Summer gardening calendar
These activities can be done on any day of the week — By Ellen Wells, Globe Correspondent
(istockphoto.com)
Ready for the Fourth of July? Show off your harvest at your cookout.
Monday
29
Mophead hydrangeas have blue flowers in acidic soil and pink flowers in alkaline soil.
Tuesday
30
Pinch flowers and growing tips from annual herbs to encourage lateral shoots and create a bushier plant.
Wednesday
1
During July and August, water annuals every day; use liquid fertilizer every day.
Thursday
2
Water lawns and gardens in the early morning. Wet leaves at night are susceptible to disease.
Friday
3
Buy some red, white, and blue hanging baskets for the holiday.
Saturday
4
Harvest your first tomatoes and some lettuce for your Fourth of July cookout.
Sunday
5
Fill gaps in your perennial border with quick-growing annuals or potted tropical plants.
These guidelines are all dependent on Mother Nature, of course, and your location. For the Boston area, Zone 6 hardiness puts the last frost date around May 1. For Zone 5, add a week; Zone 4, add two. But that doesn't mean cold nights are gone for good. Keep a careful eye on your local weather forecast to watch for unseasonably cold temperatures. Find your USDA Hardiness Zone at www.garden.org/zipzone.
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