GARDENING BY THE MOON
UNUSUAL WEATHER PATTERN AND YOUR PLANTS!
By: Dr. Robert E. Moon Harvest Horticulturist
This has been an unusual spring and early summer. There has been more rain than usual and, thankfully, cooler temperatures. But, for those of you who have lived in Texas for a long time, you know the very hot and dry weather is coming. The upside for you is that you have been able to save on your water bill by not watering as much as normal for this time of year. The downside is that the hot, dry weather can sneak up on you and cause your turf, shrubs and trees to suffer before you know it. So, it is your job to monitor your plants and soil closely.
Once you see plants drying out or feel the hot, dry weather, turn your irrigation to the July watering schedule before your plants are adversely affected.
July
Set to run 2 times per week
Spray Heads – 12 -20 minutes
Rotor Heads – 30-45 minutes
Bubbler Heads – 5-10 minutes
Drip – 30-45 minutes
Also, due to all the rain, you will need to fertilize your yard with the Harvest fertilizer or a fertilizer with a high first number in the analysis on the fertilizer bag. Water fertilizer in after application. Some hand watering after fertilization will be needed on parkways and in your beds due to the drip irrigation.
The wet weather has also created the absolute best conditions for disease on your turf, trees and other plants. If you see brown spots in your turf, it could be a turf disease. Treat with a granular turf fungicide that can be purchased from any garden shop. If you see dead spots on the leaves of your trees or shrubs, it could be leaf spot disease. Treat those plants with Neem Oil.
The cool, wetter weather has been nice! Just be on alert for the hot, dry weather to come.