The summer just started, right? Well, whatever our perception of time, it's the season for dividing up irises and peonies. "You really just have to go in with a shovel and be pretty brutal," says Tom Kasper of the process for moving and/or dividing up perennials. Now and into early September is the ideal time for this work.
With the approaching harvest comes the continued concern about animals ransacking gardens. "[It's] an ongoing challenge for us," says Kasper who notes the various methods for deterring wild thieves; fencing, sprays, screening, and motion-activated sprinklers are some of the more popular methods.
Apple trees are starting to flourish as well. Though most fruit won't be ready for at least a month, some well-tended trees could be seeing larger fruit depending on the level of care through the summer.
You can hear Tips for Hardy Gardeners every other Tuesday at 8:20am on Northland Morning. Tips for Hardy Gardeners receives support from Garden Du Nord.