The Mulch

Mitch's Plant Care

To-do list for the month of May

[+] Buy
	Solanum lycopersicum	Tomato	Buy your tomato seedlings for planting.
	Rosa hybrid	Rose	potted roses
	Brugmansia x insignis var. Charles Grimaldi	Charles Grimaldi Angels Trumpet	Plants are usually available in the spring and early summer.
	Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset'	Orchid Cactus	Now is the time to buy plants that will be blooming in May ... just in time for Mother's Day. If you have questions please do not hesitate to call our Nursery at 619.987-6251 or ask about availability or email us at Katie@garden-jewels.com
	Aeonium arboreum	Tree Aeonium	These plants can be purchased anytime of the year in southern California. Call our store for specific availability 858 259-4568.
	Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum	Purple Crest Aeonium	These plants can be purchased anytime of the year in southern California. Call our store for specific availability 858 259-4568.
	Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum	Purple Crest Aeonium	These plants can be purchased anytime of the year in southern California. Call our store for specific availability 858 259-4568.
	Rosa hybrid 'Olympiad'	Olympiad Rose	Bare root season (Dec - Feb) is the best time to buy, but you can purchase roses anytime of the year as long as the rose in the container is healthy and has strong canes and they have a good shape to them with no disease. Roses in 5 gallon containers are the best, 2-3 gallon containers mean that the roots have been cut off to fit and even worse are the plastic wrapped roses that have their roses severely chopped. By the end of the year those roses that have set in a nursery for several months under the care of nursery personnel need to be looked at seriously for the good qualities I mentioned. It might be a good idea to ask the nurseries what they fertilize with and how long ago they did this. Most use chemical fertilizers and just throw some in the pot. So the longer a rose sets in a nursery, it could be possible that the care may not be as good as we would like, but you can tell by the quality of the rose.
	Platycerium bifurcatum	Elkhorn Fern	Platyceriums are available year round at both of our nurseries, please call for availability (San Diego (619)224-8271 or Poway (858)513-4900).
	Asclepias spp	Milkweed	Buy plants in nurseries or by mail anytime they are available.
	Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Gold'	Golden Butterflyweed	Buy plants in nurseries or by mail anytime they are available.
	Salvia leucantha	Mexican Bush Sage	Buy container-grown plants anytime.
	Rudbeckia spp.	Coneflower	Buy plants in nurseries or by mail any time they are available.
	Epiphyllum spp.	Orchid Cactus	Now is the time to buy plants that will be blooming in May ... just in time for Mother's Day. Call our Nursery at 619.987-6251 to ask about availability or email us at Katie@garden-jewels.com
	Salvia leucantha 'Anthony Parker'	Anthony Parker Mexican Bush Sage	Buy container-grown plants anytime.
	Asclepias incarnata	SWAMP MILKWEED	Buy plants in nurseries or by mail anytime they are available.
	Vaccinium ashei x corymbosum 'Misty'	Misty Blueberry	Buy established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
	Ficus carica 'Black Mission'	Black Mission Fig	Buy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate.
	Cymbidium hybrids	Cymbidium Orchid	Buy plants in bloom to get the flower colors you want. Visit specialty orchid nurseries for the best selection of the best hybrids.
	Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight'	Black Knight Butterfly Bush	Buy known named varieties from nurseries or by mail.
	Citrus sinensis 'Washington Navel Orange'		Buy plants in containers. Choose healthy plants with lots of new growth.
	Persea americana 'Haas'	Haas Avocado	Buy healthy, grafted plants in 5 or 15 gallon containers.
	Alstroemeria aurantiaca		Buy plants in bloom, if possible, to get the flower colors you want, and buy from a nursery you can trust to sell the best varieties for your area.
	Ocimum basilicum	Basil	Buy seeds or starts this time of year.
	Strelitzia reginae	Bird-of-Paradise	Buy container-grown plants -- 5-gallon plants will look good in the landscape right away, but smaller plants may be slow to establish.
	Alstroemeria spp.	Inca Lily	Buy plants in bloom, if possible, to get the flower colors you want, and buy from a nursery you can trust to sell the best varieties for your area.
	Vaccinium corymbosum x ashei 'Jubilee'	Jubilee Blueberry	Buy established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want.
	Plumeria spp	Plumeria	Buy established plants in containers in bloom to get the flowers you want.
	Solanum tuberosum	Potato	Buy only certified "seed" potatoes, either from local nurseries or by mail from specialty growers.
[+] Fertilize
	Solanum lycopersicum	Tomato	Amend the soil adding compost and/or fertilizer to the soil prior to planting. For continuing good crops feed again one to two months after planting.
	Brugmansia x insignis var. Charles Grimaldi	Charles Grimaldi Angels Trumpet	Fertilize consistently during growing season with water soluble fertilizer. Slow release fertilizers do not give the plants enough nutrients quickly enough.
	Cymbopogon flexuosus		Fertilize when placed out for Spring.
