Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2002
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/gardentips.html

Garden Tips 
September 2001
Marty Johnson, President, Johnson's Garden Centers, KS. Certified Nurseryman

    It's been a long, hot summer and we're all looking forward to cool
fall weather. Don't miss this great opportunity to take advantage of
Mother Nature's "Second Spring." Fall is the perfect time to plant many
things in your landscape:

   -trees and shrubs
   -fescue seed/lawns
   -winter-hardy pansies
   -fall color itemsÑmums, asters, ornamental kale and cabbage

    Now's the time to plant some of your spring garden items, too. Plant
iris, peonies, crocus, daffodils (or narcissus) and other small bulbs in
September. Wait until October or November to plant tulips, but shop now
for the best selection. Keep the tulip bulbs stored in a cool place
until you are ready to plant them. We have an excellent selection of
bulbs, corms and tubers in stock now.

    What ever you are planting, make sure your soil is fertile and
drains well. Have your soil tested at Johnson's and amend the soil
according to the results. Everything you plant this fall will also
benefit from being watered in with ferti-lome Root Stimulator.

    Fall is the perfect time to plant trees and shrubs because the warm
soil promotes rapid root development and because there are two cool
seasons to get the plants established before having to deal with the
heat and drought of Kansas summers. When planting, use ferti-lome
Start-N-Grow slow release fertilizer in the planting hole, then water in
with Root Stimulator.

    Mulch newly planted trees and shrubs to help retain soil moisture
and to keep soil temperature even through winter. Stake new trees to
protect them from strong Kansas winds.

    Fall is also the best time to feed established trees and shrubs. The
warm soil allows for active root growth and rapid absorption of
nutrients. This feeding helps  plants recover from the pest and weather
problems of summer and also helps to improve the plant's health next
spring.

    Apply ferti-lome Tree & Shrub Food to the soil surface around your
plants and water in thoroughly. Fine tree roots extend far beyond the
drip line, so apply Tree & Shrub Food well beyond that point.

    Fall is prime time for fescue lawns! Fall is THE most important time
to fertilize cool-season lawns.

    Discontinue applying granular fertilizer to your rose bushes by the
first of September. Water-soluble plant foods are OK, as they will
promote flowering without pushing new growth. Stop deadheading roses at
this time of year to help them prepare for their dormant period.

    As fall approaches, crickets, spiders and other insects start
looking for a winter home. To keep these pests outside, use ferti-lome
Kill-A-Bug II containing permethrin. Spray a band around your
foundation, windows and doors. For pest control indoors use ferti-lome
Indoor/Outdoor Insect Spray.