Gardening Corner
It is that time of year again. Summer is here and as we know it brings with it increased humidity and rain. Take advantage of the rain and shut your sprinklers. Most lawns only need watering once or twice a week if it isn't raining. If you don't feel like adjusting your sprinkler timer, then turn it on manually when it doesn't rain. Most of us are smart enough to realize when the grass is showing signs of stress. Be on the look out for browning patches. With the increased humidity, there is the chance of lawn fungus and insect activity. Extra humidity will also prompt weeds to grow, hence one should cut your lawn more frequently to deter their growth and prevent them from going to seed.
Your grass should not exceed a length of 3-4" inches.This is the time of the year to trim, and cut back your plants and trees. Preparing them now will make them stronger for any wind damage that they would otherwise be susceptible to. It's a good idea to remove coconuts that could act as projectiles in strong winds. Of course if it's brown and dead like palm fronds, or tree branches they should be removed as well.
If you fertilized in March/April then it may not be necessary to fertilize now. If you do, be prepared to mow more frequently. If however you notice either plants or trees with
a lime green tinge rather than deep green you may want to fertilize. Avoid nitrogen rich fertilizer which is indicated by the first number on the bag. A fertilizer of 10-12 (nitrogen) is good enough. For the lawn use an ironizer instead of the nitrogen rich fertilizer. The ironizer will green up a lawn just as well.Above all be safe. It is hot. Drink plenty of fluids. Wear sunscreen and a hat.
Happy Gardening
Joy Schwartz