“Timing is everything”

As usual, we are subject to the whims of Mother Nature when it comes to our gardening efforts.  Last year we experienced unseasonably warm weather in March which allowed us to get a jump start earlier.  This year we have just the opposite situation and are getting unseasonably cold weather.  That cold weather which has prolonged Winter(much to our dismay) hasn’t stopped us from anxiously wanting to get outside to prepare for the coming season, but wait—“timing is everything!”  Many of the preventative and treatment products we use for our lawns, trees, shrubs and gardens are temperature-sensitive and will not be effective if applied too early  while it’s still cold outside.  So, although the calendar says Spring is here, we must curb our enthusiasm somewhat and be hopeful that Old Man Winter will soon lose his grip!

Submitted By Hope Fox

It's that time to think seed starting :)

Seed starting isn’t really all that difficult, once you know some basic information and tips. We could go on for a long time about this subject but for now let’s keep it brief. In seed starting there is a plethora of equipment and tools you can buy, you can go super thrifty or extremely professional, but you really just need a few basics.

A. Trays- Black plastic trays are simple to keep water from ruining your furniture and floors. This will also hold in heat and contain your plants. If you try to use something too flimsy or with sides not high enough, they tend to fall over and get damaged.

B. Watering- 2 items are ideal, a spray bottle and a watering can with a small spout. This way you can mist the soil surfaces and water seedlings without damaging young plants. The small spout watering can allows controlling the flow and not knocking over tender plants.

C. Seeds- Good quality seeds will yield good quality plants. Organic seeds and Heirloom seeds are also available

Thats all there is to it, now it's time to have some fun in the dirt :)

 

Posted by Ian Stillman

Spring Garden Color Revival

                                                 Spring Garden Color Revival

Now is the time to get a jump start on having that early Spring burst of color in your garden.

Initially, with the first bout of warm weather after a long, cold winter, many of us are itching to get outside and “scratch that itch” by buying and planting annuals for color.  Unfortunately, that warm weather can easily be followed by a killing frost or two or three—Mother Nature can be so cruel!  It’s best to hold off on those annuals and get your color fix with Spring bulbs that you plant in the Fall of the previous year.

Tulips, daffodils, crocus and hyacinths are just some of the bulb choices you have.  Plant them in clusters for maximum effect, add some Bulb-tone fertilizer, and you will be rewarded in Spring with a riot of color.

Written By Hope Fox

Seed Saving

Are you looking for a fall activity that’s free and lots of fun?  SEED SAVING is a great way to get outside and enjoy the cooler, sunny  weather.

This Fall, grab some clippers, paper envelopes and your favorite flowers  and get started!

Select the plants you want to save seeds from. These plants should be healthy and have abundant flowers. (Zinnias, marigolds, and sunflowers produce large seeds, so are good plants for beginners.)

 Instead of deadheading, allow some of the flower heads to stay on the plant;  seeds will begin to form . On a sunny day,  harvest the seeds when the seed heads are dry to the touch and brown. Gather seed pods by hand or with clippers into a basket or cardboard box-even a cookie sheet will do.

 After harvesting, place the seeds where they can dry thoroughly-the top of a water heater works well!  Allow to dry thoroughly-this could take a full week. 

Store your seeds either in their protective pods or shake them free and store loose in paper envelopes.  Remember to label each envelope with seed variety and date collected.  Use a waterproof pen.

Place your labeled envelope into an air-tight container-a mason jar works well, as does a large manila envelope.  Store in a cool, dry  location until next planting season. Seeds should be planted the following season to remain viable.  Now, wasn’t that easy?!

( Remember ! Do not propagate licensed or illegal plants! )

 

Blog by Beth Warren

               

It's been one sizzling summer!

People have spent most of their summer carrying watering cans and hoses around to maintain their plants and lawns. There have been some record high temps this year, it may be the first time we wish for an early fall.

Keep positive soon enough it will be mum time and we will all be happy to switch out those tired annal planters and get some fresh fall color.

Until then my friends stay cool and water, water, water :)


Posted By Jodi Avery

Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows Everywhere

                        *Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows Everywhere*

If  April showers brought May flowers, can summer be just around the corner?  Let’s hope so! With the warmer weather at our doorstep, there are some things to do to care for your garden this time of year:

-plant, keeping in mind sunlight requirements

-fertilize regularly

-mulch landscaped beds

-water as needed

-prune and deadhead as needed

-examine your plantings regularly for disease and insect problems and treat, if recommended

-finally, walk around and take the time to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells

Follow these simple steps to ensure your gardening efforts pay off and keep everything, as the song goes:  “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows Everywhere!”

Posted by Hope Fox

It's a Bug's Life

Yes, that sounds like movie title from back in the late 1990's.  But in reality, it actually is the Spring of 2012 here in our area.

Now granted, the snow and cold the last 2 days may change a bit of what's happening, but this spring has so far been incredible for the arrival of garden pests  Basically, many pest insects to our landscape plants are also showing up 4 weeks or so early.  Aphids on a Japanese Maple back on April 6,  Boxwood Leaf Minor in the larvae (caterillar) stage in the foliage on April 13,  Juniper Scale in the 'Crawling Stage' (and that is one I've only seen once before in April), and multiple sightings of the dreaded Red Lily leaf beetle, which takes your fantastic Oriental Lily and renders it to look like a grass clipping after mowing.

Reports of Black Flies were heard a week or so ago and then it got cold again.  Even though the temperatures dropped, don't think for a moment that insects and their eggs died.  Nope!  Most just went into a prolonged sleep (sorta like taking a long nap under a heavy afghan blanket in February).

With the mild winter (did it really happen?) we can expect an elevated insect pest situation on our landscape plants.  The best way to prevent issues is to simply monitor your plants and as soon as you see something, bring a sample in to your nearest garden center for a positive identification.  Spraying any insecticide just to spray is not a prudent decision and can actually prove to be environmentally destructive.

Not sure what that 'thing' is on your plant?  Ge it identified and then the correct treatment can be done.  This author is always happy to help. 

Bring me your bugs!