Water now; be cool about planting

Two weeks ago, one inch of rain fell on northern Vanderburgh County, just enough to revive shrubs and perennials. As additional rainfall seems to elude us, the garden continues its demise. Since we do not have an automated watering system, the lawn is crisscrossed with several hoses and sprinklers.

Soaker hoses had been used in our smaller gardens, but they deteriorated over time and were occasionally severed when planting new additions to the garden. Replacing them isn't easy and requires careful handling so as not to uproot plants.

A fellow master gardener confessed she could not pass up plant bargains being offered in area garden centers. Several readers have written asking whether or not to plant perennials during dry, hot weather. My advice is not to plant while the temperatures hover in the 90s and high 80s, leaving plants exposed to harsh sun, minimal, if any, rainfall, and baked soil.

In the garden center, plants were pampered and protected. Place them under a tree or in a semi-shaded area, water daily, and wait for cooler days. If they appear root bound, transfer to a larger container.

Yellow leaves on container garden plants can mean one of two things — overwatering or root bound. It's hard to imagine that overwatering plants is possible during this dry spell; however, different plants have different moisture requirements.

Containers with multiple plant varieties are both popular and beautiful, and it's tempting to overplant the container. As plants appear lush on the surface, the roots grow to support their needs. It may be necessary to remove a plant or two to allow root space. To neaten the container garden, remove yellow and dying leaves.

Humidity also plays a factor in watering containers. When air is saturated with moisture, the containers do not absorb water as quickly as in dry air. Always check the moisture by inserting your finger one inch into the soil. If it's dry, water the container.

Ground gardens that received one inch of water per week are surviving the hot weather, but trees need water also. By watering the grass, you water the trees. Roots that support the tree are as far from the trunk as the tree is tall. Estimate the tree's height and place the sprinkler that distance from the trunk.

A reader asked if it is all right to prune a shrub now or should she wait until fall. Neither choice is correct. The shrub, already stressed by the weather, will be encouraged to produce new growth on pruned branches, leaving it susceptible to an early frost. Pruning in the fall also encourages new growth that will suffer during the winter months. Prune in late winter or early spring. Spring-blooming shrubs should be pruned immediately after flowering.

Crowded plants such as ground covers may be developing mold on the stems. Water the plants only in early morning, allowing them to dry during the day. Use a multipurpose fungicide according to label directions. Spray the plant and surrounding soil.

Garden dos the next two weeks:

n Inspect plants for mold. Spray accordingly.

n Put aside mulch to use this fall.

n Continue watering ground plants and containers.

n Remove dead and dying vegetation.

n Weed the gardens.

Julie Mallory is past president of the Southwestern Indiana Master Gardeners Association and has been an avid gardener for many years, becoming a Master Gardener in 2000. She and her husband, Ralph, garden five acres on Evansville's North Side. She can be reached at ladygardener@insightbb.com