How to Measure for Seed and Fertilizer

Just a quick word on how to figure seed, fertilizer and straw!  If you are just over-seeding be sure to aerate before putting the seed down.  The standard rate of application for over-seeding is 5 pounds per 1000 square feet.  Fertilizer coverage is 5 1/2 pounds per 1000 square feet.  Be sure not to over fertilize!  This not only does not help your lawn but will do more harm to our already fragile environment.  The seeding rate for a new lawn is 10 pounds per 1000 square feet.  Just for measurement's sake, an acre is 43560 square feet.  Straw coverage is 400-500 square feet per bale.  Have a great time growing green!

Breaking free from Winter's Grasp

February is still in Winters grip.  Spring doesn't arrive until March 20th.  Try not to get anxious! We all want to get going but Mother Nature isn't quite ready to let us go.  Start prep work for the "Spring Fling" by cleaning up your tools.  Sharpen the hoes and shovels to make the job much easier. Once daytime ground temps are above freezing you can start breaking ground.  A spading fork works great for loosing compacted soil and mulch.  Mulch beds thrive from having winter mulch turned and fluffed before a fresh spring dressing.  Be sure you plant your spring bulbs, fertilize trees and shrubs before you mulch.  Meanwhile do some stretching.  I hear the groans but... YES...do some stretching!  Consider it part of your prep work. Pay now or pay later.  Enjoy a little more rest before we go full speed ahead playing in the dirt.

Landscape Tasks for the New Year

Another year has zoomed past and we now begin our preprations for Spring!  This a great time for that final leaf round-up,cleaning up debris and dead wood.  If you haven't done your regular pruning go ahead and finish that task.  A few warm days and your early plants will start waking from their winter snooze.

Landscape Repair and Restoration

After the dog days of summer we are all scorched from the heat and lack of rain.  Most lawns are in dire need of help.  Topdressing can help by adding slow release nitrogen thru the organic compost and the sand will improve soil structure while helping the poor drainage qualities of the regions heavy clay soil.  If your lawn has been overtaken with weeds now is the time to kill them out.  Aerate and over seed once the daytime air temps level off around 70 degrees. Don't forget to fall feed the grass with a good fertilizer, something with a ratio of 4-1-2 with up to 50% in a slow release form of nitrogen. For central Virginia the best time to fertilize for the fall is from mid August thru November using 1 to 2 pounds per 1000 square feet. Fall is also the time to mulch around your trees and shrubs to protect the roots from winter freezing damage.  Enjoy the cooler temps and all the fun things that go with fall.

Crazy Weather, Happy Daze

While spring seems to have finally sprung, Mother Nature did throw us a curve or two!  For our area Mothers Day is usually the mark of "no more frost" but that did not hold true this year.  Many tender plants felt the cold kiss and have suffered setbacks if not death.  One gardener told me "Only tomatoes and cucumbers from now on!".   The frustration is real and patience is a true virtue of the gardener.

The ground dried up and cracked open.  The heavy clay soil in this area is mostly void of organic matter which hold the moisture and keeps the clay from turning to brick.  The addition of compost and sand builds essential soil structure  needed for veggies.  While most flowers can grow in poorer soils,  they will thrive in soil with even modest amendment.  The incorporation of any raw materials should be done in the fall but finished compost can be added at anytime.  Finished compost works great for side dressing your growing crops.  Straw and pine needles work great for weed control between rows and can be tilled into the soil at season's end for the addition of organics to prepare for the following season.

Don't let the heat beat you!  The temps are rising and the rain seems to be getting scarce.  Remember the sun screen!

Plant and Watch Em' Grow

Now is the time!  If you haven't started you seed now is the time.  While the little plants start to grow prep your ground and get ready  to watch em' grow.  I can almost taste those fresh tomatoes already!  Sweet Corn!  Ahhh
 my tummy is growling.  If you are saying I don't have anywhere to plant anything, don't distress.  Make a raised bed with boards, timbers, fallen trees or cross-ties and fill with Garden Blend Soil Mix and you are ready to plant.  Spread a little mulch or straw for weed control and to maximize water retention.  Soon you will be tending your crops with pride and joy.  Happy Gardening!

Spring Supplies and Landscaping materials

Spring is really exciting already, but beware of the sneaky freeze.  For this area we are not truly past the danger zone until about mid May.   This unseasonable heat wave can tease and tempt us to plant when we should wait a little longer.  All the beautiful flowers at the garden centers lure us in and send us into a mad frenzy.  Especially after the home bound winter we have had.  Keep the frost blanket handy!  Some old curtains work great for this too.  JMJ, The Landscape Supply Center has the Garden Blend Soil Mix for all your beds and raised garden plots.  This spring brings an abundance of new products as well.  New items include grass seed, sod, fertilizer, straw blanket and pine needle mulch.  Be sure to stop in and check them out.  Get your hands in the dirt and enjoy the fruits of your labor.