	Aeonium arboreum	Tree Aeonium	We donâ€™t fertilize plants grown in the ground, but for plants growing in containers you can fertilize sparingly and diluted. You can use any typical fertilizer at half strength a couple of times per year when the weather is warm, once in April or May and then again in August or September. Donâ€™t feed during the winter when they are dormant.
	Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum	Purple Crest Aeonium	We donâ€™t fertilize plants grown in the ground, but for plants growing in containers you can fertilize sparingly and diluted. You can use any typical fertilizer at half strength a couple of times per year when the weather is warm, once in April or May and then again in August or September. Donâ€™t feed during the winter when they are dormant.
	Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum	Purple Crest Aeonium	We donâ€™t fertilize plants grown in the ground, but for plants growing in containers you can fertilize sparingly and diluted. You can use any typical fertilizer at half strength a couple of times per year when the weather is warm, once in April or May and then again in August or September. Donâ€™t feed during the winter when they are dormant.
	Rosa hybrid 'Olympiad'	Olympiad Rose	Feed Fish Emulsion (Dilute 1 Tbs per gallon of H20 - feed one gallon to large Roses and 1/2 gallon to small Roses.
	Rudbeckia spp.	Coneflower	Fertilize regularly during the growing season for maximum growth and bloom.
	Epiphyllum spp.	Orchid Cactus	Begin to fertilize your Epies so they will produce flowers! If you are propagating only for growth (these might be your young plants or ones that you want to just see growth) a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 is what I would use. If you have mature plants, and you want flowers this is the time to fertilize for bloom. Feeding with 0-10-10 or 2-10-10 to induce blooms can begin as early as February in the most temperate zones. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions. You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com
	Vaccinium ashei x corymbosum 'Misty'	Misty Blueberry	Feed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don't overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants.
	Cymbidium hybrids	Cymbidium Orchid	Fertilize twice a month with a 30-10-10 water-soluble plant food.
	Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset'	Orchid Cactus	Fertilize your mature Epis every two weeks with half strength 0-10-10 or 2-10-10 so they will produce flowers! Fertilizing can begin as early as February in the most temperate zones. If you are propagating only for growth (these might be your young plants or ones that you want to just see growth) a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 is what I would use. You can begin to fertilize as early as February in the most temperate zones. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions. You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com
	Ocimum basilicum	Basil	Lightly fertilize or add compost to soil every other month.
	Amaryllis spp.		Feed once with an organic bulb fertilizer.
	Vaccinium corymbosum x ashei 'Jubilee'	Jubilee Blueberry	Feed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don't overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants.
	Solanum tuberosum	Potato	Fertilize potatoes by mixing a 5-10-10 plant food in with the soil when you plant. Side-dress with a light application of 5-10-10 fertilizer monthly after planting, watering in well.
[+] Harvest
	Prunus armeniaca	Apricot	Depending on the cultivar, Apricots ripen May-June
	Solanum lycopersicum	Tomato	Early planted and early bearing varieties may be ripening.
	Citrus limon 'Improved Meyer'	Improved Meyer Lemon	Year round harvest and bloom. Heaviest bloom in spring.
	Cymbopogon flexuosus		Harvest as needed, using the outside leaves, throughout the year.
	Dendromecon harfordii	Island Bush Poppy	Harvest seed for planting next Fall.
	Prunus avium 'Royal Lee'	Royal Lee Sweet Cherry	Harvest cherries when they are fully ripe and sweet.
	Prunus avium 'Minnie Royal'	Minnie Royal Sweet Cherry	Harvest cherries when they are fully ripe and sweet.
	Cynara scolymus 'Green Globe'	Green Globe Artichoke	Harvest flower buds while they are still tight, before the bracts begin to separate. The top bud on each flower stalk will be the biggest, but after you harvest it smaller side buds will develop.
	Citrus sinensis 'Washington Navel Orange'		If you plant both navel and valencia types, you can harvest sweet oranges from mature trees most of the year. Remember that the fruit won't ripen off the tree, so don't pick fruit until fully ripe.
	Alstroemeria aurantiaca		Cut flowers for beautiful bouquets -- alstroemeria flowers can stay fresh up to three weeks after cutting!
	Prunus armeniaca 'Gold Kist'	Gold Kist Apricot	Harvest apricots when they are fully ripe and come off the tree easily.
	Ocimum basilicum	Basil	Harvest as needed.
	Alstroemeria spp.	Inca Lily	Cut flowers for beautiful bouquets -- alstroemeria flowers can stay fresh up to three weeks after cutting!
	Solanum tuberosum	Potato	Harvest "new" potatoes 2 to 3 weeks after plants start blooming. Harvest mature potatoes after plants have turned brown.
[+] Mulch
	Alstroemeria aurantiaca		Maintain a generous layer of mulch around plants to keep roots cool and prolong bloom.
	Salvia clevelandii	Cleveland Sage	Maintain a generous mulch around plants to conserve water use and keep roots cool.
