Who are the pollinators and why are they important? Bees: Bees are the best pollinators in the Eastern United States and their tireless work benefits the reproduction of a myraid of crops essential to human existence such as alfalfa, melons, soybeans and tomatoes. Not all bees are created equal and most of us are familiar with the colonies of honey bees that have provided agricultural pollination in America for decades. These honey bees were first imported to America for decades. These honey bees were first imported to America from Europe more than 400 years ago. In addition to these celebrity-type imported workaholics, there are nearly 4000 species of less well known native ground and twig nesting bees in the US! Some of these native bees form colonies but others maintain a solitary life of tireless servitude that results in the production of fruits, vegetables and nuts for the benefit of us all. Native bees currently pollinate many commercially important food crops and their numbers can be increased if their nesting habitat, nectar and water needs are known are are provided by the average homeowner. More on bees tomorrow...

Garden checklist for June

Hi, I haven't posted in awhile. Just too busy getting my garden in shape. Here is the checklist for June.

• Tomato, pepper and eggplant seedlings can be planted outside now in NJ.
• Continue planting warm weather crops such as vegetables, herbs and flowers.
• Mulch bedding and vegetable gardens to a 3 inch depth to maintain even moisture and to control weeds.
• Fertilize rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas immediately after flowering. Now is the time to prune these, if needed.
• Check plants for insects and control as needed. All insects are not necessarily harmful. check with your local agricultural extension for help in identification and control.
• Dig and divide spring perennials after flowering.
• If you move houseplants outdoors, be sure their containers have drainage holes.
• If spring rain is deficient, water new landscape plants to 1 inch per week.
• Check for black spot and powdery mildew on roses and treat accordingly.
• Japanese beetles can be picked by hand and drowned in soapy water.

Happy Gardening