By Gerry Hernandez, UC Master Gardener
In the flower garden you can still plant seeds of marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, and sunflowers. You can set out transplants of perennials like yarrow, verbena, black-eyed Susan, and dahlias.
In the vegetable garden you can plant seeds of pumpkins, squash, and corn.
Be sure to water early in the day to conserve water and minimize plant disease. Regularly check your sprinklers and drip emitters for needed repairs and adjustments. Monitor soil moisture in hot weather to be sure you are irrigating enough. (Use a metal rod to push into the ground. If it goes in easily, the soil is moist.)
Remember to water your trees. Place a drip line or soaker hose around the tree several times. Let the water run for about 2 hours. Check the ground moisture with a metal rod. It should go in about 2 feet, if not water another hour.
Fertilize summer blooming flowers early in the month. Later in the month use a fertilizer for acid-loving plants like azaleas and camellias. Always follow the directions for proper dilution of concentrates.
Dig and divide spring-flowering bulbs when the tops have died down.
Before the full heat of summer arrives mulch your beds to control weeds and conserve moisture.
Source: University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Visit ipm.ucanr.edu or cecolusa.ucanr.edu.