	Prunus armeniaca 'Gold Kist'	Gold Kist Apricot	Maintain a generous mulch around trees to keep soil moist and conserve water use.
	Rubus ursinus 'Boysen'	Boysenberry	Maintain a generous mulch around the plants to keep roots cool and moist and to conserve water use.
	Rubus idaeus 'Canby'	Canby Raspberry	Maintain a generous mulch to keep soil and plants cool and to conserve water.
	Alstroemeria spp.	Inca Lily	Maintain a generous layer of mulch around plants to keep roots cool and prolong bloom.
	Rubus ursinus 'Marion'	Marionberry	Maintain a generous mulch around the plants to keep roots cool and moist and to conserve water use.
	Solanum tuberosum	Potato	Maintain a generous layer of mulch around plants to keep roots cool and moist and protect developing potatoes.
[+] Pest/Disease Inspection
	Solanum lycopersicum	Tomato	Check plants regularly for diseases and pests, especially tomato horn worm - Green caterpillar-like insects with horns and they bite! and also do short work with the leaves of the tomato plant.
	Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum	Florence Fennel	Watch for aphids. They can severely damage fennel.
	Brugmansia x insignis var. Charles Grimaldi	Charles Grimaldi Angels Trumpet	Pests love Brugmansia. Keep an eye out for spider mite, aphids, mealy bugs, fungus gnats, white flies and caterpillars.
	Aeonium arboreum	Tree Aeonium	Scale is public enemy #1, if infested you may need to treat with systemics. Other possible pests are mealy bugs, aphids (Ants imply that there are) or spider mites, Aloes also get Aloe mites. You can treat for these insects with whatever you normally use to control insects. Plants grown inside seem to be more susceptible to infestation, plants outside usually do better. Treat as needed.
	Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum	Purple Crest Aeonium	Scale is public enemy #1, if infested you may need to treat with systemics. Other possible pests are mealy bugs, aphids (Ants imply that there are) or spider mites, Aloes also get Aloe mites. You can treat for these insects with whatever you normally use to control insects. Plants grown inside seem to be more susceptible to infestation, plants outside usually do better. Treat as needed.
	Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum	Purple Crest Aeonium	Scale is public enemy #1, if infested you may need to treat with systemics. Other possible pests are mealy bugs, aphids (Ants imply that there are) or spider mites, Aloes also get Aloe mites. You can treat for these insects with whatever you normally use to control insects. Plants grown inside seem to be more susceptible to infestation, plants outside usually do better. Treat as needed.
	Rudbeckia spp.	Coneflower	Check for snails and slugs.
	Epiphyllum spp.	Orchid Cactus	As the weather warms you need to inspect your plants for insect pests. Aphids are attracted to newly forming buds and ants are looking for honeydew. Malathion or insecticidal soaps usually are a catchall for most six-legged epi pests. Don’t forget to put out snail and slug bait. I recommend using meal vs pellets. Also, slightly misting the plants before you broadcast the snail and slug meal will enable it to temporarily adhere to areas most susceptible (eg new growth and buds). Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com
	Ficus carica 'Black Mission'	Black Mission Fig	Check for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots.
	Cymbidium hybrids	Cymbidium Orchid	Check for snails and slugs.
	Cynara scolymus 'Green Globe'	Green Globe Artichoke	Watch for aphids on foliage and flower buds.
	Citrus sinensis 'Washington Navel Orange'		Inspect leaves and branches for pests such as aphids, mealybug, and scale. Check for snails.
	Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset'	Orchid Cactus	As the weather warms you need to inspect your plants for insect pests. Aphids are attracted to newly forming buds and ants are looking for honeydew. Malathion or insecticidal soaps usually are a catchall for most six-legged epi pests. Don’t forget to put out snail and slug bait. I recommend using meal vs pellets. Also, slightly misting the plants before you broadcast the snail and slug meal will enable it to temporarily adhere to areas most susceptible (eg new growth and buds). Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com
	Amaryllis spp.		Check for snails and slugs.
[+] Plant
	Rosmarinus officinalis	Rosemary
	Punica granatum	Pomegranate	Plant pomegranate shrub.
	Solanum lycopersicum	Tomato	Time to plant your tomato seedlings.
	Plumeria spp	Plumeria	Plant in a warm, protected spot in full sun or just a little shade. Loose, fast-draining soil is essential -- try amending heavily with cactus mix, or grow in half barrels in pure cactus mix.
	Cymbopogon flexuosus		If lemongrass is potted up, plant any time you'd like. If treated as an annual, plant after danger of frost is passed.
	Aeonium arboreum	Tree Aeonium	The best time to plant is in Spring or Fall, but mostly anytime is fine during Southern California.
	Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum	Purple Crest Aeonium	The best time to plant is in Spring or Fall, but mostly anytime is fine during Southern California.
	Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum	Purple Crest Aeonium	The best time to plant is in Spring or Fall, but mostly anytime is fine during Southern California.
