1. Keep an eye out for the iridescent green and brown Japanese beetle. Physically remove them. They defoliate your plants in the adult stage, mate, then lay eggs in your lawn which become grubs destroying your lawn.
2. If you’re still having lily leaf damage keep looking for that bright red beetle and check the underside of leaves for orange eggs.
3. To prevent flopping plants and to stagger bloom it’s time to prune (pinch) back sedum “Autumn Joy”, phlox, monarda, asters and Shasta, when they are about 12 inches (30cm).
4. Monitor lawns for chinch and grubs, identify them early and start proper treatments. Nematodes are available at garden centres or may be ordered through NIC natural insect control.
5. Spring flowering shrubs may be pruned right after flowering.
6. Remember to change bird bath water regularly to prevent mosquito larva from hatching. If using rain barrels/ponds, keep a few feeder fish to control mosquito larva or mosquito control pellets may be used.(NIC) or garden centers.
7. Check plants for leaf miner damage (columbine, roses, spinach); remove leaves to prevent larva from hatching.
8. For those growing veggies, plant second crop of beans and greens at end of month.
9. Hedges (cedar, yew, boxwood, Korean lilac, privet) may now be pruned.
10. Save lawn clippings which may be used for composting or as a mulch (2”).
11. Mulch beds with compost, shredded leaves etc. to conserve moisture and improve soil structure.
12. Pinch back herbs to prevent flowering, annuals will become bushier, and perennials will have better flavor.
13. No room for vegetable garden? Use extra large pots to plant herbs, greens, beans, tomatoes and peppers. Place on patios, decks, or in flower beds
14. Dead head spring bulbs but let leaves turn yellow before removing (to store food).
15. If you want a “cottage garden” look to your flower beds, try seeding self-seeding annuals amongst your perennials.
16. For natural insect control, try .insects@nicniagra.com, which offers informative, reasonable and quick responses for all your insect problems.
Julia Kron is a member of the Fergus and District Horticultural Society and a Guelph-Wellington County Master Gardener.
