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Summer Maintenance in CA Native Gardens |
1. WATER
- Cut back on water as heat turns on and plants slow down.
- Water deeply and infrequently. Make sure water is going to the root area.
- Continue watering riparian plants.
- Water younger plants as needed (it takes about 2-3 years for a plant to establish, plant will be 2 – 3 times the size it was when planted).
- Excessive summer water is one of the main causes of failure with CA native plants. It encourages the spread of pathogens, and results in unsustainable growth.
2. PRUNING
- Deadhead to keep summer bloomers flowering (seaside daisy, California aster)
- Right after bloom period, deadhead Ceanothus and other spring bloomers to reduce occurrence of unsightly woody stems in next season.
- Cut back salvias by about 1/3 – 1/2 after they bloom.
- Selective pruning of evergreen oaks, mid July – early September to avoid powdery mildew on new growth.
- Pinch new growth to encourage fuller, denser growth habit.
3. PEST CONTROL
- Hose off plants with leaf-sucking bugs.
- Introduce natural predators, such as lacewings and lady bugs.
- Irrigate properly to prevent stress.
4. MULCH
- Mulch up to 3-4” deep, keeping material away from stems.
- Consider inorganic mulch (decomposed granite, pebbles, etc.) for scrub and desert gardens.
5. COLLECT WILDFLOWER SEEDS
6. RESIST
- Although some have luck planting all year around, summer is the least desirable time to do this. It is too hot! Resist the urge! Instead…
7. PLAN FOR FALL PLANTING SEASON (RSABG Fall Plant Sale, first weekend in November)
8. KICK BACK AND ENJOY YOUR GARDEN WITH A RIVETING GARDEN BOOK AND A COOL REFRESHING MARGARITA!
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Gardening with Native Plants