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Gardening Tips for May: David Barkley
Now is a good time to judge how your azaleas and for that matter any other of your landscape plants performed this spring. The particular plant is probably in good condition if the blooms were beautiful and the foliage dense. Keep doing what you're doing and use the "if it's not broken..." philosophy. Azaleas in our area may have been damaged by the Easter morning cold. If they were damaged by the cold or otherwise not up to par, then consider the following:
Azaleas need good soil drainage for the root system. Be sure the roots are not in saturated soils for long periods of time. Transplant, if necessary, into a raised or mounded system. Don't delay.
If you have newly planted or transplanted azaleas, be sure to keep them watered during dry periods. Even old, mature bushes will appreciate a break from dry weather. Newly planted shrubs in raised beds will probably need watering 2 3 times a week during the summer. Consider a soaker hose for water efficiency.
Build a soil or mulch water retention ring around the plants. This will allow irrigation water to soak the rootzone area, especially if they are planted high. Remember to rake away the raised mound of soil making the ring after the plant has become established.
A soil high in organic matter supplemented with organic mulch is more important to good azalea growth than fertilizer. To maintain available iron, soils should be in the pH range of 4.5 6.0. Use lime if the pH is below 3.0. Gypsum is a good source of calcium, which is necessary for good growth, and will not affect the pH. A slow release fertilizer program is recommended for summer growing needs. Now is a good time to apply.
Azaleas require little, if any pruning. The best time to prune is after flowering and before bud initiation in mid summer. Now is a good time to shape, or even rejuvenated especially after some of the cold damage they received.
Inspect for the following disease problems;
Petal Blight, Leaf Gall, Leaf Rust, Mildew, Phomopsis Die back, Phytophthora Root Rot.
Also, inspect for the following insect problems; Caterpillars, Lace bug, Leaf Miner, Mites, Scales, Stem borers, Weevils and Whitefly.
Most azaleas are easily propagated from cuttings taken after the new growth is 4 6" in length. This is usually in early to mid summer.
Keep azalea beds mulched with 4 6 inches of compost or other organic matter. Don't use materials that crust over (sawdust). Weed control is necessary throughout the year. If you use contact herbicides, be certain to shield the azalea foliage as you spray.
Gardening Chores for May:
- Identify grass types in your lawn and what weeds you have and implement an eradication program before the weeds take over.
- "Full steam ahead" on the warm season grass activities (e.g. Bermuda, centipede, zoysia, St.Augustine)! Seed, sprig, plug or plant rolls of sod now and throughout the summer in the Coastal regions of NC. Fertilize, water, mow low and let it grow. Centipede is the exception to the typical lime and fertilizer suggestions since centipede grass prefers acid soils and fertilizing in early June.
- Aerify and dethatch warm seasoned grasses if needed to overcome compaction and thatch problems.
- Inspect vegetables, fruits, and landscape plants for the following insect problems; Aphids, Caterpillars, Lace bug, Leaf Miner, Mites, Scales, Stem borers, Weevils and Whitefly.
- Also, inspect for disease problems such Phomopsis Die back and Phytophthora Root Rot for landscape plants and other stem and root rots in the vegetable garden.
- Shield your plants from contact herbicides as you spray.
- Leaf Gall attacks azaleas and camellias at this time of year. Sprays would have helped this situation if only they had been sprayed when the new leaves came out in April. At this late stage of development hand-pick and remove the infected leaves from the area.
- POWDERY MILDEW may be a problem as the season progresses. It is most likely to be found on crape myrtle and euonymus. This fungal disease may be controlled by spraying Banner or Bayleton according to label directions.
- Disease prevention is key for people who are trying to limit their chemical spray controls. Avoid watering late in the day or at night. Wet foliage at night will enhance the development of diseases.
- Cool season vegetables will be finishing up and double cropping this garden space will increase your garden productivity. It is time now to plant warm season vegetables (melons, peppers, squash, cucumbers, snap beans, and okra).
- Now is also a good time to plant annuals and summer bulbs such as caladiums, cannas, dahlias and gladiolus.
- If April has been a dry month, then make sure you are tending to the watering needs of your plants as the weather warms. We are still 6 inches below normal rainfall for the season.
- Light to heavy pruning may be done at this time for most landscape plants but, have a good reason in mind for when you prune and what you hope to achieve with the cuts that you make. (e.g. crossing branches, rubbing branches, girdling roots, storm damaged parts, diseased limbs, etc...) Remember the 4D's - DEAD, DISEASED, DYING, OR DAMAGED TISSUE may be pruned at any time.
- Mulching provides over 15 benefits to the garden and to the environment and this month is still a good time to keep weeds in check and to conserve moisture by applying mulch to areas in the garden and around the landscape. How many benefits can you name?
What to Fertilize: Typically it is best to fertilize most ornamental plants around April 15. You may apply bulb fertilizers according to label directions after bulbs emerge. If you have not already fertilized do so now at your earliest convenience.
Pest Outlook: Check for tea scale on camellias; scale on euonymus and spider mites on juniper. Spray roses for black spot every 7-10 days. To control sooty mold, scale, mealy bugs and spider mites, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Always check label recommendations.
Lawn Care: : Irrigating during warm, dry and windy weather with low relative humidity levels will prevent turf grasses from dehydrating. Do not irrigate every day. Over watering can lead to many different problems. Mow lawn as grass begins to green-up.
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