Fresno Gardening Green

Recent rainfall in Fresno County has created puddles and stagnant water. With the temperature warming up, this combination offers the perfect situation for mosquitoes to breed. The UC Integrated Pest Management program encourages residents "drain after the rain" to prevent mosquito-breeding sites.

Take a drive along the Blossom Trail. March is the time to put winter's planning into action as spring comes to the garden. Tasks Continue fruit tree spraying and spray fungicide on apple and cherry trees.

Some may say that rats shouldn't be classified as pests, but most would agree they aren't good neighbors. In residential areas, rats damage garden crops and eat tree fruit; they can transmit diseases to humans and generally convey a sense of uncleanliness.

Make some shopping expeditions to your favorite nurseries to select water-conserving trees, shrubs and perennials. Tasks Inspect trees for die-back and weak limbs, which are common in drought-stressed plants, and remove them before they become a safety hazard.

When planting, group plants with similar water and sun requirements together. Tasks Sharpen tools to make cleaner cuts. Clean and maintain pruning equipment. Keep weeds under control remove or kill weeds before they mature and produce seeds. Pruning Deadhead winter annuals to prolong bloom.