Fresno Gardening Green

Wasn't April glorious? My roses have just been beautiful this year and I am so thankful! I found that they were slow to open this spring, but I moved several of them, so that could be one of the reasons why. Plus, the weather has been up and down, hot and then cold, sunny and then rain and hail.

Keep recent plantings well-watered and mulched. Sudden warming plus drying winds can stress plants. Tasks Use a 3-inch layer of mulch around trees and shrubs to retain moisture, suppress weeds and cool soil temperature.

Choices for potting soil mixes have really expanded the last few years.

Whether the pest you face is plant or animal, remember safety first. Read labels thoroughly before opening containers that hold garden chemicals. Tasks Check drip and sprinkler systems clean filters, check emitters, fix leaks and re?set timers. Watch for Western grapeleaf skeletonizer.

A surprising number of plants commonly found in Fresno County gardens and homes are toxic to dogs and cats, according to Fresno County Master Gardener Karen Basso.