GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS
This Saturday, 7/19, I will teach a short class on the basics of garden photography. The class will be held at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, starting at 10 am, and will last about 45 minutes. Registration requested but not required (just call or e-mail). Feel free to bring your camera so you can get more comfortable with the functions.
THIS WEEK IN THE GARDEN
1. Vegetables are at least 90 percent water! Pay close attention to irrigation needs in your vegetable gardens as the temperatures begin to rise. Run your irrigation system long enough for the water to soak in to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Once or twice per week should be adequate.
2. Tall fescue needs irrigation no more than once per week, and can survive longer if allowed to go semi-dormant.
3. If you are canning and preserving, contact Cooperative Extension or an up-to-date reliable reference to verify current practices to insure food safety.
4. Check shade and ornamental trees for fall web worms. Breaking up nests is an effective control strategy. Use a long stick or a strong stream of water.
5. Check NCSU TurfFiles for summer fertilization schedules on warm season grasses such as zoysia and bermuda.
6. Apply a sidedress application of N to long season crops like corn and tomatoes as needed.
7. Many herbicides are less effective under hot and dry conditions. It may be best to delay application until we get some rain. Check the label to verify.
8. Check soil moisture in outdoor potted plants daily during these high temperature days. They may need watering daily!
9. Avoid pruning except for the stray branch or watersprout.
10. Protect yourself against tick and mosquito born diseases by using repellants during outdoor activities. Follow directions carefully, especially regarding use on children. For more information visit http://go.ncsu.edu/bugoff