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A wildflower Garden

May 1, 2012 by yardloverblog

Wildflower Butterfly & Hummingbird MixLook what I just got…

I have the perfect spot in my yard for a wildflower garden. Now, I’m ready to plant.

Encap has a whole line of Wildflower mixes, including:

I’m a big fan of Encap products, because they make them so easy and foolproof.

These wildflower mixes are a complete kit, including seed, mulch and fertilizer. All you have to do is sprinkle the seeds and water. Each one has a blend of annual and perennial flowers, so something will be in bloom all season long.

Encap also has 2 unique technologies that help ensure success.

Advanced Soil Technology- It’s a biodegradable addition that:

  • Reduces soil & nutrient loss
  • Provides better water infiltration
  • Improves soil structure & root mass
  • Enhances seed establishment

Seed Watering Technology (Sparkle)

  • Crystals absorb water and release it slowly to the seedlings
  • The crystals sparkle until they are dry-when there is no more sparkle, you know to water
  • Helps you avoid guessing at amount of water needed
  • Conserves water
  • Saves time

I like everything about that. Nobody wants to be disappointed, and Encap has put everything in their Wildflower mixes to ensure that you wind up with a beautiful patch of flowers. In fact, they guarantee your satisfaction. You can read it RIGHT HERE.

Which one will you try?

Posted in Gardening Resources | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

Total Rose Care

April 19, 2012 by yardloverblog

Rose gardening is all about the flowers.

You plant carefully, in the right conditions, and nurture your plants along with fertilizer, pruning and care, and finally – blooms!

The last thing you want to see is a problem developing- a bug, yellowing leaves, or a hole chewed in your prized flower petals.

At the first sign of a problem, you want to act fast, and you want to solve the problem.

Bayer Advanced has developed a line of rose care products that have got you covered. They’re making it really easy to tackle rose problems and knock them out fast, whether it’s insects or disease.

Here’s the lineup:Yellow Rose

For Disease:

For Insects:

For All-in-One Protection AND Fertilizer:

Total Rose care in easy granular or liquid drench. Disease protection, Insect protection and bloom-boosting fertilizer in one easy application.

 

These are all systemic products, so not only do they control the problem already present, they also continue to protect against future outbreaks.They are specifically formulated for roses and other ornamentals, and they are proven-problem solvers.

So don’t waste time guessing. Save this information somewhere handy, and when a problem breaks out this season, head to Bayer Advanced.

Posted in Garden Disease Control, Insects | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Let The Battle Begin

April 18, 2012 by yardloverblog

Dandelion

I’m going to war.

That’s right, it’s me against the dandelions. Because somehow, overnight, all of those sweet, cheerful yellow blooms scattered across my lawn turned into tall, scraggly, ugly puffballs. And now they have to go.

The problem is my neighbors. Lawn A is a beautiful, flawless, weed-free swath of green. Lawn B on the other side is the most abundant, expansive display of dandelion puffballs I have ever seen.

And I am the only buffer between them.

Naturally, I feel responsible.

I’ve got to keep the dandelions from invading Lawn A. They are creeping their way through my front yard, and if they make it across it will be MY FAULT!

So I’m taking action. I just bought a bag of Bonide Weed Beater Complete. It kills AND prevents about 50 grassy and broadleaf weeds, including dandelions. Prevention is important, because, even if I kill what’s there now, I need to keep the seeds from Lawn B from sprouting as they waft their way into my lawn on every breeze.

It’s so easy even I can do it. The 10Lb bag covers 5,200 Sq Ft. I’ll just follow the spreader settings on the back of the bag, and in a few minutes I’ll have a Dandelion proof barrier that will keep the puffballs where they belong. – In Lawn B!

Bonide Weed Beater Complete will kill most common lawn weeds, and prevent new ones for sprouting for the next 60-90 days.

Weeds Controlled: Chickweed, Clover, Crabgrass, Dandelion, Foxtail, Goosegrass, Ground Ivy, Henbit, Nutsedge, Plantain, Poa, Spotted Spurge, Purslane, Wild violet, and more.

Got Weeds? Give Bonide Weed Beater a try:

Bonide Weed Beater Complete

Posted in Lawn Care | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Not Out of the Woods Yet

April 10, 2012 by yardloverblog

Purple CrocusSpring!

It sure sprung early this year. Many parts of the country are 2-3 weeks or more ahead of schedule. The riot of spring color came on fast and furious, and it has been gorgeous.

The problem is, there is still plenty of time for frost, and night time temperatures below freezing. Plants have put out tender leaves and flowers too early growth that can’t withstand freezing temperatures.

That’s where FreezePruf comes in. FreezePruf is a foliar spray that increases a plants ability to withstand cold damage. It improves cold tolerance from 2 to 9 degrees, depending on the type of plant, and the severity of the weather.

FreezePruf will last up to 4 weeks, even with moderate rain, so you can go ahead and spray it on any tender plants you have outside. That way, if there is a sudden frost or freeze, you won’t be caught un-prepared, or have to do a rush job.

All you have to do is spray your plant thoroughly. Cover all surfaces of leaves and stems. FreezePruf protects both superficially with a layer of protection against ice, and systemically by lowering the freezing point of water inside the plant. It is biodegradable, and non-toxic, so you can use it without worry. It will not harm people, pets, or your plants.

So if you have had some early growth in your garden that worries you, go ahead and apply FreezePruf now. You’ll be protected if temperatures dip, and not risk damage to new growth and flowers. You can also use it on vegetable plants, as well as fruiting trees to protect the blossoms and your future harvest!

 

Posted in April, Garden Tools & Supplies, Vegetable Gardening | Tagged , , , | Leave a Comment »

Proper Tree Watering

April 1, 2012 by yardloverblog

Tree - leaf canopy

Need a crash course on proper tree watering?

