Fall really is the season for planting! Because the ground is warm from the summer sun, but the days and nights have cooled off, your new plantings will take less transplant shock. Get trees, shrubs, and perennials in the ground now to allow them enough time to become established before winter. In most parts of the country, it's time to do the following:
~Plant cold crop vegetables now for late season harvest. Some things to try- lettuce, radishes, brocolli.
~Freshen tired flower beds with fall mums and winter pansies. If you've never tried winter pansies, you should! Plant them from now until the first hard freeze. They winter over and come as the first great color in spring.
~Pay attention to watering if your area has been dry. We've been getting a lot of rain, but some areas have not. Make sure you water deeply and well on a regular basis. The warm fall days will rob plants of moisture.
~Bugs and pests are still an issue. Keep a close eye out for infestations and get them under control quickly.
~Use products like Weed Free Zone to keep bindweed under control. Weed Free Zone works especially well on bindweed-even in cooler temperatures.
~Share the harvest from your garden with neighbors and friends.
~Fall is a great time to plant new perennials or dig up and divide old ones.
~Buy your bulbs now but wait a bit to plant until the weather cools off. Depending on the weather, planting around mid-October is usually optimal in our area.
~Plant grass seed now.
~Fertilize lawns now using Winterizer Fertilizer.
~Watch for Frost and Freeze warnings and cover tender plants on nights that get cold if you aren't ready to surrender your garden.
~Apply tree wrap, rose collars and extra mulch late in the fall to give plants added protection for the winter.
~Gather and dry herbs now that you wish to preserve for the winter.
~Plant garlic now.
~In late fall, blow out and winterize your irrigation and sprinkler systems.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Summer Vegetable Care
Summer care of fresh vegetables is fairly easy. Pick fruit and vegetables when they are young and fully ripe. When possible, pick early in the morning and use or refrigerate quickly after harvest to maintain optimal flavor and nutrition. Here are a few other pointers you may want to help your garden thrive and to assist you as you work through your summer bounty.
1. Control insects and diseases by using Neem oil or Captain Jacks. Both can be used safely on fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
2. Store peppers in the crisper area of the fridge rather than on the shelves. Green peppers will store longer than red ones.
3. Apply fertilizer to your vegetable garden now to keep the harvest coming. Corn and squash are particularly heavy feeders. Be careful though- tomatoes, for instance, will stop producing if they are given too much nitrogen
4. Don't let your plants dry out. Many, like eggplant, tomatoes and peppers will get blossom end rot. Cucumbers may develop a bitter taste. Crops like corn and beans may get stringy and tough.
5. Pull weeds often. Don't let them compete for the precious water and moisture that we have.
6. Consider a fresh layer of mulch to aid in water retention and to help keep the weeds at bay.
7. Harvest regularly- visit the garden at least every other day. Remember those zucchini that seem to grow in feet, not inches, overnight? Start picking cucumbers and sumer squash when they are small to encourage heavier yields down the road.
8. Plant your Fall cool season crops now- broccoli, lettuce, cauliflower, peas, etc for Fall harvest. There's still time to harvest a crop and the cooler days are ideal for growing these veggies.
Summer care of fresh vegetables is fairly easy. Pick fruit and vegetables when they are young and fully ripe. When possible, pick early in the morning and use or refrigerate quickly after harvest to maintain optimal flavor and nutrition. Here are a few other pointers you may want to help your garden thrive and to assist you as you work through your summer bounty.
1. Control insects and diseases by using Neem oil or Captain Jacks. Both can be used safely on fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
2. Store peppers in the crisper area of the fridge rather than on the shelves. Green peppers will store longer than red ones.
3. Apply fertilizer to your vegetable garden now to keep the harvest coming. Corn and squash are particularly heavy feeders. Be careful though- tomatoes, for instance, will stop producing if they are given too much nitrogen
4. Don't let your plants dry out. Many, like eggplant, tomatoes and peppers will get blossom end rot. Cucumbers may develop a bitter taste. Crops like corn and beans may get stringy and tough.
