Garden Calendar
» Summer annual weeds such as crabgrass, foxtail grass and spurge are now flourishing. Most gardeners clear their gardens of weeds in May and June, but they continue to germinate because seeds remain in the soil. Hoeing, pulling by hand or applying a wood chip mulch are good solutions at this time of year.
» We have received many samples of dollar spot and brown patch diseases in lawns. In most cases, these leaf diseases make the lawn look bad in the short term, but in the long term they heal on their own and become less noticeable.
» Reduce under- or over-watering by checking the root systems of newly planted trees and shrubs, patio planters and annual and perennial flower beds with a driver or headless golf club. The soil around the roots of these plants should be moist, not soggy, muddy or dry. If the driver test shows dry, powdery soil particles on the blade, water thoroughly.
» Dig out and discard any purple cornflowers that look abnormal. They may be infected with aster yellows, a disease that causes the flowers to become compressed and have a pale green, uneven appearance instead of the traditional look of stems and flowers.
» Sharpen your lawnmower blades, especially in tall fescue lawns or lawns that are a mix of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. These grass species have high vascular tissues, which over time can dull mower blades and cause grass blades to split and develop a brownish sheen.
» Examine the roots of “bargain” plants purchased from dwindling garden centers, mass retailers, or hardware stores. If the roots are tangled, take some time to spread them out. If the roots are soft and rotting, don't buy the plant.
John Feck, Nebraska Extension, Douglas and Sarpy Counties
