Gardening on the Fourth of July
STEVE KAWARATANI
“Born on the Fourth of July”
--Bruce Springsteen
“Hot time, summer in Laguna.”
--with apologies to John Sebastian
I am a ‘50s child (in more than one way), born and raised in
Laguna. I love our country and hold a lot of affection for Uncle Sam.
Not only did he persuade me to purchase savings bonds; he was a
special influence when I was younger, third only to Santa Claus and
my father. I guess it’s only natural that dads and gifts top
patriotism when you’re 8 years old.
Speaking of gifts, summer has dropped in again, with our gardens
enjoying at least afternoon sunlight. If your flowers are drooping
from the heat, give them a little extra water in the morning. The
wise gardener will forestall further decline to eucalyptus, oleander,
and pine with timely, deep watering throughout the summer. With hose
in hand, it’s also possible to wash away the first invasion of
whitefly and thrips. Read on, and let’s get back to the garden with
the Plant Man.
Q. How can I keep cats out of my garden?
A. Why would you want to? Our feline friends do little damage to a
garden. However, they can sometimes be deadly to birds. (Although
cars kill more birds than cats.) Don’t forget that cats aid the
gardener and homestead by controlling rodents and rabbits.
Q. Is there danger of breeding insects and fungus in my compost
pile?
A. There is a chance, so it is prudent to dispose of infested or
diseased plant material in the trash, rather than the compost pile.
Q. Dear Plant Man, should I prune my tomato plants?
A. No. As long as the tomato plant is kept well fertilized and
watered, there is no need to prune. The side shoots help to protect
the fruit from sunscald.
Q. Mr. Plant Man, I have holes in my flower garden. What should I
plant?
A. A list of hardy summer annuals begins with petunia, vinca, and
marigold.
Warmer weather would allow you to plant zinnia, verbena, and
gloriosa daisy. Coreopsis, ageratum, nicotiana, and dahlia also
deserve consideration.
Q. Does the type of fertilizer affect the taste of fruits or
vegetables?
A. I was taught no. However, my experience has proven that poor
soil fertility will affect the flavor of fruiting vegetables such as
tomatoes and melons.
Q. Help, please...can you tell me about the magic formula of
baking soda that wipes out mildew on roses?
A. It is almost magical the way 1 1/2 tablespoons of baking soda,
1/2 tablespoon of Ultra Fine horticultural oil, and one gallon of
water will eradicate powdery mildew. Repeat the spray at intervals of
7 to 10 days if mildew reappears.
Q. What should I feed my sago palm?
A. My father, Pete, always recommended using blood meal, an
organic fertilizer that releases nutrients to the plant evenly and
slowly. And of course, his sago palms were beautiful!
Catharine and I always look forward to the Fourth of July holiday:
A few days off and the pleasure of watching the city’s spectacular
fireworks display at Main Beach. We’ll toast America on her birthday
and call upon ourselves to steadfastly support freedom and peace in
Laguna and beyond. See you next time.
* Steve Kawaratani is happily married to local writer Catharine
Cooper and has two cats. He can be reached at (949) 497-2438, or
e-mail to plantman2@mac.com.
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