Tasks
- Be sure your watering schedule conforms to new guidelines. Check sprinkler timer settings at least once a month.
- Water citrus being careful not to overwater. Continuously wet soil in the upper few inches risks root rot.
- Be sure mower blades are sharp. Clean cuts to the lawn reduce stress and the need for water.
- If severe drought restrictions are in place, concentrate on keeping your trees watered.
Pruning
- Fire blight is best pruned out in winter, but if the infection is spreading rapidly in a pear or apple tree during the growing season, prune out the infected growth as soon as it appears.
- Prune blackberries, raspberries and other caneberries after harvest.
Fertilizing
- Fertilize almond, apple, peach, nectarine, and plum.
- Apply a light feeding to summer flowers and vegetables. Water thoroughly after application.
Planting
- Spring planting season is over; keep recent plantings and transplants well-watered.
Enjoy now
- Annuals and perennials: Santa Barbara Daisy (Erigeron), blanket flower (Gaillardia), sunflower (Helianthus), strawflower (Helichrysum).
- Bulbs, corms, tubers: giant allium.
- Trees, shrubs, vines: Butterfly bush (Buddleja), Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis), Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), morning glory (Ipomoea), lantana.
- Fruits and vegetables: figs, potatoes, squash, tomatoes.
Things to ponder:
- A walk around the garden just before dark can be a good opportunity to hunt for snails as they emerge to feed at night.
- If it rains in June, expect fruit damage.