Sow petunia seeds in pots for an unexpected burst of color indoors next winter.
Plants need the equivalent of 1 inch of water per week. Invest in a rain gauge to eliminate guessing.
Scrub carrots, don’t peel them before eating.
To minimize black spot on roses, water early in the day and try not to wet their leaves.
Install bird netting or scare devices on fruits trees just before fruits start to color.
Wait until the tops of onions begin to yellow and fall to the ground before harvesting the onions. Knock down the rest of the plant and wait a couple of days before carefully pulling up the plants. If the weather is dry, let the pulled onions ripen outside for a day or two before moving them into a dry, unheated shed. Otherwise bring them promptly indoors and spread them on a screen to dry. Once they are thoroughly dry, place them in net bags for the winter. Do not store them in the refrigerator.
Be sure to check hanging baskets both morning and evening for watering. They can often require it both times during hot weather.
Plant Something Massachusetts is a project of Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, and was originally established in partnership with Massachusetts Flower Growers’ Association.