Hort shorts
- Cut leggy stems of petunias back by half to encourage new blooms.
- Empty and change water in bird baths, pets’ water bowls and potted plant saucers every two to three days to discourage growth of mosquito larvae.
- Pay special attention to drought conditions around shrubs and trees planted the previous spring—give them a deep soaking once or twice a week. Use a soaker hose or run an open hose at a trickle to allow water to sink in slowly.
- Harvest cantaloupes when the fruit slips easily from the stem when tugged gently. Watermelons are ready if you hear a dull thud when you thump the skin.
- Pick ornamental gourds after they have fully ripened on the vine—the shell should be hard and the vine withered. Leave several inches of stem on the gourd.
- Zinnias, cosmos and dahlias make beautiful, long-lasting cut flowers. Cut in the a.m. hours. Remove any leaves that will be underwater before putting the stems into your vase.