	Asclepias spp	Milkweed	Plant any time.
	Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Gold'	Golden Butterflyweed	Plant any time.
	Salvia leucantha	Mexican Bush Sage	Plant any time.
	Rudbeckia spp.	Coneflower	Plant from containers any time.
	Epiphyllum spp.	Orchid Cactus	This is a good time to plant harden off cuttings. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to give our Nursery a call at 619.987.6251 or email us at Katie@garden-jewels.com or email us at Katie@garden-jewels.com
	Salvia leucantha 'Anthony Parker'	Anthony Parker Mexican Bush Sage	Plant any time.
	Asclepias incarnata	SWAMP MILKWEED	Plant any time.
	Vaccinium ashei x corymbosum 'Misty'	Misty Blueberry	Try planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.
	Ficus carica 'Black Mission'	Black Mission Fig	Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.
	Cymbidium hybrids	Cymbidium Orchid	Grow plants in containers in commercial orchid mix in partial shade under fairly cool, humid, and frost-free conditions (a shade house is ideal). Provide enough light so that foliage is light green (not dark green), but enough shade that foliage doesn't burn. To keep flowers fresh, provide a little more shade during bloom season.
	Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight'	Black Knight Butterfly Bush	Plant in a rich, well-drained soil in full sun, with ample room for plants to grow to full size.
	Citrus sinensis 'Washington Navel Orange'		Plant in well-drained soil in full sun, using a generous amount of soil amendment. Never plant where drainage is poor.
	Persea americana 'Haas'	Haas Avocado	Plant in full sun in a location with excellent drainage (avoid heavy clay soils). Frost-free sites are best. Plants also may be grown in large containers.
	Aloe vera	Aloe vera	It is best to plant outdoors in the summer months. Plant in full sun. Keep in well drained soil. Potted plants need filtered sun or some shade.
	Alstroemeria aurantiaca		Plant in rich, well-drained soil, using plenty of soil amendment.
	Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset'	Orchid Cactus	Spring months are an optimal time for planting Epis Your Epi needs partial shade inland but full sun along the coast. Therefore, purchased plants prefer East-Facing Partial Sade. This occurs on an east-facing porch, under an east-facing overhang, or to the east of a house, wall, or tree. Cool morning sun shines into these areas, but they are protected from the burning hot sun of midday and afternoon hours. Plant your bare-rooted Epi in a coarse mix and pot that well drain fast. Wait two weeks to water. Epis particularly like hanging baskets. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to give our Nursery a call at 619.987.6251 or email us at Katie@garden-jewels.com.
	Ocimum basilicum	Basil	Plant seeds or starts this time of year.
	Alstroemeria spp.	Inca Lily	Plant in rich, well-drained soil, using plenty of soil amendment.
	Punica granatum 'Wonderful'	Wonderful Pomegranate	Plant pomegranate shrub.
	Punica granatum 'Fleshman'	Pomegranate	Plant pomegranate shrub.
	Punica granatum 'Eversweet'	Eversweet Pomegranate	Plant pomegranate shrub.
	Punica granatum	Pomegranate	Plant pomegranate shrub.
	Vaccinium corymbosum x ashei 'Jubilee'	Jubilee Blueberry	Try planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland.
	Solanum tuberosum	Potato	Plant "seed" potatoes whole (if they are small), or cut into 2" pieces, making sure each piece has at least two "eyes". Let cut pieces callus over for a day or two before planting. Plant each piece 2" deep and 1' apart in full sun in rich, loose, well-drained soil that has been amended with composted manure or other organic amendment and 5-10-10 fertilizer. As plants grow, mound new loose soil around the main stems, which will protect developing potatoes from sun.
[+] Propagate
	Punica granatum	Pomegranate	Propagate by stem cuttings into sterile potting mix.
	Brugmansia x insignis var. Charles Grimaldi	Charles Grimaldi Angels Trumpet	Root cuttings in a container with a couple of inches of water or in moist potting soil.
	Cymbopogon flexuosus		Divide the rootball when you transplant for the year. Does not propogate true from seed (at least, not reliably)
	Platycerium bifurcatum	Elkhorn Fern	Dividing them is the easiest and fastest way to propagate new plants. In our opinion you can divide them any time of the year, but the best time is in the growing season (April through the end of summer) and if they are divided then they seem to take right off. If you do it when it is cold, you don't see much activity for a few months until the weather warms some. I think almost all divisions will survive no matter when they are done, if they get decent sized pieces. If they are too small, they may not survive the colder months.
	Asclepias spp	Milkweed	Propagate by seed when weather is warm. Transplant young seedlings to larger pots and grow on before planting in the garden.
	Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Gold'	Golden Butterflyweed	Propagate by seed when weather is warm. Transplant young seedlings to larger pots and grow on before planting in the garden.
	Salvia leucantha	Mexican Bush Sage	Propagate by taking softwood cuttings.
