April 5, 2000 |
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Scratching the Surface |
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We
are still experimenting with the layout of the newsletter. This issue is a little
slimmer than usual. Hopefully this will make it easier to print. Your opinion
counts! Let us know what you think by following the "Contact Us" link to the
left. When you're done
sharing your opinion it's time to get to work! Now is the perfect time to prepare
both flower and vegetable beds for planting. If you still have leaves or mulch
covering the soil you may remove them now. It is also time to prepare the soil.
If it is not too wet turn it and add some topsoil or compost to give it a good base
for planting. I love this part! There is nothing like the smell of great dirt! Looks like some nice weather ahead this weekend. Unfortunately we haven't seen much rain yet. Think about giving lawns and perennials a good soak. Most of our new subscribers are referrals from friends of existing Savvygardeners. Don't let up! Tell all your gardening friends about us! |
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~ Shelly | |||||||||||||||||||
The Scoop on Grubs... |
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I spoke to the professionals at Ryan Lawn & Tree about what Savvygardeners should do if we notice grubs in our lawn. Turf Manager Andy Green explained to me that the grubs we are seeing right now should not be a concern. "These grubs will do only light eating and will not damage the lawn. Therefore it is not necessary to treat for them." "What we really want to do is kill the grubs right after they hatch and that normally takes place in June or July". Andy recommends treating your lawn with Merit or Mach II which will take care of those grass eating grubs. My best advice, "When in doubt, call a professional!" | |||||||||||||||||||
Hosting a Garden Party |
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Sometimes
gardening is a lot like hosting a party. Plants, like party guests, need to be
steered toward others that will enjoy their company. The practice of companion
planting, growing vegetables in proximity to helpful plants, has become quite popular over
the years. Here are some of our favorite matchmaker tips:
For more on this fun and useful topic check out "Carrots Love Tomatoes" at Amazon.com |
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To Bee, or Not to Bee |
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If
you have fruit trees be mindful of the fact that insecticides will kill bees and bees are
a very necessary player in the pollination process. No bees, no pollination.
No pollination, no fruit. No fruit, no fun. Wait until after the blooming period to use insecticides on your fruit trees. |
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What's Hot on the Hotline? |
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This
week's hot topic on the Johnson County Extension Horticultural Hotline is spring rose
care. Questions and answers cover pruning and mulching, climbers and miniatures and
more... You will find this very rosy list of Q and A's here. |
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A Low Mow Is No Way to Go |
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I
know you fertilized your lawn last fall. And I'm equally sure you followed our
advice on watering during our very dry winter. I can therefore predict that you have
lush green grass growing quicker than you can believe. Here are some tips on mowing
your spring lawn that will keep it looking good and growing strong:
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Divide and Share |
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If
you are as anxious as I am to start working in the garden why not divide some of your
crowded summer and fall-blooming perennials? Dividing is a good way to thin out
those perennials that seem to be overtaking the garden. Better yet, turn it into a social activity! Call friends and neighbors and let them know what you are doing and see if they are interested in swapping perennials with you. What a great way to add new flowers to the garden without spending a dime. Don't forget - fertilize established perennials as they show new growth. |
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Getting a Jump on Some Vegetables... |
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Can't wait to get started on some vegetables? You may now sow seeds of broad beans, beets, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, peas, and spinach. The hardiness of these vegetables lets you get a quicker start on growing and therefore provide an earlier harvest. However, if you are only growing a small amount of vegetables you may want to wait a few weeks before starting. Savvygardeners with larger plots should start some of their seeds now and follow with more sowing later. This is good insurance against surprise cold weather and will provide a staggered harvest so you don't have to eat all your crops at once. | |||||||||||||||||||
Finally... |
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"Flowers
leave some of their fragrance in the hand that bestows them." Chinese Proverb |
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