5. Pull weeds often. Don't let them compete for the precious water and moisture that we have.
6. Consider a fresh layer of mulch to aid in water retention and to help keep the weeds at bay.
7. Harvest regularly- visit the garden at least every other day. Remember those zucchini that seem to grow in feet, not inches, overnight? Start picking cucumbers and sumer squash when they are small to encourage heavier yields down the road.
8. Plant your Fall cool season crops now- broccoli, lettuce, cauliflower, peas, etc for Fall harvest. There's still time to harvest a crop and the cooler days are ideal for growing these veggies.
Friday, June 4, 2010
I'm often challenged when I try to explain to customers how to care for newly planted landscape materials.
Today I had a lady that was under the impression that the larger a plant that she purchased, the less care it would need. The other day we had someone who thought, because the plant was "drought tolerant" that it would need no water. So let me put a few myths to rest right now.
Just because a plant is larger, it doesn't mean it needs less water. In fact, generally the larger a plant is, the more water it MAY take, depending on the plant. If a plant is xeric or drought tolerant, it does not mean that no water is needed. Every plant will have some water requirements until it is established.
Think of it this way. A new plant in your yard is similar to you moving into a new neighborhood. Until you get yourself established and put down some roots, you'll need the extra support of your friends and family. The same is true for a new plant. Until it spreads its roots and becomes established, it will need some extra TLC.
So the next time you visit your local nursery, be sure to ask for their planting and watering instructions - then follow them! If the plant is unusual or slightly different from the run of the mill nursery stock, or you think it may need special care, be sure to ask the nursery professionals there for their advice. This will ensure that your plants will thrive!
Today I had a lady that was under the impression that the larger a plant that she purchased, the less care it would need. The other day we had someone who thought, because the plant was "drought tolerant" that it would need no water. So let me put a few myths to rest right now.
Just because a plant is larger, it doesn't mean it needs less water. In fact, generally the larger a plant is, the more water it MAY take, depending on the plant. If a plant is xeric or drought tolerant, it does not mean that no water is needed. Every plant will have some water requirements until it is established.
Think of it this way. A new plant in your yard is similar to you moving into a new neighborhood. Until you get yourself established and put down some roots, you'll need the extra support of your friends and family. The same is true for a new plant. Until it spreads its roots and becomes established, it will need some extra TLC.
So the next time you visit your local nursery, be sure to ask for their planting and watering instructions - then follow them! If the plant is unusual or slightly different from the run of the mill nursery stock, or you think it may need special care, be sure to ask the nursery professionals there for their advice. This will ensure that your plants will thrive!
Monday, May 10, 2010
The weather in some parts of the country continues to be brutal. If frost and freeze warnings are continuing in your area, and you've already got plants in the garden, here are some tips to protect them.
First, just as a blanket will keep you warm, it will also keep your plants warm. Cover plants with a sheet, newspaper, or bucket. Make a tent using poles or some other kind of support and drape a blanket, sheet or even newspaper over it to keep the frost off of tender plants. Think about what you would use to keep warm... and use that.
Avoid using plastic coverings. Just like you wouldn't use plastic to keep you warm, plastic does little to protect plants against cold temperatures. Plastic can attract cold and may harm plants. Use Walls o' Water and hot caps to provide protection.
Water is something else to try. If you have access to irrigation water, set it to come on between 3-4am. This is the coldest time of the night. Let it run until the sun is up. If plants do show some signs of frost, wait a few days in order to give them time to recover before pulling them up.
Try FreezePruf, a new product that protects foliage and blossoms. FreezePruf is a topical spray that works both topically and systemically to improve a plants cold tolerance up to 9.4 degrees. It may be enough to get your garden through a cold snap. FreezePruf lasts up to 6 weeks, so one application should be all you need for the start of the season. Be aware, however, that you cannot apply FreezePruf right before the freeze and have it work well. In order for it to truly be effective, you need to apply it well in advance so that it has time to work through the system of the plant, as well as topically to protect it. In our experience, those who have done this have had the best results.
