JUNE EDITION OF GARDEN PATH NEWSLETTER
Go to this link to download the latest issue of our Garden Path newsletter, written by your local Master Gardener Volunteers. As always, it includes lots of timely tips, a plant of the month, helpful gardening websites, and more!
FUN SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES THROUGH 4-H
Are you looking for fun, educational and low-cost activities this summer for your children, granchildren, nieces, nephews, etc.? Look no further! Cooperative Extension has a wide variety of fun activities available. Click the link for your county:
PLANTS IN FLOWER? DON’T SPRAY!
If you want to do your part to protect our valuable pollinators, including hundreds of different species of native bees, beetles, wasps and others, then avoid spraying insecticides to plants that are blooming. Generally there is no problem spraying for weeds or disease control, and even some insecticides are safe, but check the instructions to be certain.
INSPECT YOUR PROPERTY FOR FIRE ANTS
While most ants are innocuous or even beneficial, the red imported fire ant is anything but! In spite of the name, these ants are actually dark reddish brown to dark brown and small (about 1/8th of an inch). The mounds are distinctively large. They are easy to treat, either with baits, water soluble granules, and other types of products. For all the details, check here.
HARVEST FREQUENTLY FOR BEST FLAVOR
Yes, that extra large zucchini is a conversation starter, but for best flavor harvest your squash when it is young and tender. When harvesting herbs, clip the tender new foliage before the flowers buds open. Herbs can be easily frozen or dried for later use. Find more details here.
GREAT RESOURCE ON INSECT/DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Clemson University has an excellent collection of web references on insect and disease management in the vegetable garden and home orchard. You will find comprehensive guides to insect and disease management on most garden vegetable and fruit crops. Here’s the link.