungry rodents. Feb- Cut overgrown lilacs to the ground. PERENNIALS/BULBS - Dec- Add winter mulch to help protect against freezing. ROSES - Water potted plants lightly. Water out-door shrubs deeply during periods of thaw. Feb- On a mild, still day, spray with dormant oil to kill over-wintering insects and thier eggs. VEGETABLES - Harvest and store roots. Save wood ashes to amend acid soil. (does Apple Valley have acid or alkline soil ?) LAWNS - Rake leaves and debris. |