	Rudbeckia spp.	Coneflower	Many perennial rudbeckias may be propagated by softwood cuttings taken from new spring growth.
	Salvia leucantha 'Anthony Parker'	Anthony Parker Mexican Bush Sage	Propagate by taking softwood cuttings.
	Asclepias incarnata	SWAMP MILKWEED	Propagate by seed when weather is warm. Transplant young seedlings to larger pots and grow on before planting in the garden.
	Cymbidium hybrids	Cymbidium Orchid	Propagate by division of older plants (see "Transplant").
	Salvia clevelandii	Cleveland Sage	Propagate from softwood cuttings of new growth.
	Rubus ursinus 'Boysen'	Boysenberry	Propagate by digging new shoots and roots from the outside of clumps as they appear.
	Strelitzia reginae	Bird-of-Paradise	Large clumps may be divided, but plants bloom better when crowded and left undisturbed.
	Punica granatum 'Wonderful'	Wonderful Pomegranate	Propagate by stem cuttings into sterile potting mix.
	Punica granatum 'Fleshman'	Pomegranate	Propagate by stem cuttings into sterile potting mix.
	Punica granatum 'Eversweet'	Eversweet Pomegranate	Propagate by stem cuttings into sterile potting mix.
	Punica granatum	Pomegranate	Propagate by stem cuttings into sterile potting mix.
	Rubus ursinus 'Marion'	Marionberry	Propagate by digging new shoots and roots from the outside of clumps as they appear.
[+] Protect
	Mimulus spp	Monkey Flower	Protect new plants from heavy rains, hail, winds and slugs.
	Platycerium bifurcatum	Elkhorn Fern	Protect from too much direct sun. These ferns will usually grow well if placed in an area with part shade most of the day. A little 'full sun' is usually OK for just an hour or two, but if they get too much sun their leaves may be a little yellow, a lot of sun will burn the leaves. As you get further inland, and thus into hotter and dryer weather, they will require more shade.
	Epiphyllum spp.	Orchid Cactus	Frost damage is still an issue in some parts of San Diego. Remember, Epies prefer temperatures between 50 degrees and 80 degrees. Yes, they can survive for a brief period if the temperature goes as low as 30 or as high as 100, but remember – most of the plants you have in your garden originated in Central and South America where they inhabited the cloud forests. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com
	Prunus avium 'Royal Lee'	Royal Lee Sweet Cherry	Protect fruit from birds, if necessary, with netting.
	Prunus avium 'Minnie Royal'	Minnie Royal Sweet Cherry	Protect fruit from birds, if necessary, with netting.
	Prunus armeniaca 'Gold Kist'	Gold Kist Apricot	Protect ripening fruit from birds, if necessary.
	Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset'	Orchid Cactus	Frost damage is still an issue in some parts of San Diego. Remember, Epis prefer temperatures between 50 degrees and 80 degrees. Yes, they can survive for a brief period if the temperature goes as low as 30 or as high as 100, but remember – most of the plants you have in your garden originated in Central and South America where they inhabited the cloud forests. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com
	Ocimum basilicum	Basil	Protect young plant from snails.
[+] Prune
	Rosmarinus officinalis	Rosemary
	Washingtonia robusta	Mexican Fan Palm	They require a moderate amount of maintenance. Remove fonds and shave trunk.Spines make this an unpleasant job. Best done professionally.
	Solanum lycopersicum	Tomato	Pinch back to encourage full, compact growth.
	Rosa hybrid 'Olympiad'	Olympiad Rose	Deadhead flowers throughout spring and summer to promote new blooms. Make proper cuts using sharp bypass pruners.
	Salvia leucantha	Mexican Bush Sage	Remove old woody stems to promote fresh new growth from the base of the plant. Prune to control size at any time.
	Epiphyllum spp.	Orchid Cactus	You need to continue to remove all dead and withering plant material by either breaking off branches or using clean shears. You need to stay ahead of the weeds that naturally come in the Spring. You might want to invest in latex gloves to protect your hands from most of the epi spines as you remove weeds. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com
	Salvia leucantha 'Anthony Parker'	Anthony Parker Mexican Bush Sage	Remove old woody stems to promote fresh new growth from the base of the plant. Prune to control size at any time.
	Dendromecon harfordii	Island Bush Poppy	Plant doesn't need pruning, just remove it after it dies and harvest the seed.
	Clarkia unguiculata	ELEGANT CLARKIA	Plant doesn't need pruning, just remove it after it dies and harvest the seed.
	Vaccinium ashei x corymbosum 'Misty'	Misty Blueberry	Remove flowers on first-year plants to strengthen growth. On older plants, prune to prevent over-bearing by cutting back the ends of twigs to the point where fruit buds are widely spaced.
	Prunus salicina 'Weeping Santa Rosa'	Weeping Santa Rosa Plum	If crop is heavy, thin fruit as it forms to 4-6" apart on the branches. Prune to control size and branch structure when you thin fruit.
