Alyce Peterson

As September approaches in Lodi, our gardens are beginning the transition from summer heat to fall. It’s tempting to reach for the pruning shears and start cleaning everything up—but some plants benefit from a late-summer trim, while others are best left alone. Here are 10 plants to consider pruning now—and several you should resist cutting back. 1. Lavender — Lightly Prune Once summer flowering has finished, trim off spent flower stalks and lightly shape the plant. You can remove some of...

August is often the hottest month of the year in Lodi, but a little extra attention now will reward you with a healthier, more beautiful garden as cooler weather arrives. Photo credit: Wix.com Water wisely. Deep, infrequent watering encourages plants to develop stronger root systems that can better withstand our summer heat. Check containers daily, as they dry out much faster than plants growing in the ground. Adding mulch to the Micke Grove rose garden. Refresh your mulch. A 2- to 3-inch...

By July, Lodi gardeners know that summer has arrived in full force. Long, sunny days and triple-digit temperatures can be hard on both plants and gardeners, but with a few simple maintenance tasks, your landscape can remain healthy, colorful, and productive all season long. Rather than focusing on planting, July is the month to maintain, protect, and prepare for the abundant harvests and beautiful blooms that continue through summer and into fall. Here's your July garden checklist. Water...