It’s always a treat to add new annuals and perennials to the garden, or to start an entirely new bed as I am doing this year. However, the babies are usually growing in a very light potting mix and have lots of roots, sometimes to the point of being overgrown for their pots. Careful as you may be in transplanting, shock can be a big problem. Water in the newbies with 1 T Liquid Hormex/1 gal of water and use it weekly for a month. It got hot and rained hard the week after I transplanted a dozen stressed plants and they never missed a beat. The dwarf cleomes are blooming already!

Vermicompost Tea has many uses and at this time of year it is a wise idea to spray your plants with Tea regularly for two reasons: nourishment and insect deterrence. Even if you do, some bugs may test you, but you can gain the upper hand organically. The first step is always the daily walk around the garden to notice changes both beautiful and troubling. When you notice a web, egg clusters, or damaged plants, take action. If entire plants are chewed up, you’ll find more information in next week’s tip. But more often you will find sticky or spitty messes, discreet holes poked into plants or see aphids dotting growing points and flower buds.