Keven’s Corner

Keven Pauling

May is usually the month when things really start heating up here in the Valley, so be sure your automatic watering system is working properly and adjusted. I always recommend turning it on and physically looking at each drip head. They won’t all look alike; different colored heads mean different amounts of water flow. Increase the frequency of watering by at least a third, keeping the length of time the same. For example, if you have been watering every five days, change to every three. If you have been watering every 10 days, increase to every seven. Change the battery on the back of your timer so it is fresh for the summer monsoon season when power outages can occur.

Continue to feed roses, bedding and potted plants.

Summer flower season has begun, so make plans to pull out all your winter petunias and replace with summer annuals like zinnia, portulaca, vinca, marigold and lisianthus which are just a few of my favorites. Also, remember to add a little fresh soil to the bedding area and pots when you plant. Don’t throw your coffee grounds away; dump them on top of the soil around your flowers. They will love you for it.

Questions or comments? Send me an email at: [email protected].