First, just as a blanket will keep you warm, it will also keep your plants warm. Cover plants with a sheet, newspaper, or bucket. Make a tent using poles or some other kind of support and drape a blanket, sheet or even newspaper over it to keep the frost off of tender plants. Think about what you would use to keep warm... and use that.
Avoid using plastic coverings. Just like you wouldn't use plastic to keep you warm, plastic does little to protect plants against cold temperatures. Plastic can attract cold and may harm plants. Use Walls o' Water and hot caps to provide protection.
Water is something else to try. If you have access to irrigation water, set it to come on between 3-4am. This is the coldest time of the night. Let it run until the sun is up. If plants do show some signs of frost, wait a few days in order to give them time to recover before pulling them up.
Try FreezePruf, a new product that protects foliage and blossoms. FreezePruf is a topical spray that works both topically and systemically to improve a plants cold tolerance up to 9.4 degrees. It may be enough to get your garden through a cold snap. FreezePruf lasts up to 6 weeks, so one application should be all you need for the start of the season. Be aware, however, that you cannot apply FreezePruf right before the freeze and have it work well. In order for it to truly be effective, you need to apply it well in advance so that it has time to work through the system of the plant, as well as topically to protect it. In our experience, those who have done this have had the best results.
Friday, May 7, 2010
It's been a while since I've posted anything, but that's because we've been so busy getting ready for spring! The greenhouse is fairly bursting with color, all wrapped up and ready for Mother's Day. Even though it was snowing last Sunday and 38 degrees, we knew where Spring was!
Moms are special and sometimes there are many "moms" along the way. My own mom passed away when I was twelve and I had a lot of "other mothers" throughout my growing up years. Each year I spend Mother's Day morning watering among 700 roses in the garden center and call each of them to thank them for being such a big part of my life. They've all helped make me into who I am today.
Thank all of the Moms in your life this Sunday. Whether you give them flowers, take them to dinner, or just call or send a card, remember all they've done for you.
If you're looking for great gift ideas, we have them. Come into the garden center and personally look me up. I'll be happy to help you select the perfect gift for your special mom!
Moms are special and sometimes there are many "moms" along the way. My own mom passed away when I was twelve and I had a lot of "other mothers" throughout my growing up years. Each year I spend Mother's Day morning watering among 700 roses in the garden center and call each of them to thank them for being such a big part of my life. They've all helped make me into who I am today.
Thank all of the Moms in your life this Sunday. Whether you give them flowers, take them to dinner, or just call or send a card, remember all they've done for you.
If you're looking for great gift ideas, we have them. Come into the garden center and personally look me up. I'll be happy to help you select the perfect gift for your special mom!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Springtime seems to finally be arriving with the first of our warm sunny days. It's a great time to get out in the garden and plant some spring color!
Start with pansies or violas. These hardy little plants will take some frost and bloom well into the summer until temperatures begin to get truly hot. Pansies and violas do well in beds, in pots or even hanging baskets. Available in a multitude of colors, these cheerful little plants practically shout "spring" with their happy faces.
Be careful where you plant them however, if you are using them in beds. Even though pansies and violas are not considered true perennials, because they don't come back from the same root stock, they do freely re-seed. Be sure to put them in an area where you won't mind a few more relatives if they come back next year!
If you are a perennial lover, the fragrant perennial violas are blooming and beautiful right now. Iberis (Candytuft) is especially pretty right now as well. Ours at Four Seasons are blooming with stark white blossoms. "Purity" is an especially nice variety for our area.
No matter what you plant out, a few new colors in your yard or in a patio pot, will help remind you that winter is truly, thankfully, a thing of the past!
Start with pansies or violas. These hardy little plants will take some frost and bloom well into the summer until temperatures begin to get truly hot. Pansies and violas do well in beds, in pots or even hanging baskets. Available in a multitude of colors, these cheerful little plants practically shout "spring" with their happy faces.
Be careful where you plant them however, if you are using them in beds. Even though pansies and violas are not considered true perennials, because they don't come back from the same root stock, they do freely re-seed. Be sure to put them in an area where you won't mind a few more relatives if they come back next year!
