June Tips & Events for Santa Clara County |
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“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” ~Marcus Tullius Cicero
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Quiz: To Bee or Not to Bee |
Have you seen this insect in your garden? Do you know what it is? Hint: it’s excellent to have around, but maybe not for the reason you think. Read to the end to learn more. |
Photo credit: Danielle Pottenger
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Photo credit: Pasadena Water and Power
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Laundry to Landscape Irrigation
If you do a lot of laundry, you can adapt to the drought and reduce your water bill by using laundry water in your yard. Valley Water has information about simple systems to use water from your clothes washer in your landscape. Suitable plants include fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, and ornamental annuals. It’s not applicable where the water would come in direct contact with fruits or vegetables. A Valley Water rebate may be available through June 30.
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Pinching off the tips of your basil will keep your plants dense and bushy, encourage fresh growth, and prevent flowers from forming. Young leaves are more tender than older leaves, so pinch or clip your basil frequently through the summer. You can use the clippings in cooking. However, basil flowers do attract many beneficial insects, so you may want to let some plants flower while keeping others pinched back.
Photo: Fresh, leafy growth on basil plants, Rutgers University
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Weed Focus: Spotted Spurge |
This annual weed is native to the eastern US but is now common in home gardens here in California. Spotted spurge germinates at temperatures as low as 60ºF and is often found in open areas, sidewalk cracks, and thin lawns. It forms a dense mat of foliage that grows radially from a central taproot. Left unchecked, each plant can grow to 3' across and can produce thousands of seeds. The seeds need light to germinate, so a 2" cover of mulch usually provides effective control. Pull weeds when you see them, removing the root to prevent regrowth. Use gloves to avoid contact with the white sap which can irritate skin.
Photo credit: UMass Extension
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Photo: Fungus gnat, C. D. Armstrong, University of Maine
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Fungus Gnats
Have ever found yourself waving away a poorly-flying, small insect near seedlings or houseplants? Or noticed a swarm of tiny flies around a composting bin? Adult fungus gnats are nuisance pests, but in high numbers the larvae can damage roots and stunt plant growth. They thrive in moist, organically-rich potting soil and can be found indoors at any time of year. The most effective control targets the larvae by eliminating excess moisture, especially by letting the surface of container soil dry between waterings. Other control methods are discussed in the linked UC Pest Note.
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Stop Watering Your Garlic |
It’s time to stop watering your garlic if you haven’t already. The tops will turn yellow and start to dry. Allow the bulbs to stay in the ground while the tops dry out, then carefully dig them up in mid-June to July. Cure the bulbs by placing them in a warm place with good air circulation, out of direct sun, for two weeks. Curing is an important step for good storage. |
Photo: Garlic bulbs drying, J. Alosi, Butte County Master Gardeners
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Photo: Syrphid fly larva eating an aphid, David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org
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Quiz Answer: Syrphid Fly
This bee look-alike is a syrphid fly, also called a hover fly. Bees have 2 sets of wings, while flies only have one pair, plus they can’t sting you. Syrphid flies are welcome in our gardens because their larvae feed on soft-bodied insects like aphids and mealybugs. The next time you find aphids in your garden, take a close look to see what’s eating them. You might also see lady beetles, lacewings, or parasitized aphids. Aphids have many natural enemies.
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Our monthly Plant Clinic Online is an opportunity to chat with a Master Gardener via Zoom to diagnose a plant problem. You can also listen and learn while other people ask questions. It takes place on the second Saturday of the month (June 11), from 10–noon. Priority will be given to questions that are emailed in advance; instructions are in the Zoom registration confirmation. Registration required.
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Check our calendar for the latest schedule of events. Videos of many past presentations are also available.
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University of California Master Gardener volunteers promote sustainable gardening practices and provide research-based horticultural information to home gardeners. Visit our website for more information including:
Have a gardening question? Ask us. We’re here to help!
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