2017 Gardening Resolutions
Since we are in a new gardening year, here are some resolutions we need to try and keep. There are a few critical items, that if done on time in the landscape and garden, can make gardening more enjoyable. Timing is everything when it comes to making working in your yard more fun.
Take weeds in the garden for starters, they create a lot of work if not kept under control and they will take a lot of fun out of gardening. We have more "tools" than ever to help us make gardening easier. If we can manage some of these key items on time our yards will look great with a lot less time and sweat. We are all up for that.
A few of the elements in gardening that must be done when the timing is right are:
• Feeding the lawn- The one thing that "makes" a landscape is a thick, dark green turf of good grass that is mowed regularly. When this is accomplished we save money and time and can avoid applying most weed control products to the lawn. There are 4 feedings to your lawn that will keep it healthy and relatively weed free- St. Patrick's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving.
• Controlling weeds in the landscape beds and vegetable garden- today we have some very good preventative weed control products and contact sprays. Mulching is one of the key factors. Apply weed preventer to your weed free landscape beds using something like Preen at these times- St. Patrick's Day, July 4th, October 1. Once grass, vegetable, or flower seedlings are established, it is safe to apply. Corn gluten also provides a low level of slow release fertilizer as a side benefit.
• Watering turf and new plantings- water deeply when you water, applying at least an inch of water a week during the growing season, when we don't get rains. Use a pie pan to check how much water your sprinkler is putting out. Allow the sprinkler to run until you have an inch of water in the pan. You only have to time how long the sprinkler runs and measure the water in the pan one time, then you can be confident that you are doing the job correctly each time you water in the future.
When these 3 items are taken care of on time gardening will be more fun and rewarding with beauty and the satisfaction that results.
Let's resolve together, that we are going to do a better job at timing so we get a bigger bang out of our bucks with less effort. Go ahead, say it, "I ___________ , resolve to do my critical gardening items On Time in 2017".
Send an email to info@meadowview.com with your question or comments.
30 years of Growing
Meadow View Growers
New Carlisle, OH
www.meadowview.com