If you are a perennial lover, the fragrant perennial violas are blooming and beautiful right now. Iberis (Candytuft) is especially pretty right now as well. Ours at Four Seasons are blooming with stark white blossoms. "Purity" is an especially nice variety for our area.
No matter what you plant out, a few new colors in your yard or in a patio pot, will help remind you that winter is truly, thankfully, a thing of the past!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
It's one of my pet peeves. Many times people will come into the garden center and say that they are going to plant their cole crops, then ask for peas. While I understand that some people use the terms interchangeably, it isn't exactly correct. And since it's the time of the year to plant both, here's the definition in a nutshell.
The term "cole" crops are technically those plants that belong to the Cruciferae or mustard family. This includes plants such as kale, cauliflower, collards, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, turnips, and others. All of these vegetables can trace their origins back to a common ancestry of wild cabbage. Many of these vegetables are super powerhouses of nutrition. In fact, Brussels sprouts, collards, and kale contain more protein than milk does.
The term "cold" in reference to plants, refers to temperatures and those plants that can withstand cold nighttime and cool daytime temperatures. In fact, they not only tolerate them, but some plants thrive in them. Plants such as lettuce, radishes, peas, carrots, potatoes, and onions are cold crops. There are many more cold crops than cole crops. And these vegetables are not only good to plant in the spring, but will return an abundant crop in the cooler fall temperatures as well.
Depending on the weather, the amount of sunshine, and the temperatures, some of the cold and cole crops that are planted now, could be harvested as early as late-April to early May. What better way to truly catch spring fever than with vegetables harvested fresh from the garden?
The term "cole" crops are technically those plants that belong to the Cruciferae or mustard family. This includes plants such as kale, cauliflower, collards, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, turnips, and others. All of these vegetables can trace their origins back to a common ancestry of wild cabbage. Many of these vegetables are super powerhouses of nutrition. In fact, Brussels sprouts, collards, and kale contain more protein than milk does.
The term "cold" in reference to plants, refers to temperatures and those plants that can withstand cold nighttime and cool daytime temperatures. In fact, they not only tolerate them, but some plants thrive in them. Plants such as lettuce, radishes, peas, carrots, potatoes, and onions are cold crops. There are many more cold crops than cole crops. And these vegetables are not only good to plant in the spring, but will return an abundant crop in the cooler fall temperatures as well.
Depending on the weather, the amount of sunshine, and the temperatures, some of the cold and cole crops that are planted now, could be harvested as early as late-April to early May. What better way to truly catch spring fever than with vegetables harvested fresh from the garden?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The geese are in the backyard, I saw a robin today, and the crocus at Four Seasons in the front flowerbed are beginning to bloom. Spring can't be far away, despite the abundance of snow still on the ground! Maybe it froze along the way somewhere?
In any case, the pansies and violas in the garden center are beginning to bloom and you can tell that the days are lengthening. If you're anxious to begin your spring and summer gardening plans, start by attending a class or reading up on some of the new varieties. It's been a long time since I've seen people so excited about gardening- especially with vegetables. I think the high cost of groceries has driven even the most die hard non-gardener to reconsider this spring. I know that I'm feeding a teenager and my grocery bills are through the roof. My family had better like squash this summer!
If you are a small space gardener, consider gardening vertically, rather than horizontally. Use the Topsy Turvy planters. Use containers. Use whatever space you have that can easily be turned into a spot for food production. You'd be amazed and surprised at the amount of fresh food that can be produced in a small area. Tomatoes can go in a planter. Peppers can go in a pot. Radishes and lettuce can go into window boxed. Take a lesson from the Europeans who have always been short on space, but long on thrifty ways to invent places to garden. Then try it for yourself this summer!
In any case, the pansies and violas in the garden center are beginning to bloom and you can tell that the days are lengthening. If you're anxious to begin your spring and summer gardening plans, start by attending a class or reading up on some of the new varieties. It's been a long time since I've seen people so excited about gardening- especially with vegetables. I think the high cost of groceries has driven even the most die hard non-gardener to reconsider this spring. I know that I'm feeding a teenager and my grocery bills are through the roof. My family had better like squash this summer!
