Summer is almost upon us, Carson Valley Days is just a few days away, and the hanging flower baskets in town have been installed. With the weather heating up, you may start to notice pests in your garden, so be sure to keep on top of them. Aphids, for example, can really get out of hand – head to your local nursery for some live lady bugs to keep them in check.

The roses have started to bloom and we’re seeing beautiful pink Evening Primrose popping up all over town. Be sure to “deadhead” your flowers to extend their bloom time – otherwise they will start to set seed as if it’s the end of the season.

Your vegetable garden and lawn could probably use another dose of fertilizer, as they’re heavy feeders and can deplete the soil quickly of its nutrients. Speaking of your lawn, it’s best to water early in the morning, as opposed to the evening, in order to prevent fungus from developing. Also, longer, less-frequent waterings, as opposed to short, daily waterings, will help encourage the roots to grow deeper for a stronger/healthier lawn.

For more gardening tips, be sure to check out some of our local nurseries, such as Valley Garden Center in Gardnerville or Greenhouse Garden Center in Carson City.  They are a wealth of knowledge and you might even be able to catch a class or two.