Hot enough for you?
With the calendar saying mid to late July, it's time to feed those blooming plants again. Not the perennials, just the annuals. To continue their flower production up until frost hits, choose a product with a high middle number. Dig some in around the base, water and stand back to enjoy continued blooms. Keep disbudding these annuals and they will keep producing flowers for you.
I hope you're finished with those iris chores. If they need transplanting, you still have time. Just don't put it off too long. The reason this chore needs to be done now is because irises are so shallow-rooted and need to have extra time to get situated before the cold weather arrives.
With all the hot weather we've had recently most trees are needing water. Just lay your hose under the tree and let it drip overnight. This chore will go a long way in helping those trees get through next winter.
Although it's tempting to try to save seeds from pretty annuals, it's usually not worth the effort. Very few of these will ever bloom “true” when grown as they've been crossed with others over the years creating “hybrid” seed. Don't bother.
On the other hand, if you want to grow something that's easy, try raspberries. All you need is a nice sunny area. They require very little care and can produce lots of delicious fruit. I grow thornless ones and they produce for about a month each summer. I have friends coming by to pick them every few days. They freeze well too, and those really hit the spot in about January.
Be sure to keep an eye out for any wasps around your yard. A good way to keep them in check is to walk around outside your home every week of so. If you spot the beginnings of a nest, get out the spray. It comes in cans that can reach up to the highest eaves.
With this hot weather, we all need to be aware of water rationing. For your town, check any notice written on your current city water bill. The one for Post Falls reads as follows:
• City ordinance says “No outside irrigation” from noon to 6 p.m. Customers are allowed to water new plants and lawns that are newly hydroseeded. Odd-numbered addresses are asked to water Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Even numbered addresses are asked to water Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
• • •
Elaine Cerny has gardened most of her life, starting in 4-H. Since then, she has always kept a garden of some sort, growing everything from fruits and vegetables to flowers and house plants. She has belonged to garden clubs in three states and is an active member of the River City Gardeners Club in Post Falls. She has written My Garden Path for the past 15 1/2 years.
