Tasks
- Check drip and sprinkler systems – clean filters, check emitters, fix leaks and re?set timers.
- Watch for Western grapeleaf skeletonizer. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to control.
- Control gophers and moles with traps, baits, or fumigation.
- Clean up drying vegetation within 30 feet of structures for fire prevention.
Pruning
- Remove spent lilac flower clusters just above points where leaf buds are forming.
- Hedges grow vigorously this month. Trim lightly every 2 or 3 weeks to maintain size and shape. Heavy pruning exposes the interior to sunburn.
- Thin apples to one fruit per cluster.
Fertilizing
- A little used more often is better than a lot at one time.
- Fertilize almond, apple, cherry and plum.
- Fertilize citrus.
Planting
- Spring planting season is over. Anything planted now will need careful watering.
- Fruits and vegetables: cucumber, eggplant, okra, parsley.
Enjoy now
- Annuals and perennials: California poppy (Eschscholzia), blue marguerite, coral bells (Heuchera), iris, sweet pea (Lathyrus), Texas ranger (Leucophyllum).
- Bulbs, corms, tubers: harlequin flower (Sparaxis tricolor).
- Trees, shrubs, vines: cistus (rock rose), rose.
- Fruits and vegetables: butter lettuce, peas, spinach.
Things to ponder
- This is the month to propagate geraniums and other soft wood perennials from cuttings.