Not too early for fall, winter crops

Summer garden vegetables are at their peak in August, but it's not too early to begin preparing for fall and winter crops, say experts at Agromin, a Camarillo-based manufacturer of soil products.

Deep water trees: As with lawns and shrubs, trees thrive when watered thoroughly. Water trees 3 feet deep. Since roots extend far beyond the base of the tree, don't water next to the trunk. Instead, water 3 to 5 feet around the trunk. Water every 10 days (less at the coast). During prolonged heat spells, water weekly.

Keep vegetable plants from wilting: Plants needs moisture to grow healthy vegetables. Wilting plants mean nutrients are not getting to vegetables. Always keep the soil around the plants moist. Use mulch to better prevent water evaporation and soil erosion.

Remove faded flowers: Remove droopy flowers from annuals and perennials for continued flowering throughout the summer and beyond.

Plant fall vegetable and flower seeds: Plant seeds of fall and winter vegetables. These include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, carrots and beets. Winter flower seeds should be planted in a shady location. Fall flowers include calendulas, pansies, violas and snapdragons.

Plant trees while in bloom: Select trees for planting while they are in bloom to see the colors before making a selection. Summer blooming trees include jacaranda, magnolia grandiflora and crape myrtle

For more planting and gardening tips, visit www.agromin.com.