Here is the basic gardening to do list for the summer: watering, fertilizing, weeding, watching for pests and disease, and planting!
Watering:
The rainy season has arrived, and is in full swing. In response to all of Mother Nature’s rain, a cut back in irrigation time and/or frequency can take place in the summer. If you have an irrigation system, a rain sensor device would be a good investment to prevent sprinklers from coming on when there’s been sufficient rainfall. If you have new landscape, a daily watering is still required; so make sure your plants are getting adequate daily watering either via rain, irrigation, or hose.
Fertilizing:
Summertime fertilization is a must! Fertilizing your plants in the summer helps ward off insects and disease while stimulating the overall growth, strength, and blooms. We recommend a slow release fertilizer (provides continual nutrients up to 3 months) i.e. 12-6-8 of which we stock all year round. This fertilizer works well on most trees, shrubs, palms and perennials. However, keep in mind that Azaleas, Gardenias, Ixoras and Camellias like fertilizer specifically formulated for them; we carry those fertilizer varieties as well!
Weeds, Disease & Pest Control:
With the summer rain come weeds. You can keep your weeds under control by using a pre-emergent herbicide as a preventative. You can also use a post-emergent (weed has already emerged) weed killer spray or concentrate such as Round Up or KillzAll to kill weeds already present in your landscape. Be sure to read the directions carefully as many weed killers can kill the plants too.
Keep a good eye out for insects and disease on your plants throughout the summer. Rain and humidity can cause pest and disease problems. Aphids, Scale, Mites, and Whitefly can be treated with Malathion. Bayer Advanced 3 in 1 concentrate or Neem Oil (natural pesticide) can treat for insects, disease, and mites as well. We have many of these products in stock to keep your landscape pest- and disease-free.
Planting:
Summer is ideal time to plant. Consistent rain and warmth create a robust growing environment for plants, palms, and trees.
Reminder: when planting a plant, palm, or tree, go only to the top of the root ball and level with surrounding soil. Do not plant too deeply, and do not let soil come too close to the trunk.
When planting shrubs, we advise placing them 2.5- 3’ apart to allow them to grow into each other and create a dense hedge and privacy. Remember to water any new landscaping daily until it takes root.