Johnson's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2008 
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/tips.html

F E B R U A R Y   2 0 0 8

LAWN CARE
    It's time to plan your lawn care program for cool-season
grasses--fescue, bluegrass and rye. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, come
in to ask us about the ferti-lome 5-Step Do-It-Yourself Lawn Care
Program with products specifically suited for the needs of your lawn ...
and you'll save $10.00!
    There are two options to consider for your first step, depending on
your seeding plans:

    - ferti-lome's For All Season Crabgrass and Weed Preventer with
      BARRICADE is a long-lasting pre-emergent which can be applied in
      the winter or early spring months for season-long control of grassy
      weeds while it feeds your lawn. This product allows for more freedom 
      in timing the first application. 
      
    - If you need to seed this spring, apply Seed Starter Fertilizer
      plus Crabgrass Preventer in April; or use ferti-lome New Lawn 
      Starter when you plant the seed and then after you have mowed the 
      new grass two times apply Hi-Yield Turf & Ornamental Weed Stopper 
      with Dimension for crabgrass control.
      
    Come in and let us help you design a full year of lawn care. The
5-Step Do-It-Yourself Lawn Care Program is tailored to your pocketbook
and your lawn's needs and we'll even loan you a spreader.
    If you'd rather let us take care of the lawn for you, ask about our
5-Step Full Service Lawn Care Program. We'll take the work and worry out
of lawn care with two applications of crabgrass control, broadleaf weed
killer and premium fertilizer for your lawn. Sign up now and take
advantage of our Early Bird 10% Discount (through the end of February)
then sit back and let us take care of the lawn for you!

FEED THE BIRDS
    Bird feeders are a great way to bring wildlife up close. When
outdoor activities are limited by weather, we can watch activity abound
at feeders and bird baths. A simple platform feeder stocked with black
oil sunflower seed or Johnson's Gardener's Choice is universally
appealing to many desirable birds as well as squirrels. Come in during
our Bird Food Sale and we can fix you up with a feeding system and seed
to attract the wildlife you want ... or keep away the critters you don't
want to attract.

PURPLE MARTINS
    Be sure to get new houses up, or clean out your old house to be
ready for the martin scouts when they arrive in early to mid March.
Monitor the birds' progress towards Kansas by visiting the purple martin
web site at www.purplemartin.org.

WINTER TREE CARE
    Late this winter or early spring, fertilize trees with ferti-lome
Tree & Shrub Food to encourage good new growth this spring. A
preventative application of  systemic insecticidal drench might also be
a good idea for borer-susceptible trees like birch, maple and
cottonwoods.

SEED STARTING
    Vegetable plants that can be planted outdoors in March and early
April should be started indoors. Start broccoli, brussels sprouts,
cabbage, cauliflower and onions from seed now.
    Some annual flowers that need an eight week head start are:
ageratum, seed geraniums, begonias, impatiens, lobelia, petunias, rose
moss, verbena and vinca. Most perennials will also need to be started
early.

    Seed Starting Tips:
      - Use a sterile soilless seed starting medium like Jiffy Mix or
          ferti-lome Seedling Starter Mix. 
      - Keep soil moist. After the initial watering, mist the soil to keep
          it damp without dislodging the seeds.
      - A dome or plastic bag over the plant flat will help with soil
          moisture and maintain humidity.
      - A seedling heat mat or heating cables will promote better and
          quicker germination by providing bottom warmth.
      - Once plants have sprouted, remove the dome and give the seedlings
           more sunlight and cool temperatures.
      - Fertilize once a week with a 1/4 strength solution of ferti-lome
           Blooming and Rooting.