Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2003 PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/gardentips.html Garden Tips March/April 2003 Marty Johnson, President, Johnson's Garden Centers & Kansas Certified Nursery Professional JOHNSON'S GARDEN SHOW For the very latest in gardening advice, tune in to NewsRadio 1240 KNSS Saturday mornings at 8:00. I know, it's early for those who like to sleep in, but let Jeremy and I wake you up and get you motivated for weekend gardening. Call 436-1240 with your questions or e-mail questions to radioshow@johnsonsgarden.com. This winter we had a caller who claimed to be reading from "Marty's Gardening Almanac" and wanted to know about this year's frost-free date. My first comment was that if he indeed did have "Marty's Gardening Almanac" then he should already know the answer! By giving it my best shot (or best guess) and by doing some very scientific research (walking outside without a coat on) I predict that this year our frost-free date will be Thursday, April 10 (much earlier than usual). RUSHING SPRING Every spring, gardeners want to rush the season. I personally like to see how early we can get by with planting tomatoes. This year, I plan to get my first tomatoes out in mid to late March, depending on the weather forecast. I know, I just told you that the frost-free date will be April 10, so why am I pushing the season by a few weeks? First of all, I'll use a Wallo'Water to keep my plant protected down to the lower 20s. And if it doesn't make it, I can replant it. I might not have tomatoes ripe two months early but I should at least have bragging rights this year. RUSHING SPRING II It was shortly after January 1st when the first spring-flowering bulbs started peaking out of the ground. We are all tempted to do something to protect plants as they start to grow, but somehow they seem to make it just fine when left alone. We've had temperatures as low as 2 degrees F and the leaves are still fine. If you're planting new items that have been grown in a greenhouse and have been forced to grow earlier than the plants outside, then some protection will be needed. By covering plants with a product called Floating Row Cover you should be able to keep most plants going until we're past the last frost. LET US DO THE DIRTY WORK We all get busy in the spring and find it difficult to get everything in the ground. Johnson's offers landscape services to take care of everything from single tree planting to large landscape jobs. We can also get your patio planters filled with color for the season or prep and plant your flower beds. Give us a call at 316-943-6886 and let our crews do the dirty work. WE LIKE MYKE! I'm anxious to try our new line of mycorrhizae products called MYKE. Mycorrhizae is a naturally occurring fungi that helps plants establish a more developed root system and survive summer stress better. Monrovia Nursery has added mycorrhizae to its soil for several years and has had great results. (This product is used with ferti-lome Root Stimulator, not instead of.) There are several strains of fungi which help specific plants. We have four products available: - MYKE Tree and Shrub - MYKE Vegetable Garden - MYKE Annual and Perennial - MYKE Indoor Plant ORGANIC LAWN CARE If you want an organic alternative for crabgrass control, your best option is Bradfield Corn Gluten Meal. This product is very safe around animals and gives you pretty good crabgrass control. One bag covers approximately 2,500 sq. ft. and contains a 9-0-0 fertilizer to give your lawn or garden a small feeding of nitrogen this spring.