	Citrus sinensis 'Washington Navel Orange'		Prune to shape only.
	Alstroemeria aurantiaca		Remove old flowering stems before they make seed to prolong bloom. On mature plants, you can gently pull out old flowering stems (instead of cutting them), which will stimulate new growth buds underground.
	Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset'	Orchid Cactus	You need to continue to remove all dead and withering plant material by either breaking off branches or using sterilized shears. You need to stay ahead of the weeds that naturally come in the Spring. You might want to invest in latex gloves to protect your hands from most of the epi spines as you remove weeds. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com
	Alstroemeria spp.	Inca Lily	Remove old flowering stems before they make seed to prolong bloom. On mature plants, you can gently pull out old flowering stems (instead of cutting them), which will stimulate new growth buds underground.
	Vaccinium corymbosum x ashei 'Jubilee'	Jubilee Blueberry	Remove flowers on first-year plants to strengthen growth. On older plants, prune to prevent over-bearing by cutting back the ends of twigs to the point where fruit buds are widely spaced.
[+] Sow Seeds
	Asclepias curassavica	Blood Flower
	Asclepias spp	Milkweed	Sow seeds in flats of potting soil when weather is warm.
	Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Gold'	Golden Butterflyweed	Sow seeds in flats of potting soil when weather is warm.
	Asclepias incarnata	SWAMP MILKWEED	Sow seeds in flats of potting soil when weather is warm.
	Ocimum basilicum	Basil	Direct sow seeds or start in pots anytime from March through June.
	Strelitzia reginae	Bird-of-Paradise	Plant in rich, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, in a location protected from frost and cold wind. Crowded roots are OK, since plants bloom better when the roots are crowded.
[+] Special requirements
	Epiphyllum spp.	Orchid Cactus	Epies need as much light as possible during the spring months. However, epies do not want direct sunlight. Flowers Your plants will begin to produce buds. Don’t be alarmed when the plant drops some of its buds. Your Epi can only sustain so many flowers. Most plants that have been well cared for will produce a sufficient number of flowers to bring a smile to your face. If a plant has not bloomed in several seasons it may not be exposed to enough hours or amounts of light. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com
	Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset'	Orchid Cactus	Epies need as much light as possible during the spring months. However, epies do not want direct sunlight. Flowers Your plants will begin to produce buds. Don’t be alarmed when the plant drops some of its buds. Your Epi can only sustain so many flowers. Most plants that have been well cared for will produce a sufficient number of flowers to bring a smile to your face. If a plant has not bloomed in several seasons it may not be exposed to enough hours or amounts of light. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com
	Amaryllis spp.		Container grown amaryllis prefer to be potbound.
[+] Transplant
	Mimulus spp	Monkey Flower	After seedlings in 3 or 4 inch pots have reached a fairly good size they can be moved into the garden. Be sure to keep them watered the first few weeks after transplanting but they should not remain wet as it could cause mildew.
	Brugmansia x insignis var. Charles Grimaldi	Charles Grimaldi Angels Trumpet	If growing in a container, transplant when roots fill pot and begin to grow out of the bottom.
	Cymbopogon flexuosus		Every year or two, divide & transplant into larger pots.
	Asclepias spp	Milkweed	If desired, divide and transplant mature clumps in late spring as new growth begins.
	Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Gold'	Golden Butterflyweed	If desired, divide and transplant mature clumps in late spring as new growth begins.
	Salvia leucantha	Mexican Bush Sage	Divide and transplant, if necessary.
	Epiphyllum spp.	Orchid Cactus	Springtime is optimal for planting cuttings and repotting. You should pot “raw” cuttings with the areoles or notches facing upward in a dry to moderately moist soil no deeper than 1 ½ inches to 2 inches. Mist the cuttings for several weeks – do not saturate the soil. As your cuttings take root they will often produce roots from the areoles above the soil level and at the terminal end – this is a sure sign that your cutting is rooting beneath the soil. Once your cuttings have taken hold, they will begin to re-hydrate and may be watered lightly. Re-potting If your plant shows stress it’s likely due to the loss of moisture and nutrition. This less than desirable appearance will ordinarily improve as the plant regains itself. If you feel that your plant is suffering from a waterlogged root system, this could be caused by poor pot drainage or excessive rainfall, remove your plant from its pot and inspect your roots. When a root mass has completely rotted, the best solution is to remove the roots completely. You will need to allow your plant to callous, then repot your plant in a new mixture. Plant your epi deeper than a plant with an intact root system. This will allow adventitious roots to form above the original intersection between once existent roots and growth. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com
	Salvia leucantha 'Anthony Parker'	Anthony Parker Mexican Bush Sage	Divide and transplant, if necessary.
	Asclepias incarnata	SWAMP MILKWEED	If desired, divide and transplant mature clumps in late spring as new growth begins.
