Regional Reminders
September 6, 2001
Northern California Coastal & Inland Valleys
By
Kim Haworth,
San Bruno, CA
Late Summer Rose Care
Feed, water, and mulch roses now to keep them blooming well into the fall. This will also protect them from drying out if we ever get any hot weather. Use a fertilizer high in phosphorous such as 15-30-15 to promote blooms rather than foliage.
Pick Up Fallen Fruit
Remove any fruit that has dropped from apricot, plum, peach, and nectarine trees to prevent insect damage next year. Insects lay their eggs in fallen fruit, and over winter in the soil under the trees. This simple step will reduce many of your insect fruit tree problems.
Groom Vegetable Plants
Remove any ragged or damaged leaves from zucchini, tomato, corn, or bean plants. Removing dead leaves helps prevent disease and insect damage on the produce. Water and fertilize lightly when finished to keep your vegetables producing well.
Plant Citrus
Now is the perfect time to plant young citrus trees such as my favorite the Meyer lemon. Select a full sun location, incorporate plenty of organic compost into the planting hole, plant at the same depth as the tree was in the container, and water young trees twice a week until the weather cools.
Root Herb Cuttings
Herbs such as basil, marjoram, and oregano are growing great guns now. Share extra herbs with friends by dividing plants or taking cuttings. Basil, marjoram, and oregano root easily taking a 2 to 4 inch cutting and placing it in water. Rosemary is more difficult to start and should be propagated by tip cuttings, treated with rooting hormone, and placed in a moist soilless potting mix.
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