All the Dirt on Gardening

Skip West, Master Gardener for Cohlmias in Tulsa gave his monthly presentation of gardening tips. Azaleas - prune 3 weeks after bloom, in mid-April. Never fertilize after Aug 1. Try carpet and drift rose varieties as low-care ground cover. When you buy annuals, do not fertilize for a month after planting. They come loaded with fertilizer already. Cottonseed hulls are the best all around mulch. Pecan shells are the best for Azaleas. Prune honeysuckle, forsythia and everything else that has already bloomed. Divide perennials now if they are 5 years old. Remove the dead wood from crape myrtles. Plant periwinkles in mid-May - they are the best performer in full sun. Also in mid-May plant caladiums, lantanas, zinnias, okra and squash Read plant labels but remember that full sun in Michigan is not full sun in Oklahoma. Tent caterpillars, web worms and bag worms will become active soon. Pull them off the trees. Skip West In May, prune climbing roses 2 week...