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| Photo Credit: Lee Ivy |
| Buy only healthy plant material to avoid plant problems. | I’m still amazed by seeds and all the potential they have inside … from the acorn comes the mighty oak, right? All seeds need is the proper environmental conditions and off they grow. But if it’s so simple, how is it that things can go so terribly awry when we garden? Sometimes we overdo it and end up creating more problems than we bargained for. Too much of any one thing, even a good thing, usually ends up backfiring. Like many things in life, gardening isn’t an exact science. But by applying a few basic gardening principles – seven to be exact – we can do our plants and ourselves a world of good: - First off, you’ve got to start with healthy plants. Select insect-, disease- and weed-free plants. If you chose only healthy selections, you’re less likely to battle pest or disease problems in the future. Don’t be shy when shopping for plants! Be like me and carefully pull those plants out of their pots to inspect the root systems right there in the garden center. Hey, I figure I’m buying the whole plant, not just the top. I need to know what I’m getting. (FYI, generally speaking, that means skip the discount rack!)
- Watering is the second most basic step to caring for plants. Once plants are established, natural rains should provide enough water for most. But when it gets consistently dry, we’ve got to help out some of our more sensitive plants – especially those that are newly planted. As a general rule of thumb, applying 1 inch of water (5 gallons per square yard of surface area, or 620 gallons per 1,000 square feet) once a week on established plants and turf is what’s recommended. Watering deeply once a week is much better for plants than short, frequent waterings. Deeper watering equals deeper rooting, and that means you get plants with healthier root systems!
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| Photo Credit: Lee Ivy |
| After spreading lime and fertilizer, till it 6-8 inches deep so the nutrients will be more available to the plant roots. | - Lime and fertilizer are also important, but only add these amend- ments based on the recommendations of a soil test. Indiscriminately putting out these products can do more harm than good. Lime increases soil pH, so if your pH is already within in the range for the plant you’re growing, additional lime can really throw things out of whack. The same is true for fertilizer. Most of us have the mentality that “more is better,” so we over-apply these amendments to make things grow faster – and wind up wasting money and harming our plants. Yes, a soil sample may cost, but you’ll save in the long run when you’re not buying and applying amendments you don’t need – and not having to replace plants.
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| Tips |
- There are two types of commercially available lime: pelletized and agricultural. You can use the same amount of either form to achieve the same results. The pelletized form is easily spread with a rotary or drop spreader, whereas agricultural lime is spread in a dust/powdered form. Do use a dust mask if applying agricultural lime to reduce the risk of inhalation.
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| Faqs |
- Q: Do I have to test my soil every year?
A: Great question! The answer is no, thankfully. A soil test recommendation can be followed for about three years – then you should test again. - Q: How do I know when I’ve put out 1-inch of water when I irrigate?
A: Put out paper cups on as level ground as you can find throughout your lawn or garden. Mark each one at 1-inch up from the bottom. Crank up your sprinkler and check your watch. When the water in the cups reaches the 1-inch line, time’s up. Check the ending time, subtract your starting time, and voila, now you know how long to run your system to achieve 1-inch of water.
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| Resources |
- To correctly identify plant pest problems, visit your local cooperative extension office for some assistance. They can help you diagnose the problem and give you some strategies for control. Find an office near you.
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