Plant container-grown trees, shrubs, ground covers, and annuals Plant cannas and gladiolus Transplant evergreens and perennials Start annuals in flats to cover late-summer bare spots in flower bed Start cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower seeds for fall garden transplant. Fertilize annuals and container grown plants with organic fertilizer when setting out plants and on a monthly basis throughout the growing season. Apply synthetic fertilizer when planting, again when plants begin actively growing, then bi weekly in clay soils. Fertilize perennials with organic fertilizer when preparing for planting or when planting. Top dress monthly during growing season. Do not fertilize trees and shrubs during the first year after planting. Thereafter, top-dress with organics around the dripline when growth begins in spring and fertilize young trees again in early summer. Work the fertlizer into the top inch of soil. Fertilize vegetables with manure tea or slow-release fertlizer worked carefullky into soil along rows or around each plant. Harvest spring plantings of broccoli, cabbage, and peas. Protect ripening berries from birds by covering with netting. Remove cool-season plants such as radish, spinach, and lettuce as they bud or form seed stalks during hot summer weather. Pinch back annual herbs and thin basil. Pull and compost spent crops. Check vegetables growing on trellises and poles. Prune tomato plants Keep vegetables and berry bushes well watered. Mulch to control weeds and moisture loss after soil has warmed, using straw, chopped corn cobs, bark chips, shredded paper, or grass clippings. Take time off. Go for a walk at the arboretum and enjoy your garden! Water and fertilize houseplants Watch garden and houseplants for pests. Move houspelants outdoors to shady locations but don't forget about them! Water deeply, about one hour a week when there hasn't been an inch of rain. Water between 6 and 10 am.
