Landscape

• Prune dead, broken, crossed or damaged limbs from spring-flowering trees and shrubs when petals have fallen.

• Inspect azaleas, pieris and pyracantha for signs of lacebug. The upper sides of foliage will have a bronzy appearance while undersides will have black spots. Treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil spray.

• Fertilize spring-flowering trees and shrubs after petals fall. Apply one pound of 5-10-10 (or similar analysis product) per every inch diameter of tree trunks, or half-pound per 3 feet of shrub height.

• Use a rain gauge to determine if the lawn is receiving the needed 1 inch per week of moisture. Slow, deep watering is best to ensure penetration of roots into the soil.

Fruits and vegetables

• Plant tomatoes, eggplant and peppers deeper than they were growing in the pot. Avoid root damage by setting stakes in the ground before planting the seedlings.

• Spray fruit trees with a home orchard spray for insects and disease. Continue at recommended intervals until fruit ripens.

Patio gardening

• Plant salad vegetables and tomatoes in containers and place where they will receive at least six hours of sun daily. Choose small tomato varieties such as "Patio."

• Add finished compost or slow-release fertilizer to potting soil before planting containers. If using time-released products, mix in 2 tablespoons of fertilizer pellets for each gallon of soil.

Eco tip

Clean, fresh water is as important to birds, bats and other wildlife as it is to people. Provide water in a saucer, birdbath or pond. The water must be kept clean, and replenished often during hot, dry spells.

Contact Civic Garden Center Hotline by phone: 221-8733; e-mail: hotline@civicgardencenter.org.