1. Irrigation

• Use microirrigation or hand water whenever possible

• Water early in the morning

• Water when plants show signs of wilt or heat stress

• Water more thoroughly less often

2. Fertilizer

• If you are happy with your plant’s appearance, don’t fertilize

• Use slow release fertilizer

• Don’t fertilize before a heavy rain

• Don’t use weed and feed products

3. Pest Control

• Conduct regular scouting for pests

• Remove affected leaves and plant parts and pick insects off by hand

• Only 1% of all insects are pests

• Spot treat with pesticide only if absolutely necessary

4. Weed Control

• Hand-pull weeds

• Spot treat with herbicide only when necessary; use a spray shield

• Use organic weed killer

5. Pruning

• Prune dead and broken branches

• Maintain the natural plant shape

• Overpruning can decrease flower production