UC Master Gardener Terry Lewis released on April 17 a list of gardening tasks and tips for the week of April 17 to 23, providing guidance on weed control, irrigation, pruning, fertilizing, planting, and pest management.
The advice aims to help gardeners manage their landscapes as spring progresses and temperatures rise. The recommendations are designed for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to maintain healthy gardens while using sustainable practices.
Lewis advises that when controlling weeds with herbicides, it is best to spray on calm days and use cardboard shields to protect desirable plants. Mulching is recommended at a depth of three to four inches for water retention but should be kept away from plant stems or trunks. Gardeners are also encouraged to use the ‘season adjust’ feature on irrigation controllers for easier watering adjustments.
Spring-flowering shrubs should be shaped after blooming. For propagation, four-inch soft wood cuttings can be taken from perennials such as chrysanthemum and geranium. When fertilizing vegetables and lawns, caution is advised since nitrogen promotes growth that requires more water; deciduous fruit and nut trees should receive one third of their annual fertilizer now. As spring planting season ends, Lewis lists suitable options: seeds or transplants of many annuals and vegetables; coneflower or gloriosa daisy from seed; fairy lily bulbs; corn or watermelon seeds; bottlebrush shrubs; globe amaranth annuals.
Gardeners are reminded that University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources secures funding through public contributions to support its programs according to the official website. The organization promotes sustainable practices for resilient ecosystems and economic vitality according to its official website, utilizes nine research centers representing California’s diverse ecosystems according to its official website, has gained recognition for trusted services linking research with community needs according to its official website, manages Cooperative Extension services as part of the University of California system according to its official website, conducts over thirty-three thousand educational events annually, and engages more than eighteen thousand volunteers in initiatives according to its official website.
For those facing garden problems or seeking further advice, questions with photos can be submitted directly via the Fresno County Master Gardeners Helpline.