There are 3 key tree watering facts that you should know.

FACT #1. Deep Water Saturation is Essential

Why is deep watering my new tree so important?

Newly planted / transplanted trees, with their greatly reduced root systems and the shock from being removed, are in great need of frequently applied deep irrigation. Deep watering keeps moisture concentrations far below the surface, reducing transplant shock, and attracting roots downward deep into the soil.

How deep is deep enough?

Deep watering to a depth of at least 12 inches or more is recommended. Most of the root system of a tree is located within the top 2 to 4 feet of soil. With new trees, it is also recommended that water be applied directly over the root ball / root mass.

How can I efficiently achieve deep water saturation?

Experts suggest that the best way to efficiently ensure deep water penetration is to slowly and evenly apply a high volume of water in a single application. This means that light watering applications (i.e. via sprinklers. hose, etc.) will not provide adequate water saturation.

FACT #2. Trees Need High Volumes of Water

How much water does a new tree typically require?…

While there is no standard watering amount that is suitable for all new trees, there are general watering guidelines that can be followed. One commonly used formula suggests 10 gallons of water per week for every 1 inch of tree caliper; For example: A single 2 inch caliper (trunk diameter) tree would require approx. 20 gallons of water per week.

Can’t I just apply water frequently with a sprinkler or hose?

Watering a tree lightly, even on a regular basis, is insufficient. Most of the water applied will be lost due to run-off and/or evaporation. And most importantly, light applications of water will force roots to the surface, leading to shallow rooting and poor root anchorage.

Why do newly planted trees need so much water?

Newly planted trees lose much of their root system during digging. Because of this, they are much less effective at taking up water, and thus require much more water than established trees.

FACT #3. Establishment Can Take Several Years

How long can it take for a new tree to get established?

It can take several years for a transplanted tree to re-establish its root system. On average, a tree is said to require 1 year for every 1 inch of trunk caliper (diameter). This means that a 3 inch caliper tree can take up to 3 years to get established!

Why does it take so long for a new tree to establish itself?

Transplanted trees lose much of their roots during digging, and thus experience an adjustment period called transplant shock.

What are the signs / symptoms of transplant shock?

Symptoms vary; However, signs include; shortened or poor annual growth, wilted leaves, increased seed production, reduced flowering, early fall color, and early leaf drop.

What can be done to curb the effects of transplant shock?

Proper & regular watering is essential. Supplemental watering (in addition to rainfall) is recommended for at least the first 2 years. Treegator® is the best way to make sure your  trees  receive the deep, high-volume irrigation they need.

Posted in Watering Supplies | Tagged , , , | Leave a Comment »

Controlling Moss in Lawns

March 30, 2012 by yardloverblog

Moss

Customer question: I have a great deal of moss in my lawn. Should I treat the lawn with a moss killer and then de-thatch? What is the best way to prevent the moss from returning?

The best way to keep moss from returning is to change the conditions. The same conditions that are great for moss are difficult or impossible for grass to thrive in. These include:

  • Too much shade
  • Compacted soil
  • Poor soil fertility
  • Poor drainage
  • Low pH

It’s fine to start with a moss killer, but unless you change conditions, the grass won’t fill in, and moss will come right back.

After applying moss killer, de-thatch to loosen up the soil, and rake up all the dead stolons along with the moss.

Reseed bare areas; then put your lawn on a regular feeding schedule, mow frequently, and water as needed.

Test your soil for acidity. Ideally, soil pH should be 6-7. If it’s lower, add lime to encourage the grass, and discourage the moss.

These steps will help the grass grow lush and thick enough to crowd out any moss.

Posted in Lawn Care | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

To-MAY-Toe, To-MAH-Toe

March 29, 2012 by yardloverblog

State fruit - Tomato

Say it any way you want, there are so many varieties of tomatoes to choose from, it can be paralyzing to try to choose what to plant.Here are 4 things to consider when buying tomato seeds or seedlings.

Disease Resistance

There are varieties that are resistant to certain diseases. Many hybrids are developed specifically for that trait. If you have struggled with disease problems, or know of one common in your region, by all means choose a resistant variety. If you aren’t sure, or are just starting out, you might want to plant a couple of different cultivars, and see if the disease resistant one outperforms the others.

Try: Celebrity

Days to Harvest

If you want to have the first ripe tomato on the block, or you live in a region with short summers, choose varieties that mature the fastest. Some tomatoes are ready to begin harvesting 60 days after transplanting, while others need 85 days or more to mature.

Try Early Girl for early harvesting

Growing Habit

Choose plants with growing habits that match your needs. If you are growing in containers, there are tomatoes that grow on compact, bushes suitable for small spaces. Try Patio Hybrid Tomato

Determinate varieties have a bush-like growing habit. They require less tying and staking, but they produce all of their fruit in a short span of time and then they are done. Try Rutgers and Roma

Indeterminate varieties have a vine-like growing habit. They are more sprawling, and they will continue to grow and produce tomatoes until killed by frost.

Do you want slicing tomatoes? Canning tomatoes? Salad tomatoes? Read the package to see what size fruit it will produce, and whether it’s what you have in mind.

Hybrid or Open-Pollinated

Plant breeders create hybrid plants by cross-breeding two different varieties. Hybrid plants may be more productive and and are often bred to resist disease or cultural problems.

Seeds from open pollinated and heirloom varieties can be saved and planted next year. Hybrids can not. They will not produce the same quality of plant, and so new seed must be purchased each season. Many gardeners have favorite cultivars that have been passed along from other gardeners and past generations.

Of course, if you have some favorite varieties, go ahead and plant them, even if they aren’t the most logical choices.  Plant what you love, and you’ll be a happy gardener!

Posted in Seeds & Bulbs, Vegetable Gardening | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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