One natural approach to controlling mildew on roses is spraying a dilution of skim milk. Haven’t tried it myself and would appreciate feedback from any one who does so we can check out results. The natural gardening experts say mix one part skim milk with nine parts of water (e.g., one cup skim milk and nine cups water), and thoroughly spray both upper and lower sides of rose leaves, as well as flower buds.
Other typical spring fungus diseases in California are powdery mildew, rose rust, and blackspot on roses, and botrytis or brown rot on fruit trees. All these can be prevented with springtime sprays, but don’t use on early fruiting trees like cherry. My Bing is at the hard, green fruit stage and I’m looking forward to the sweet, strong fruit in four to six weeks. We like eating the fruit right off the tree. For later harvesting fruit or ornamental plants, effective spray materials have triforine or chlorothalonil as the active ingredient. Since plants keep growing, spray every ten days to two weeks to protect the new growth.
3 My camellias, still young plants, have bloomed. I’m going to do a light springtime feeding, using a slower acting, balanced plant food. For larger plants, it may be time to do some pruning and shaping to help keep them proportional in your garden. It’s best to do this before new growth emerges. It’s smart to remove dead and fallen camellia flowers, since they tend to harbor spores that could lead to fungus next season.

5 To grow your own vegetables this year, start seeds indoors now for planting outside in four to six weeks. Plant in containers that drain well, and cover them with light, sandy soil or planter mix. I use egg cartons with holes poked in the bottom of the cups. Keep the containers in bright light between 70 and 75 degrees. Water them in well with a half-strength solution of a balanced fertilizer, and shade them from the hot mid-day sun until ready to transplant. A visit to the heirloom seed Mecca in Petaluma (more on that later) means I’m trying lots of new tomato and squash varieties. We’ll see how the summer harvest progresses. Maybe I’ll even get a bodacious pumpkin for the fall!
Send me your spring garden shots. If I get enough, I'll create a photo collage of springtime around the country. Try to get them in before Mother's Day, May 9. I'll make it a gift to Moms. Don't forget to include garden fairies. Here's one I found in my own garden the other day -- My Grandniece Sophia!
No comments:
Post a Comment