Deep, infrequent soakings provide the plant a good supply of moisture, yet allow a drying out period to keep the soil well aerated. Mulching is the best insurance against dry conditions we can provide our plants, next to proper watering. About 2 to 3 inches of organic materials around bedding plants or up to 4 to 5 inches around trees and shrubs will keep the soil a bit cooler, improve infiltration of rain or irrigation, and slowly decompose to help build the soil tilth. Our bedding plants are still producing blooms in profusion. It is important to keep them well fed now that the warm weather has pushed them into vigorous growth and blooming.
Productive plants benefit most from rich soil and periodic feeding with a complete fertilizer.
Those houseplants that spent the winter in a protected indoor location need to go outdoors soon if they have not already. It's best to give them some time to get used to the outdoor climate and dramatically increased light intensities, rather than to just move them out abruptly. Begin by moving them outdoors to a very shady location for a few hours a day. Remember the shadiest outdoor location is probably much brighter that the brightest indoor location. What's New Sq.