The following Horticulture article printed in the 2019 Summer edition of the Oldham County Extension Newsletter.

Summer Gardening Activities

• New plants can be added to the landscape. Container grown plants and balled and burlapped plants from a nursery or garden center can be planted now. Digging and transplanting trees once they have leafed out will stress them and often be unsuccessful.

• When spreading mulch, allow a depth of no more than three inches, and keep it away from the bark to prevent creating an environment for insect invasion and disease development. Deep mulch around the base of trees will encourage girdling roots and disease development, leading to the early loss of trees.

• Frequently scout plants for disease symptoms and insect damage. Early detection and treatment will reduce the amount of damage caused by the disease or insects.

• Plantings in containers need to be checked every day for watering. Use a liquid fertilizer frequently when watering — at least every third watering. Consider using a slow release fertilizer which will require only a couple applications during the growing season.

• Blackberries will require pruning canes that have finished producing fruit for the year. This allows new canes to develop and reduces transferring disease to the new canes. Pruning new canes to a height of four to five feet high will allow side shoots to develop. Red raspberry canes that have finished fruiting for the year should be removed at ground level.

• During the summer, while house plants are actively growing, is the best time for selective pruning to keep your plants looking their best. Summer is also a good time to move house plants outdoors, being sure to keep them in full shade. Full sun exposure will burn the leaves.

Written by Michael Boice, Oldham County Extension Horticulture Assistant, and edited by Lauren Fernandez, Oldham County Extension Program Assistant.