By Pat Shay, UC Master Gardener of Merced County
We have arrived at the most challenging time of year for gardening in the San Joaquin Valley. Temps will be high all summer. Our gardens will demand a LOT of water to simply survive. Weeds will flourish where we are irrigating and in the heat, staying ahead of them will be a challenge.
That said, it is also the most productive time for our edibles. If, in a fit of exuberance at a plant sale we purchased too many tomato, cucumber, pepper, or squash plants, we are going to be begging our friends and neighbors to help us make use of our crop.
As hot as it probably still is, now is the time to begin thinking about FALL (YAY!).
It is also the time to carefully monitor drip systems and make any needed repairs or replacements to maintain good, efficient water delivery.
Again, check mulch and augment/replace as necessary.
If daffodil beds seemed a bit crowded last spring, now is the time to dig up and divide bulbs. Iris, too. If you have more than you can accommodate in your garden, you might consider a bulb exchange with gardening friends. Now is a great time to share the iris that have performed well for you with another iris fan. Also, it’s a good opportunity to add a color or two that you don’t have in your yard.
Plant seed for fall/winter flowers: calendula, Iceland poppies, pansies, primroses, snapdragon, stock, and viola.
If starting fall veggies from seed, now Is the time to do that, too: beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, endive, onions.
Prepare beds that all of the above will move to once weather is cooling and they are big enough to plant out. Cultivate the soil to a foot deep; add compost and fertilizer and worm castings to get those baby plants off to a good start.
Deadhead roses as necessary. Cut back any suckers or dead branches. Give a light feed to encourage another round of bloom.
Cut back perennials; trim out dead branches. This can be a bit of a dilemma….pollinators are still visiting the dying blooms and birds are scavenging seed heads, so try to leave some ‘old’ stuff for them while preparing for another full round of bloom.
Fertilize citrus.
Fertilize camellias, azaleas, and rhododendrons as they begin to set buds. Plants that have yellow-streaked leaves may need a hit of chelated iron. Follow instructions on the container.