Garden Tips Newsletter
July 27, 2009
Hummingbirds
Provide more nectar for these birds by planting natural nectar feeders. These include trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), crossvine (Bignonia capreolata), morning glory (Ipomoea spp.), bee balm (Monarda spp.), canna (Canna x generalis) and four o’clocks (Mirabilis jalapa). For more information on making your garden and landscape more wildlife-friendly read the Extension publication #2402, Establishing a Backyard Wildlife Habitat.
Annuals
Cut back your leggy annuals now so that they will look full in the fall. Although it can be a little hard to do, think of it as tough love. Petunias, salvias, and verbena are examples of some annuals that would benefit from treatment. Try not to cut off all the foliage as plants may not survive this extreme tough love—instead cut back only by one-third and encourage new growth by applying a soluble fertilizer like Peter’s 20-20-20.
Trees and Shrubs
Remember to keep your trees and shrubs that were planted this winter or spring well-watered during times of dry weather. Keeping the plants mulched (do not pile mulch around the trunks) will keep the soil cooler and conserve moisture.
Sunny Days
To minimize your exposure to sun, work in the garden during mornings and evenings, when the sun is at a lower angle and the temperature is cooler. Avoid gardening between and 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and a hat. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
Lelia Scott Kelly, Ph.D., writes Garden Tips weekly and is a Horticulture Specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Her office is in the North Mississippi Research & Extension Center, Verona.