The caterpillars of Spongy Moth (formerly Gypsy Moth) have hatched earlier this week and it appears that we can expect to see another year of considerable defoliation of oaks, as well as a few other tree species prevalent in Berkshire forests. Defoliation of deciduous trees in many home landscapes will also occur, the extent of which depends on what trees one is growing. Right now there is little that can be done to control the pest, other than scraping off those tiny caterpillars into a bucket of soapy water. A late evening or pre-dawn spray with neem oil may provide a little control. On the plus side, such outbreaks are often short-lived as natural viruses and fungi eventually reduce the pest population.
When not preoccupied with Spongy Moths, tackle these tasks:
* Apply a two or three-inch-deep layer of organic mulch around newly planted trees; the larger the mulched area, the better. Be careful not to pile mulch against the trunks of trees since that may cause damage to the bark. Partially composted wood chips make good mulching material.Â
* Make the season’s first sowing of sweet corn this weekend, but don’t plant all of the seed. Early sowing of sweet corn may not always be successful, since soil temperatures are still cool. Furthermore, a prolonged wet or dry spell at this time of year could dramatically reduce the percentage of seed germination. So, save the bulk of corn seed for later sowings, the next being in about two weeks.
* Don’t worry about a late start of cool season vegetables in the garden. Most leafy greens and root crops can still be planted. The leafy crops, especially those which tend to bolt in hot weather, should be planted in areas of the garden that receive some shade. Otherwise, provide shade by planting on the north side of a corn planting or create shade using a lath fence.
* Where early flowering bulbs have faded, add some color by transplanting pansies. Local garden centers have had pansies on sale for several weeks.
* Plant perennials. May is the perfect month for planting perennials. Plants get established quickly because the soil is moist, and, with this month’s typically cool weather, there is less stress on plants now than there will be in June. One of my favorite perennials now in bloom is brunnera, also called Siberian bugloss or ‘false forget-me-nots’. Varieties with variegated leaves of silver and green retain interest even after the flowers have faded.
* Apply some fertilizer to seedlings started indoors, especially if they were started in mixes that do not contain any plant nutrients. The easiest fertilizer to use to give seedlings a boost is a liquid feed. These may be water soluble fertilizers such as Scott’s or Peters, or organic solutions including fish emulsion and seaweed extract.
