Category — Monthly Garden Tips

Here it is the middle of summer and I am writing about fall bulb planting! Well really it is not to early to start thinking about planting bulbs for next springs garden. Most of the major bulb companies have already sent out their Fall Bulb Catalogs. In fact you should start seeing bulbs for fall planting in a couple of weeks at your local garden centers. Daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, anemones, crocus, and asiatic lilies should all be planted in early October for a smashing display next spring. By ordering early you will be able to get the varieties you want before they are sold out. The bulb company will ship them at the proper time for planting in your area.

One of my favorite tulip blends for a truly eye catching display is Stop The Car

This is a great time to start planning the Spring Garden. You should take some walks around the garden and note where there are nooks and crannies that you can tuck some bulbs into.  Next look and see if there would be a good spot to plant a new bulb bed. Always carry a notebook and a digital camera is also a great added tool for these walks as well. Take your time and be sure to note the plants that are already growing in the area especially perennials. A lot of times early flowering bulbs can be planted in amongst the perennials so that as the bulbs are fading the perennials will be emerging and help cover the foliage of the bulbs till it is dried and be cut off. This will make for a much more attractive garden in the spring .

Remember it is easy to get carried away while looking through catalogs so do not go too overboard. While bulb planting is not hard, remember that there will be time involved in preparing the beds as well as uncertain weather to contended with. You can easily plant a few hundred tulips in a fall afternoon with very little effort. Planting a few thousand bulbs well that may be a different story!

Well here we are at the end of July. I know that a lot of people think of Labor Day as the traditional end of summer. It is not but because of all the social activities and kids returning to school in certainly feels that way sometimes.

I like the end of summer myself because it usually signals a more temperate climate and weather. The reason I am writing about this now is to get you to start thinking about the upcoming milder weather and your gardens.

In The Vegetable Garden

Now is the time to start planning for a late crop of vegetables that do well in cooler weather. Spinich , radishes, lettuce, and broccoli to name a few can all be planted in late summer. A Late summer planting can extend your gardening season all the way to Halloween if the weather coperates. So if you have not tried it before why not give it a go. Use fast maturing varieties and you can extend your days of harvest for home grown vegetables on the dinner table.

The Lawn

A lot of lawns are looking beat up right about now. With August fast approaching I recommend that you think about dethatching and over seeding your lawns about the last week of August. If you are looking to resod this is a good time as well. Lawn renovations done now will allow the turf grass a long wet cool period to establish before the onset of winter and provide you with a wonderful lawn next spring.

The Garden

Late August Early September is a great time to divide most of your perennial plants. They will be able to establish themselves and get a leg up for next year. You will actually be helping them as they will be less crowded and able to return with lots of vim and vigor.

This is just a short list of items to think about for the upcoming month if you plan for these activities they will be easy to implement and make a big difference in your garden.

Coming Tomorrow Lawn Renovation 101

Summer officially arrives this weekend. In the garden there are a lot of things in bloom the Asiatic lilies are about to burst out of their buds in to full glory as well as the daylilies popping color everywhere. Everything is so nice and green and of course that is due to all the rain we have been getting lately. This also has produced an abundant crop of weeds as well.

This is a good time to put down a little extra mulch to keep the roots cool and moist but also to help keep weeds at bay. The annual flowers can do with a good bi-weekly fertilizing and pinch off the dead blooms to encourage new flowering. Hedge and shrub trimming should be taking place now to encourge good shape and fuller growth.

Remember if the weather is dry lawns need an inch of water a week to keep growing and long soaking encourages deep root growth. You should also be setting your mowing height at 3 1/2 inches to help shade the soil and give the grass plants a chance to develop deeper roots.

Have a great weekend and get out in your gardens. Me I have 2 pond cleanings scheduled so at least I will be nice and cool.

Mothers day is the unofficial start for most summer gardens here in the Chicago area. Everyone is chomping at the bit wanting to get there vegetables plants and summer annuals in the ground. Most cool season vegetables have already been planted or should be in the next week or so. I would like to give you some good advise on getting the soil ready.

Before planting all those vegetables in the garden it is important to get them off to a good start. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Next spread 3 to 4 inches of well rotted compost over the entire area and work it in well. Be sure to mix it in thoroughly. This will help to build your soil and give your new plants a great start and allow there roots to penetrate deep into the soil.

When ever I plant pepper or tomato plants I like to take a coffee can and punch several holes in the sides about two inches up from the bottom. I dig a hole about 6 inches from the plant and  place the can in the hole leaving the top 2 inches above the soil. I fill the can about half full of well rotted manure. Then when ever I water I simply fill the can with water let the nutrient rich manure tea seep slowly down to the root zone of the plants.

Another trick I like to use with tender vegetable plants is to cut the bottom out of 5 gallon plastic pales and place the pale over the plants. This protects young plants from critters, cold winds and makes them easier to cover in case of a late frost. There is also the added benefit of keeping the air around the young plants warmer giving a bit more early growth.

A great idea for hanging baskets of annual flowers is to hang them on bungee cords. When you water the weight of the water will pull the bungee cord down and as the water evaporates the bungee will shorten up letting you know it is time to water again. Latter in the season be sure to check your baskets ever day. During warm summer days your baskets may need to be watered everyday.

Have a great week and I hope some of these ideas will be helpful to you. Get out this week and enjoy your gardens.