Mulch and Water Wisely

Watering becomes important for every plant in the garden now. Most roots (even tree roots) are in the upper 2 feet of soil, so water long enough to wet the soil to this depth. Then don’t water again until the soil an inch or two deep dries. Watering too often and not deep enough kills a lot of plants in California.

In preparation for summer’s heat, renew mulch around plants to keep roots cool and conserve water. Use stringy shredded bark or partially decomposed homemade compost. Pile it an inch or two thick, keeping it a few inches from the bases of plants.

From the Los Angeles Times

California Garden Calendar

Annual sale of chrysanthemum rooted-cuttings, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Descanso Gardens, 1418 La Canada Flintridge. Free with $5 garden admission. For information, Call (818) 949-4200 or visit www.Descanso Gardens.org.

Send garden announcements to Garden Events, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, or e-mail to garden @la times.com at least three weeks before the event.