San Diego gardens are busy putting on a great show right now. But summer’s just around the corner, and it’s time to get them ready for warmer temperatures.
Care for Fruit Trees
Fruit trees should be fertilized and watered throughout the growing season. Remove weeds from under the tree’s canopy and add mulch to help maintain moisture and block new weeds from growing. Use a strong spray of water on the leaves to remove aphids, spider mites and other pests. If ants are in the tree, keep them from coming up the trunk with a sticky wrap, and trim branches so they don’t touch other plants or objects giving the ants a route into the tree.
Thin the fruit from apples, pears and stone fruits like apricots and peaches when they are the size of a marble. You should leave one fruit on the branch every four to six inches.
Prepare San Diego Gardens for Summer’s Heat
As temperatures warm and days get longer, make sure your plants are getting enough water. Check new seedlings and transplants often. They need frequent, shallow watering for the first few weeks while they are establishing roots. Water established plants less often, but more deeply so their roots will grow deeper. Irrigate mature trees in a circle starting about one-third of the distance between the tree’s trunk and the outer edge of its branches, its drip-line. Water from that point out beyond the drip line by a few feet. It’s best if the water penetrates at least two feet deep into the soil.
Add mulch where needed. Try to keep 3 to 6 inches of mulch around trees, shrubs and established plants, but don’t place it right up to the trunk. The mulch will help keep the soil moist and prevent weeds.
Plant Subtropicals
Late spring is the best time to plant subtropicals and heat loving plants. Plants and vines to add to your garden include bird of paradise, cestrum, ginger, hibiscus, philodendron, tree ferns, bower vine, Bougainvillea, Mandevilla, black-eyed Susan and pink trumpet vine.
It’s also a good time to add subtropical fruit trees like citrus, banana, pineapple guava and avocado along with Hong Kong orchid tree, palm, trumpet tree, silk floss tree and other subtropical, ornamental trees. Some of these subtropical plants are not frost tolerant, so take care when planting.
San Diego Garden Tips Source
A lot of information for San Diego Gardening Tips comes from the Master Gardener Association of San Diego County. They are a great resource for all of your gardening needs including planting, pests, vegetables, and water use. They even have a free hotline where you can get your home gardening and pest control problems answered.