by Buzz Bertolero, CCNP

Saturday-Sunday: Moon in the sign of Cancer/Leo – Water, compost, harvest, cultivate, weed, and control pests...This is a good time to wash off the foliage of junipers. The moisture removes the fine dust and cobwebs that have built up over the summer. This layer is a perfect breeding ground for mites.

Later in the Week:

Thursday: Moon in the sign of Libra – Plant seasonal color

…Garden Mums are now available for container plantings.

Other 'ToDo' things:

...The area under apple trees and other late maturing fruit trees should be kept cleaned up. The rotting fruit attracts Yellow Jackets and can become the breeding ground for problems next year.

..To get Lilacs to bloom next spring, it's necessary to stress them in the late summer by reducing the water. The leaves should turn brown and crispy from the reduced moisture. Flowers form in the spring because of the water stress and whatever winter cold we get.

...And finally, pinch and fertilize Poinsettia plants. Next month, we start the short day treatment so the plant(s) will be in bloom for the holidays.