 with triforine fungicide and horticultural oil spray. Avoid overhead irrigation from sprinklers otherwise the disease will persist.
Bedding plants to plant this month include celosia, coleus, crossandras, impatiens, kalanchoe, nicotianas, ornamental peppers, moss rose, nemesia, salvia, periwinkles and zinnias. This is the last month to prune azaleas, camellias and gardenias. Since they start setting buds for next year's flowers during the summer, pruning any later in the year may harm next year's flower production.
If your young oleanders are being devoured by the oleander caterpillars treat the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), Dipel (powder) or Thuricide (liquid). For best results treat in the late afternoon or on a cloudy day. Bacillus thuringiensis is light sensitive. The bacteria are ingested with the foliage when the caterpillar eats the plant and eventually eat the caterpillar from the inside. BT is effective on most caterpillars, but be aware that it also will kill the caterpillars that grow into butterflies.
Lightly prune your shrubs and perennials to promote bushier plants. Prune dead branches and limbs from your trees to prepare for hurricane season, which begins Wednesday.
Ruth Micieli is horticulture program assistant and Master Gardener Coordinator of the Flagler County Extension Service, University of Florida. For information, contact the office, 386-437-7464. The extension service is at 150 Sawgrass Road, off County Road 13.