If you are a small space gardener, consider gardening vertically, rather than horizontally. Use the Topsy Turvy planters. Use containers. Use whatever space you have that can easily be turned into a spot for food production. You'd be amazed and surprised at the amount of fresh food that can be produced in a small area. Tomatoes can go in a planter. Peppers can go in a pot. Radishes and lettuce can go into window boxed. Take a lesson from the Europeans who have always been short on space, but long on thrifty ways to invent places to garden. Then try it for yourself this summer!
Monday, March 1, 2010
A friend sent me this link tonight and I want to share it with you. http://www.ezfromseed.org/easyseeds.php
It's a good place for the beginning gardener to go to get information about the easiest plants to grow from seed.
I saw the geese in our yard today which means that spring is indeed on it's way and it's time to begin thinking about starting your seeds. Visit us at the garden center and we'll be happy to choose the seeds that are right for your zone. We'll help you get started with planting instructions, seed starting supplies and our personal tips and tricks to help you be successful!
It's a good place for the beginning gardener to go to get information about the easiest plants to grow from seed.
I saw the geese in our yard today which means that spring is indeed on it's way and it's time to begin thinking about starting your seeds. Visit us at the garden center and we'll be happy to choose the seeds that are right for your zone. We'll help you get started with planting instructions, seed starting supplies and our personal tips and tricks to help you be successful!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Today's helpful tip for those of you who are beginning to experience the joys of spring mud season! Try using bark from your local garden center to lay down in walkways, paths, and driveways to help minimize the effects of the mud and having it tracked into your home. Bark nuggets will keep the mud down, keep pets from coming in with muddy paws, and if used in the garden, can be left there as a top dress long after the snow has melted.
If you choose to use larger nuggets for applications like the driveway, you can rake them up and redistribute them to the flower beds later in the season.
If you choose to use larger nuggets for applications like the driveway, you can rake them up and redistribute them to the flower beds later in the season.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Now that the snow is finally beginning to go away, it's time to think about spring in earnest. While January days are for dreaming, February days are for planning. I always feel sorry for the mailman around this time of year. The Christmas catalog shopping season is long past, the January doldrums and after Christmas catalog sales are over but it's time to haul all of those darn seed and plant catalogs to mailboxes across the country. If you've been innundated with seed and plant catalogs in the mail, and you aren't watching the Olympics at night, then you're probably dreaming of your garden and all of the new goodies available this year.
Before you get too excited, a word or two of caution about all of the colorful and glorious offerings in the catalogs. The first thing you want to do is check to make sure that the plant, seed, bulb, shrub, etc which you have chosen is appropriate for your area. What does that mean? It means, is it suitable to be planted and will grow in your zone? If you aren't familiar with zones, call your local garden center, or check the USDA web site and you'll be able to discover exactly which zone your home is in. While many of the catalogs offer a much wider variety of material than your local garden center, there is often a reason the material is not offered locally. A responsible garden center will only choose those plants, seeds, etc which are suitable for their area. They won't try to sell you things that don't thrive or even survive in the climate area which they serve. Although the offerings are abundant, many times they aren't going to live where you live. Unless you are an adventurous gardener and just want to try something for a challenge, you are probably wasting good money if you choose something that is not recommended for your zone.
Before you get too excited, a word or two of caution about all of the colorful and glorious offerings in the catalogs. The first thing you want to do is check to make sure that the plant, seed, bulb, shrub, etc which you have chosen is appropriate for your area. What does that mean? It means, is it suitable to be planted and will grow in your zone? If you aren't familiar with zones, call your local garden center, or check the USDA web site and you'll be able to discover exactly which zone your home is in. While many of the catalogs offer a much wider variety of material than your local garden center, there is often a reason the material is not offered locally. A responsible garden center will only choose those plants, seeds, etc which are suitable for their area. They won't try to sell you things that don't thrive or even survive in the climate area which they serve. Although the offerings are abundant, many times they aren't going to live where you live. Unless you are an adventurous gardener and just want to try something for a challenge, you are probably wasting good money if you choose something that is not recommended for your zone.
