CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (May 21, 2025) — Now that you’ve planted it, you’re probably wondering what to do next.

How can I ensure that my new lemon tree thrives? What should I do with my azalea now that it has finished flowering? Just how much sunshine will my hydrangea tolerate? How much calcium do my tomato plants need? Why is my plant burning up even though the tag read full sun?

Gardening can be rewarding, especially if you have successes. So, let’s make this spring a success.

Young citrus trees and shrubs are some of the most challenging installations. They require much in the way of sun exposure, drainage, fertilization and watering. After purchasing any citrus, leave the plant in the container as you move it around the landscape to find its happy place. Plants in nursery plastic pots need water daily to every other day, so pay attention.

Once you find where the exposure is good for your citrus, then install. If you plan on moving it into a larger container or in the ground, use cactus or succulent type potting soils mixed with good compost. This will help with the drainage that citrus requires.

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Young citrus should not be encouraged to over-fruit. You may need to remove baby fruit during the first several years of establishing. If your citrus leaves become light colored or start to fall off, your plant may be using too much of its energy to ripen the fruit rather than thrive.

Fertilize young citrus around the dripline every month with a product designed for citrus. Healthy plants with lots of fruit form will benefit from monthly feedings of 0-10-10. Check calcium levels of fertilizer. Adding calcium will sweeten the fruit, especially for oranges.

Now that azaleas have come out of bloom, it is time to prune. All spring-flowering shrubs need to be pruned after bloom. Prune deep to encourage healthy new growth, then fertilize. Use a granular or water-soluble product formulated with acid and always follow product directions.

Hydrangea season is here. They need shade or filtered light – think about the type of sun you would be comfortable sitting in. Their leaves are large, making them prone to burning.

If you buy a hydrangea in full bloom, do not install it right away. Wait for the flowers to begin to fade before you stress out the plant by roughing up the roots for planting. Place the hydrangea where you plan on installing it and wait for the flowers to relax.

Just don’t forget to water. Hydrangeas in nursery pots need to be watered almost daily.

If you would rather just get your hydrangea installed, cut off the flowers first.

If you see a blackish brown sore beneath your tomato, that’s blossom end rot. Tomato plants need lots of calcium, and our bagged compost and many fertilizers do not have enough. Calcium is easy to add by applying bonemeal to your veggie areas or using agricultural lime. Again, make sure you read package directions before you apply.

Each year, folks question why their installations didn’t tolerate full sun when the labels say they should. Growers do not switch plant labels for every delivery location. A good rule is to let the size of the leaf tell you how much sun a plant can tolerate. The smaller the leaf, the more sun. The larger the leaf, the less sun. If the label reads full sun, put it out for six hours to test.

Fingers crossed, you have a great growing season.

Contact Nicole Hackett with ­questions or comments by email at gardengirl94517@yahoo.com

Nicole Hackett

Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden

Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. You can contact her with ­questions or comments by email at gardengirl94517@yahoo.com