	Cymbidium hybrids	Cymbidium Orchid	After they finish blooming, cymbidium plants may be repotted in fresh orchid mix. This should be done at least once every three years to insure that the plants are not too crowded and that their roots do not rot in decomposed, soggy mix. Older plants may also be divided at this time, but make sure each division has at least 3-4 healthy green bulbs. Pot into containers wide enough to allow for around 2" of fresh potting mix around the plants. When repotting, remove any dead roots and any old, dead bulbs, and pot with the lower third of the bulbs covered, firming the new mix gently but securely around the roots.
	Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset'	Orchid Cactus	This is not the time to re-pot Spring blooming varieties. If you must re-pot, you will forfeit blooms this season. Remember, Epis bloom best with crowded roots. If a plant is top heavy but does not have crowded roots, place the smaller pot inside a larger one and pack the space between with pea gravel to hold it upright. Springtime, however, is optimal for rooting cuttings and "potting-up". You should pot “raw” cuttings with the areoles or notches facing upward in a dry to barely moist perlite no deeper than 1 ½ inches to 2 inches. Mist the cuttings for several weeks – do not saturate the perlite. Mist the cuttings twice weekly without getting the perlite wet. As your cuttings take root they will often produce roots from the areoles above the soil level and at the terminal end – this is a sure sign that your cutting is rooting beneath the perlite. Once your cuttings have taken hold (a slight tug that has resistance) they will begin to re-hydrate and are ready to be moved into regular soil-mix. After re-potting do not water for a week then water Lightly till new growth appears. "Potting-Up" an Epi is necessary when the plant has outgrown its pot and you want it to grow larger. This is a good time to "pot-up" your non-blooming Epis. The new pot should be just slightly larger than the old pot. Transplant the Epi into new mix tapping the mix gently to remove the air pockets. After "potting-Up" do not water for one to two weeks depending on the size of the plant. (smaller=shorter...larger=longer). Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com
	Ocimum basilicum	Basil	Transplant young starts.
	Strelitzia reginae	Bird-of-Paradise	Established clumps may be divided and moved when weather warms in spring.
[+] Treat for Pest/Disease
	Asclepias spp	Milkweed	Do NOT use pesticides on milkweeds, or you will kill the butterflies and their children that live on them.
	Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Gold'	Golden Butterflyweed	Do NOT use pesticides on milkweeds, or you will kill the butterflies and their children that live on them.
	Rudbeckia spp.	Coneflower	Remove or treat for snails and slugs if they are a problem.
	Epiphyllum spp.	Orchid Cactus	As the weather warms you need to inspect your plants for insect pests. Aphids are attracted to newly forming buds and ants are looking for honeydew. Malathion or insecticidal soaps usually are a catchall for most six-legged epi pests. Don’t forget to put out snail and slug bait. I recommend using meal vs pellets. Also, slightly misting the plants before you broadcast the snail and slug meal will enable it to temporarily adhere to areas most susceptible (eg new growth and buds). Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com
	Asclepias incarnata	SWAMP MILKWEED	Do NOT use pesticides on milkweeds, or you will kill the butterflies and their children that live on them.
	Ficus carica 'Black Mission'	Black Mission Fig	Control snails and gophers.
	Cymbidium hybrids	Cymbidium Orchid	Control snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.
	Citrus sinensis 'Washington Navel Orange'		Discourage pests with a strong spray of water directed at the foliage. Control snails.
	Cynara scolymus 'Green Globe'	Green Globe Artichoke	Wash aphids off foliage and flower buds with a strong spray of water.
	Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset'	Orchid Cactus	As the weather warms you need to inspect your plants for insect pests. Aphids are attracted to newly forming buds and ants are looking for honeydew. Malathion or insecticidal soaps usually are a catchall for most six-legged epi pests. Don’t forget to put out snail and slug bait. I recommend using meal vs pellets. Also, slightly misting the plants before you broadcast the snail and slug meal will enable it to temporarily adhere to areas most susceptible (eg new growth and buds). Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com
	Amaryllis spp.		Remove and destroy any snails and slugs. Bait for the pests with an iron phosphate product.
[+] Water
	Rosmarinus officinalis	Rosemary	Rosemary is pretty drought tolerant but both too much and too little water can damage the plant. The best method to water is during the growing season water deep and allow the plant to dry out between waterings.
	Washingtonia robusta	Mexican Fan Palm	Water deeply once per month.
	Solanum lycopersicum	Tomato	Plant in moist soil, keep soil evenly moist (but not overly wet) around plant at all times for maximum production and minimal pest and disease problems.
	Brugmansia x insignis var. Charles Grimaldi	Charles Grimaldi Angels Trumpet	Brugmansias require a lot of water, water whenever soil dries out.
	Aeonium arboreum	Tree Aeonium	Every 7 â€“ 10 days during the warm weather months when the plants are actively growing. Give a good drenching each watering, but be sure to let the plants dry out in between waterings. Good drainage is very important. If youâ€™re growing this plant in a container there has been a lot of discussion about using 1 Tablespoon of white vinegar to 5 gallons of water to increase acidity, which helps roots better absorb nutrients.
	Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum	Purple Crest Aeonium	Every 7 â€“ 10 days during the warm weather months when the plants are actively growing. Give a good drenching each watering, but be sure to let the plants dry out in between waterings. Good drainage is very important. If youâ€™re growing this plant in a container there has been a lot of discussion about using 1 Tablespoon of white vinegar to 5 gallons of water to increase acidity, which helps roots better absorb nutrients.
	Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum	Purple Crest Aeonium	Every 7 â€“ 10 days during the warm weather months when the plants are actively growing. Give a good drenching each watering, but be sure to let the plants dry out in between waterings. Good drainage is very important. If youâ€™re growing this plant in a container there has been a lot of discussion about using 1 Tablespoon of white vinegar to 5 gallons of water to increase acidity, which helps roots better absorb nutrients.
	Rosa hybrid 'Olympiad'	Olympiad Rose	Continue regular watering.
	Platycerium bifurcatum	Elkhorn Fern	Keep them moist, but not wet all of the time. Give them a good watering with a hose or sprinkler; let them dry out some before the next irrigation. If you keep them constantly wet, the 'shield fronds' will turn dark brown or black and the plant will not do well.
	Asclepias spp	Milkweed	Water regularly during dry periods.
	Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Gold'	Golden Butterflyweed	Water regularly during dry periods.
	Salvia leucantha	Mexican Bush Sage	Water regularly but deeply during dry periods.
	Rudbeckia spp.	Coneflower	Water regularly during dry periods.
	Epiphyllum spp.	Orchid Cactus	Check your plants weekly for soil moisture. When there is no rain, water and mist plants on a regular basis. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com
	Salvia leucantha 'Anthony Parker'	Anthony Parker Mexican Bush Sage	Water regularly but deeply during dry periods.
	Asclepias incarnata	SWAMP MILKWEED	Water regularly during dry periods.
	Vaccinium ashei x corymbosum 'Misty'	Misty Blueberry	Keep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.
	Prunus salicina 'Weeping Santa Rosa'	Weeping Santa Rosa Plum	Water trees regularly during the growing season, but do not over-water.
	Prunus avium 'Royal Lee'	Royal Lee Sweet Cherry	Water regularly during the growing season.
	Prunus avium 'Minnie Royal'	Minnie Royal Sweet Cherry	Water regularly during the growing season.
	Ficus carica 'Black Mission'	Black Mission Fig	Water regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split.
	Cymbidium hybrids	Cymbidium Orchid	Water regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out.
	Citrus sinensis 'Washington Navel Orange'		Water larger trees regularly but deeply during dry periods, soaking the soil out past the drip-line. Young plants should be kept evenly moist at all times. Be consistent with watering for best fruiting.
	Cynara scolymus 'Green Globe'	Green Globe Artichoke	Water established plants thoroughly and deeply once a week during dry periods.
	Persea americana 'Haas'	Haas Avocado	Water regularly during dry periods, keeping the soil moist, but not overly wet. Once a month, water deeply to flush accumulated salts through the soil.
	Pyrus pyrifolia	Asian Pear	Water regularly during the growing season.
	Alstroemeria aurantiaca		Water regularly during dry periods. Do not let plants dry out too much, or they will go dormant.
	Salvia clevelandii	Cleveland Sage	Water young plants regularly during dry periods. Older plants with established root systems need no more than monthly deep watering if they are mulched well.
	Prunus armeniaca 'Gold Kist'	Gold Kist Apricot	Water regularly during the growing season.
	Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset'	Orchid Cactus	Epis use little water. Place a small flat rock on your mix and check it weekly. Turn it over and see if it is moist or not. If it is wet do not water. If it is not wet continue to test for watering by sticking a finger an inch or two into the mix. If it feels damp don't water. If it feels dry water until you see it drain out the bottom of the container. Mist between waterings when the weather is hot and dry. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com
	Ocimum basilicum	Basil	Deep water established plants once or twice a week.
	Rubus ursinus 'Boysen'	Boysenberry	Water regularly and consistently.
	Strelitzia reginae	Bird-of-Paradise	Water regularly during dry periods.
	Rubus idaeus 'Canby'	Canby Raspberry	Water regularly and thoroughly during the growing season. Do not overhead water.
	Alstroemeria spp.	Inca Lily	Water regularly during dry periods. Do not let plants dry out too much, or they will go dormant.
	Amaryllis spp.		Outdoors, keep soil moist but not soggy. Indoors, cut back on watering until leaves are completely yellowed--then stop watering and let the plant dry out.
	Vaccinium corymbosum x ashei 'Jubilee'	Jubilee Blueberry	Keep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good.
	Rubus ursinus 'Marion'	Marionberry	Water regularly and consistently.
	Solanum tuberosum	Potato	Water regularly and consistently throughout the growing season as needed.