Two Green Thumbs

Former lawn, now transformed. H st. in Eureka

The days are getting shorter, but we still have plenty of warm weather before the rains come. Now is the time to start thinking about planting your Fall garden. Wait until late September or October before planting garlic, but you can put in leafy greens, brassicas, and direct sow beets, carrots, and radishes. The nurseries are starting to put their annuals on sale, so they can clear out some of this year's stock. Why not add a little color to your garden or yard as well? Make sure to water deeply, when you do water. The ground is parched, and it takes a while to get the water to the roots. Drip irrigation is best for this if you can swing it, because it puts water only where the plant needs it (and not all over the rest of the landscape/yard, where it will encourage weeds to sprout).

The garden is finally filling out. This is an excellent example of a bee friendly landscape.

Not the best lighting, but one of my favorite landscapes. Installed 4 years ago but this part was only installed last year. Planted for the bees.

The lack of rain and abundant sunshine have many plants and trees confused these days. Ornamental trees that don't normally bloom until February are in bloom now. In addition, fruit trees are starting to bud out. If you haven't pruned your fruit trees yet, it's time! Ideally, you would have hit the trees with the first spray of dormant oil a couple weeks ago, when the last of the leaves dropped. Two more sprays will help prevent disease and major pest problems. A simple dormant oil will suffice, and for scab and peach leaf curl, Serenade (a biological treatment that is approved for organic gardening) is also a good idea.