Landscape

• Choose sites carefully for planting narrow-leafed evergreens. Avoid low, wet areas with standing water where roots can drown. Plant in sites free from winter de-icer runoff, or create a diversion for this water, which is high in harmful salts.

• Water newly planted shrubs and trees with a trickle of water from a hose placed at the base of the trunk, so that water soaks in rather than runs off. Be sure the root ball is well soaked at time of installation to protect roots that were disturbed during planting.

• Avoid getting too close to tree trunks and shrubs when mowing and power trimming. Even slight damage makes an entrance for borers and other damaging insects.

• Mow lawns frequently enough so that no more than 1/3 of the grass blade is removed at each mowing.

Flowers

• Plant tender bulbs, such as agapanthus, dahlia, gladiola, amaryllis, canna and calla lily.

• Plant annuals in the evening or on a humid, windless, cloudy day to minimize drying out while plants become established.

• Fertilize annuals at planting time with 1-2 teaspoons of slow-release fertilizer. A small amount of this type of fertilizer is dissolved and made available to the plant with each watering.

Fruits and vegetables

Plant sweet corn in blocks rather than in long narrow rows to facilitate pollination. Sweet corn will attract ladybird beetles (also known as ladybugs) to the garden.

Eco tip

Use disease-resistant cultivars to reduce the need for chemicals. "Petite Delight" bee-balm resists powdery mildew and "Red Jewel" crabapple has excellent disease resistance

Contact Civic Garden Center Hotline by phone: 221-8733; e-mail hotline@civicgardencenter.org.