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Fresno Gardening Green

News and information about sustainable gardening in Fresno County written by UC Master Gardener volunteers. For more information, visit the UC Master Gardeners of Fresno County website.

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We can complain that roses have thorns or rejoice that thorn bushes have roses. ~ Abraham Lincoln (Photo:Amy Tobin)
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This week in the garden: May 17 - 23

May 18, 2024
Tasks Avoid cutting lawns too severely because the resulting stress causes yellowing. Water citrus being careful not to over water. Continuously wet soil in the upper few inches risks root rot. Hand pick hoplia beetles from white and yellow rose blossoms. Pruning Remove spent blooms.
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The plot at the Master Gardeners' Garden of the Sun undergoing soil solarization. To preserve a plant in the area to be solarized, as shown in the picture, cut a circle (about 18 inches in diameter) around the plant, recognizing that weeds and other pests won’t be killed in that area. (Photo: Sarah del Pozo)
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Use soil solarization to prepare garden for success

May 14, 2024
The summer months in Fresno County are ideal for garden soil solarization, an environmentally sound way to kill weeds, insect pests and soil pathogens with free and naturally abundant solar energy. No pesticides are used in the process.
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Trap snails and slugs beneath boards or flower pots. Collect frequently, smash and dispose. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
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This week in the garden: May 10 - 16

May 10, 2024
The garden is in full bloom. Cut flowers and harvest produce frequently to encourage repeated production of flowers and veggies. Pull weeds and hoe often. Tasks Water and mow lawn. Set mower higher to shade out weeds and keep roots cool.
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Pink and white striped climbing rose on trellis with native sage and lupin plants behind it.
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Rosie’s Corner: Late spring pests of roses

May 3, 2024
Wasn't April glorious? My roses have just been beautiful this year and I am so thankful! I found that they were slow to open this spring, but I moved several of them, so that could be one of the reasons why. Plus, the weather has been up and down, hot and then cold, sunny and then rain and hail.
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Converting a vegetable garden to drip irrigation conserves water. (Photo: Jeannette Warnert)
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This week in the garden: May 3 - 9

May 3, 2024
Keep recent plantings well-watered and mulched. Sudden warming plus drying winds can stress plants. Tasks Use a 3-inch layer of mulch around trees and shrubs to retain moisture, suppress weeds and cool soil temperature.
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