The second thing to be mindful of is, does the company from which you are ordering have a good, solid reputation for both delivery and quality? Unfortunately, like a television evangelist, many of the mail order companies do not live up to their promises. I spend a good deal of time in May and June each year answering the e-mail at our garden center that is misdirected from a mail order company who has either not sent products which were ordered, or has sent dead material. Folks find us by doing a google search and we get the complaints, even though we are in no way associated with the mail order company. So take a minute and check before you order. You may save yourself a great deal of grief down the road. Happy planning!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Many areas of the country have been experiencing bad weather and a abundance of snow and ice. Although you may not think about it when you are out shoveling, your yard needs some special attention now too. Begin by taking a walk around your property. Remove the snow from tree limbs and shrubbery as soon as possible after storms. Not only will the snow and ice weigh them down, it can contribute to breakage and damage that can leave the plant misshapen. If you do happen to see some damage, prune it off now. Since the tree or shrub is dormant, it won't hurt it and could prevent further damage.
Another thing to be mindful of is what you are using to melt the snow and ice. While rock salt is a wonderful ice melter, it not only will break up concrete when used extensively, but the run off into flower beds and grassy areas will burn and can kill plant material. Instead, shovel walkways as far down as practical, then use sand, kitty litter, gravel or even my favorite- birdseed- to provide anti-skid material. Not only will you walk more securely, you will be providing much needed food for your feathered friends as well. Enjoy the winter wonderland, but be safe and take care of your yard too!
Another thing to be mindful of is what you are using to melt the snow and ice. While rock salt is a wonderful ice melter, it not only will break up concrete when used extensively, but the run off into flower beds and grassy areas will burn and can kill plant material. Instead, shovel walkways as far down as practical, then use sand, kitty litter, gravel or even my favorite- birdseed- to provide anti-skid material. Not only will you walk more securely, you will be providing much needed food for your feathered friends as well. Enjoy the winter wonderland, but be safe and take care of your yard too!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Four Seasons Greenhouse & Nursery
January 28, 2010
Welcome to a new year and a new decade! The snowy weather has provided a lot of time for planning, dreaming and thinking. One day last week we had a strategic planning session among staff members and there are some exciting changes in store for Four Seasons this spring!
We've had the honor of making the Revolutionary 100 list for the fourth year in a row and I had the pleasure of spending time in Atlanta this month attending the Roundtable that Today's Garden Center Magazine hosts in conjunction with that award. These folks are truly the coolest in our industry and I came away with my batteries recharged. Look out Four Corners!
I hope you find this page interesting, informative and useful. If you are into Social Media, please take a minute to become a fan of Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery on Facebook or find us on Twitter at Four_Seasons_GH or Four Seasons Nursery. Although we have been on the sites for over a year, I'd like to see folks using them more often. We post events there and have even begun to post videos on Facebook. Very fun and exciting! So join our foray into the world of social networking! It's a great way to keep in touch with all that we're doing!"
Welcome to a new year and a new decade! The snowy weather has provided a lot of time for planning, dreaming and thinking. One day last week we had a strategic planning session among staff members and there are some exciting changes in store for Four Seasons this spring!
We've had the honor of making the Revolutionary 100 list for the fourth year in a row and I had the pleasure of spending time in Atlanta this month attending the Roundtable that Today's Garden Center Magazine hosts in conjunction with that award. These folks are truly the coolest in our industry and I came away with my batteries recharged. Look out Four Corners!
I hope you find this page interesting, informative and useful. If you are into Social Media, please take a minute to become a fan of Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery on Facebook or find us on Twitter at Four_Seasons_GH or Four Seasons Nursery. Although we have been on the sites for over a year, I'd like to see folks using them more often. We post events there and have even begun to post videos on Facebook. Very fun and exciting! So join our foray into the world of social networking! It's a great way to keep in touch with all that we're doing!"
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