Timely tips for April

April is the month that everyone gets excited about because we are finally seeing some color in the garden. As the blossoms of flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and others begin to fade, be sure to remove the seed head. By not letting the seed head form, the energy that would be used to make seeds will be reserved to benefit the bulb. Also, do not remove the foliage until it has begun to yellow. It must remain intact so the bulb can produce enough energy to bloom again the following year.
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Now is the time to apply an All-Seasons spray oil by Bonide to trees and shrubs to help control over-wintering insects and diseases. If you have fruit trees, it is especially important to begin the Bonide Fruit Tree Spray schedule to insure a high quality harvest free of fungal spots and insects. Please consult with a VanPutte professional if you have any questions regarding the use of these products.
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OTHER ESSENTIAL INFO:

* Apply pre-emergent crabgrass control before the forsythia blossoms drop. Read the label and consult with a VanPutte professional if you have any questions regarding the application of this product.
* Harden-off seedlings started indoors before planting into the garden. Do this by setting the seedling trays outside during the day in a protected area (water as needed) and then bringing back inside at night to protect from freezing temperatures.
* Houseplants are now more actively growing – the perfect time to transplant into a new pot.
* Monitor water for transplants and new seed beds – mother nature may not be enough!

As sun and warmth returns this weekend, keep watch on hillsides and sunny areas for the first sign of early spring bulbs, such as Snowdrops. These small white flowers will start to emerge anytime now, giving a breath of freshness as we come out of a dreery winter.

This weekend looks like a beautiful time to just get out get an early start on garden and lawn cleaning. Simple garden tasks, such as cleaning out any weeds and debris in your beds, that were ignored last fall, will get you in that 'spring mode'.

If that doesn't seem appealing, just take a nice walk and enjoy the sun. As you're strolling, take time to look at other landscape beds in your neighborhood. You might just find a small idea that you can 'borrow' and use in your yard this year.

Enjoy the outdoors. It's an extension of your living space.

February Timely Tips

We are now in the coldest part of winter and you’re feeling like spring can’t get here soon enough. Hold on – we’re only a few weeks away! Since you can’t get out in the garden, how about getting out into the garage or down in the basement to maintain your gardening equipment. Lawn mowers and tillers need the oil replaced periodically, just like your car. Check belts, chains and oil levels. Clean away soil, plant debris, rust, etc. Check hand tools for signs of wear and tear and make necessary repairs or replacements. VanPutte’s has a great selection of the latest and greatest hand tools!

If you want to keep yourself busy inside, there’s plenty to do that’s garden related: complete plans for your vegetable garden – you’ll be planting peas, beans, broccoli and lettuce before long; tend to your houseplants by rotating them regularly, washing them to help keep them free from pests, and maintaining humidity during the dry heating season; begonias, impatiens and geraniums can be started from seed now.
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WATCH FOR UPCOMING GARDENING SHOWS. They’ll give you many great ideas for the upcoming gardening season, as well as a much needed break from winter. Don’t forget to bring along a notebook and pen to jot down all the great plants you’ll want to shop for here at VanPutte Gardens!

Timely Tips For January

January is the time to contemplate the coming gardening season. To have the most successful gardening experience, whether it be on a windowsill, patio, or in the garden, take the time now to review your successes and failures and prepare your plan for the coming year. Prepare a list of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, vegetables and seeds for your containers and landscape. Visit the information center at VanPutte’s to help you make the right choices. Don’t throw out those spring gardening catalogs! They’re also a good source of information to help you plan. VanPutte’s is open year-round and we have a huge selection of seeds and seed starting supplies in stock now. Check the back of seed packets to determine the best time for starting in our area. Think Spring!
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Dreading the snow that is sure to come? Don’t. The snow that we get in our northern areas acts as winter protection for your plants: it insulates, reducing deep freezing in the soil and protects the roots and crowns.
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A WORD ON HOUSEPLANTS
Check houseplants for mites, mealy bugs, scale and whitefly that may have been brought in from the outdoors. Consult a professional at VanPutte’s to select the proper treatment. Increase humidity by placing sensitive plants on trays of pebbles filled with water or by running a humidifier. Signs that humidity is too low are browning tips and leaves that are smaller than normal or are misshapen.

Timely Tips: November

Take a moment to check out these timely tips for November.

While we can still get out into the garden, why not do some things now to make life easier in the spring? Remove all dead vegetable and annual plants and trim back perennials (wait until early spring to cut back butterfly bush and ornamental grasses). Prepare soil for early spring planting of crops such as peas, carrots, broccoli, etc. by incorporating organic material. Have the pH of the soil tested and add lime or sulfur accordingly. VanPutte’s will do a free pH test for you: just bring in a soil sample (a 1 lb. coffee can filled to the top is ideal) and the results will be ready within just a few minutes. Take care not to touch the soil with your bare hands – this can alter the results – use a garden tool.
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OTHER ESSENTIAL INFO:

* Apply winterizer to your turf. VanPutte’s has it with or without weed killer.
* If you still have flowering bulbs hanging around plant them now!
* Apply Wilt–Proof to broadleaf evergreens such as rhododendrons, azaleas, boxwood, laurel, holly, etc. while temperatures are above freezing. Make sure to cover both upper and lower surfaces of the foliage.
* Continue to water fall plantings, however less often at this time of year.
* Store pesticides properly – where they will not freeze.
* Drain sprinkler systems and put away hoses for the winter.
* Increase humidity for houseplants now that we are into the heating season.
* DON’T FORGET OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS. VANPUTTE’S HAS ALL OF YOUR BIRDFEEDING NEEDS .

September Timely Tips

Spring may be considered the season of renewal but did you know just how much you can do now to renew your lawn & landscape? September is an excellent time to aerate, de-thatch, fertilize and seed or sod your lawn. VanPutte’s Countryside grass seed mixture is the best! Weather conditions are also ideal for applying broadleaf weed control (do not seed and use weed control at the same time, however). Container gardens can also be refreshed. Replaced leggy or spent annuals with beautiful choices from VanPutte’s, such as winter pansies, ornamental kale & cabbage, fall asters, sedums and mums.
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OTHER ESSENTIAL INFO:

* Houseplants should all be inside for the winter at this time.
* Incorporate organic matter, such as manure and compost, into garden areas now as the warm temperatures will allow it to begin breaking down, ensuring that nutrients will be available for plant growth next year.
* Now is a great time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials and spring flowering bulbs.
* Transplant strawberries, raspberries and other berry bushes at this time.
SPRING FLOWERING BULBS ARE IN STOCK NOW AT VANPUTTE’S AND READY FOR PLANTING!

August Timely Tips

While you should continue fertilizing vegetable and annual plants to encourage maximum production, make the beginning of August the last you fertilize trees and shrubs: they will soon be hardening-off in preparation for winter and you don’t want to encourage any new, tender growth that could be damaged by cold weather. If you wish, trees and shrubs can be fertilized again once they have gone dormant, towards the end of October into November.
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OTHER ESSENTIAL INFO:

* Pull out and dispose of dead or dying plants from the garden. Sanitation will help stop the spread of insects and diseases.

* Gather cut flowers and wildflowers at their peek bloom for drying.

* August is the time to start applying grub control. Timing can vary slightly depending upon weather conditions. Consult with a VanPutte professional.

* Start grooming houseplants for their trip back indoors. Check for potbound plants and transplant as needed. Examine closely for insect pests and take action before bringing plants inside.

* FALL IS A GREAT TIME TO PLANT TREES, SHRUBS AND GRASS SEED!