SUMMER GARDENING TIPS (2010)

Mulch

By providing an environment that optimizes growth of beneficial organisms and to discourage insect and disease infections by increasing healthy plant growth, build up your garden soil with composted leaf grow or yard waste. The different types of mulch available can impact microorganisms and nitrogen availability. Hardwood mulch often hardens and forms a barrier to moisture which lessens the break down of these materials that provide nutrient availability. Nitrogen is more readily available when composted material is used. Additional fertilizer may be required when using hardwood mulches over compost mulch.

Bagworms

Be on the lookout a week or two before, during and after the July fourth weekend for young bagworms to emerge from the eggs wintered over in last year’s cases that look like pine cones to the untrained eye. As these larvae feed, they build a new silken case around them and feed on bits of leaves as they grow and the case enlarges. They are especially problematic on evergreens such as Leyland Cypress, Pines, and Spruces but will feed on many deciduous plants. They produce silken threads that will balloon them to different trees, so don’t forget to inspect your neighbor’s plants as a potential source of entry to your property. If noticed, the first choice of defense is to handpick the cases. Next use of a B.t. (Bacillus thuringiensis) product like Dipel is very effective and is very user friendly. If allowed to grow larger, once they reach ¾”, an insecticide like Orthene, Tempo or Talstar must be used.

Deer Repellents

Deer repellents should be part of your gardening arsenal and must be applied frequently especially after rainfall or extended sunny days. Products such as coyote, bobcat or wolf urine have anecdotally been promoted for use around ornamentals to repel deer. They are applied onto cotton balls and placed in dispensers that can be hung near or on specimen plants. Other anecdotal products to suggest using to deter deer browsing plants include placing old panty hose or knee highs filled with human hair, milorganite (sludge bi-product), blood meal and/or bars of highly scented soap like Irish Spring or Dial. Hanging aluminum pie plates or old CD’s from nylon fishing line on plant materials that reflect in the sun and wind is another possibility to try. A pulsating sprinkler that can be timed to turn on in the early evening and morning areas when deer are most apt to be out foraging for food can scare them for a time. Replacement and alternating products is the key. There is no such thing as deer resistant plant material and the best we can do is to find a balance that doesn’t drive us crazy. If at all possible, consider the use of invisible deer fencing at least 10’ high to keep them out of your yard.