Tagged: heat stress
What’s wrong with my rose? Oddball rose buds could be signs of stress
These are the weird rose buds that prompted Kristine Castrillo’s letter. The condition is called phyllody. (Photo courtesy Kristine Castrillo) What’s wrong with my rose? If buds look like they grew in “The Little...
Get ready for hot days ahead
Straw on top of newspaper is a good start for mulch in the vegetable garden — maybe add some more straw with warmer weather coming. (Photo: Kathy Morrison) Make your plants comfortable with a...
Ozone can be stressing your garden
These pictures compare a normal tulip tree leaf and one exposed to too much ozone. (Photos courtesy National Park Service) Smoky skies and record heat make gardening — or just about any outdoor activity — intolerable...
Dig In: Garden checklist for week of June 20
Pepper plants and dill are hanging in there during the heat with the help of a thick layer of straw mulch and some light shade protection. Short tomato cages are good for supporting shade...
Some pests love hot, dry weather
Spider mites love hot, dry conditions. Ash and fallen leaves cling to spider mite webs covering a camellia. (Photos: Debbie Arrington) Some of the biggest and smallest pests to attack our gardens are enjoying...
Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Aug. 23
Prepare for more dry lightning storms (and smoke) “When thunder roars, go indoors.” That’s the advice of the National Weather Service this weekend as another round of dry thunderstorms head our way. Ash from...
‘Ash Wednesday’ follows nearby wildfires
Ash particles pepper an elephant ear leaf. Rinse off the debris. (Photos: Debbie Arrington) Use a broom or hose to remove ash from the patio, not a leaf blower. It’s raining ash! After all...
Hot and hazy skies affect harvest
Sunburned tomatoes are among the unfortunate effects of the current heat wave. (Photo: Kathy Morrison) Sacramento already has experienced its hottest day ever in August. Now, we have smoky skies, too. What’s that doing...