May Waterwise Gardening Jobs

Gardeners living in USDA Zones 6 through 11(or in the European equivalent) have an assortment of jobs to do now.

Prune flowering shrubs after flowers begin to fade. Don’t be squeamish. This will promote new healthy growth and improve the general health of the plant.
Continue pinching back flowers until mid-June. This will give you more blooms which will be more uniform in size.
Deadhead and remove fading leaves from spring-blooming plants. These can harbor insects or, more probably fungi, which can then infest the entire plant.
Take softwood cuttings (or layered cuttings) from trees and shrubs to make new plants. Use a rooting hormone before replanting. Also make sure the tools you use are sterile.
Remove any fruit that has fallen beneath trees. This prevents insects from taking up residence there and laying eggs. It also keeps hungry animals from being attracted to the area.
Look under rose leaves. Rose slugs love to hide here, and they can cause serious damage to your roses.
Check for infestations of scale on euonymus and pachysandra.
You can now move houseplants outside.
In lower zones (6 and 7) plant tomatoes outside now. In higher zones (2-5), make sure your tomatoes are kept watered.
In zones 8 -11, your tomatoes should be already in the ground.
Remember to mulch all your plants. This helps retain moisture, discourages weeds, and keeps the soil at a more constant temperature.
Sterilize your pruning shears often.
Attend gardening seminars and lectures at local nurseries.

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