The White Flies Are Coming!

The White Fly is coming to a tree or shrub near you. If you have not seen these flittery pests, they will probably find you soon. The White Fly will leave a sticky calling card of honey dew that will grace your sidewalks or even your car if you are lucky enough to choose the White Fly’s favorite tree to shade your car from the intense summer sun. Legions of ants will become apparent as they tend their herds of White Flies. They will certainly move to your favorite plant if you do not tend to them NOW. "If spraying on vegetables or edibles use the Bayer Power Force Multi-Insect Killer with Cyfluthrin.  On ornamentals use Bayer Tree & Shrub Insect Killer for systemic control that will last 12 months. Remember to always follow and read label directions. It is best to spray in early morning or late evening to avoid leaf burn from the hot summer sun."

Warm Weather Planting

Take advantage of the warm summer days to plant frost-tender shrubs and trees, such as palms, bananas, bougainvilleas and hibiscus. These are great additions to the garden as long as they are properly placed. Select a location that receives half to full day sun. A bit of frost protection, such as a wall or a corner by a fence, is best to help prevent frost kill next winter. Almost all of these subtropical plants love as much heat as possible. Plant using equal amounts of Red Star Mix & Mulch or Gardeners & Bloome Harvest Supreme Planting Mix and native soil. Blending the mix with some soil is much better than replacing the total volume of soil. This blending provides a gradient to allow the roots to acclimate and grow easily into the native soil. Plant so that the root ball is 1” above the surrounding soil. Cover this exposed soil with compost or planting mix. In a short amount of time, the hole will settle to the correct depth. Keep moist for the first 6 to 8 weeks. Your new plant will need more frequent watering than the existing ones.

Adjust Your Watering

As the heat becomes more intense, water becomes critical to you and your plants. Adjust your watering times to provide adequate water without wasting this precious resource. "If your lawn has a significant slope, look at the water flow pattern at least once a month. Adjust the clock on your automatic sprinkler system to make sure you don't water past the point of runoff. Water pouring down the gutter doesn't do a thing to make your grass grow. Try watering for two shorter intervals an hour or two apart to get the needed water penetration. " In addition, an application of Gypsite will help make the soil more porous and allow the water to penetrate much better.

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