Take care of weeds brought on by rains
There were lots of questions flooding my office. Let's start with weeds and rains.
Q: What can we do to clean up all the weeds caused by rain?
A: Thanks for bringing this up. The rains have really created a problem with weeds. Yes, you can spray them with an herbicide, but you still have to remove them. They are much easier to remove while living, so break out the hoe.
Mustard, the yellow-flowered weed you see called London Rocket, has a little bug (false chinch bugs) living on it. When plants die, these bugs head for greener pastures. They move in herds by the millions, but only last until they run out of moisture. Avoid this problem by weeding now. As a side note, mustard is a contributor to allergies.
Q: When do I fertilize my paloverde?
A: You don't need to fertilize your paloverde. It is a legume, and that means it produces its own nitrogen. Any plant that produces pods or beans produces its own fertilizer, so take advantage of the added benefit.
Q: What zone do we live in? Sunset Garden Book says Zone 11 and USDA has us in Zone 8.
A: The USDA and Sunset zones are two different systems for looking at which plants do well in certain climates. There isn't one "right" zone. Sunset's zones take into consideration high temperatures, elevation, rainfall, humidity, proximity to mountains and coasts and length of the season. The USDA divides the country into climate zones based on minimum average cold winter temperatures.
Q: What are some plants we can plant around our pool?
A: Make it inviting by surrounding it with colorful desert plants. Choose plants that produce minimum litter and don't have spines or thorns. Install low-growing plants within six feet of the pool to maximize sun exposure and minimize litter problems. Avoid plants requiring heavy irrigation, because this can damage your pool decking. Arizona has a new publication with a list of plants to grow around your pool; go to www.amwua.org/plants_for-pools.html.
Q: Why are my vegetable seeds coated?
A: Some seeds come coated with an inert porous material to make tiny or oddly shaped seeds easier to handle. It quickly dissolves once you start watering the seeds.
Q: We have a small garden and wonder if interplanting vegetables will work?
A: Yes, intermingle them. Last year I saw some beautiful tomatoes, beans, squash, melons and pumpkins mixed in with sweet corn. I am sure there are other mixes. Most vegetables need afternoon shade.
Q: What do I do for my houseplants now?
A: The return of longer daylight means new growth coming from your houseplants. To keep them healthy, apply a water-soluble fertilizer monthly. Remove any dead or spindly foliage and repot overgrown plants to larger containers.
CLARK COUNTY FAIR
Start grooming your vegetables and other plants to enter in the Clark County Fair in Logandale, 60 miles north of the valley on I-15, April 8-11. Go to www.ccfair.com or call 257-5556 for more information.
FLOWER SHOW
Visit the Flower Arrangers' Guild spring flower show today from noon to 4 p.m. You'll be amazed at all the beautiful designs and other exhibits on display. The show is at the Nevada Garden Club Center, 3333 W. Washington Ave. in the northwest corner of Lorenzi Park.
ALL about HERBS
Herbs are easy to grow, delicious and virtually pest free. Learn what to grow and how to grow it from Diane West, a leading commercial grower of fine herbs. She sells her dried herbs at local farmers markets in the valley. It is at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd.
WATERMELONS, CANTALOUPES AND WARM-SEASON VEGETABLES
Trail (vines) along with me as we explore the beauty and benefits of garden vines, including watermelons, squash and zucchinis. The seminar is at 8:30 a.m. April 10 at the Springs Preserve. Call 822-7786 to reserve your seat for both events.
PRIVATE AWARD-WINNING LANDSCAPES ON TOUR
The Southern Nevada Water Authority in conjunction with the National Garden Conservancy's Open Days Program will show off four water-conserving, award-winning landscapes April 10. Tours are self-guided, so go to www.opendaysprogram.org for directions..
Linn Mills writes a garden column each Sunday. Reach him at linn.mills@springspreserve.org
