Johnson's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2007
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/tips.html

O C T 0 B E R   2 0 0 7

FALL LAWN CARE
    Bring nutrients and vitality back to lawns this fall with Natural
Guard Soil Activator. This product contains humates, the active
ingredients in a compost pile. Activator makes beneficial organic
material for your soil out of grass clippings, thatch and debris. Core
aerating first would be great, but it also works well when applied to
the surface and watered in. Activator doesn't take the place of
fertilizer, but it does increase the ability of grass to use
fertilizer--and it is time now for your second Winterizer application.
This application is especially important for fall-planted grass.
    There is still time to plant grass seed through October. Seed
planted now will be slower coming up and, depending on weather, may not
totally mature this fall, but fall-planted seed will always be stronger
going into summer. Grass planted in October will need Winterizer in
November.
    October to mid November is also a very effective time to rid your
lawn of broadleaf weeds and reduce next spring's crop. If you seeded
this fall, be sure the new grass has been mowed three times before
applying any weed control. Use ferti-lome Weed Out Plus Lawn Fertilizer
for a weed-and-feed or liquid ferti-lome Weed Free Zone for quicker
results now and for better control in cooler weather.

FALL COLOR
    Plant mums, pansies, ornamental cabbage and kale now to give your
garden a burst of color this fall. Use ferti-lome Premium Bedding Plant
Food in the soil when planting and then follow up with several waterings
of Daniels Plant Food. This organic based liquid fertilizer dissolves
easily, even in cold water, and is instantly available to be used by the
plants. Use Daniels next spring to get perennials and pansies off to a
spectacular start. Pansies will bloom all fall, into winter and again
with your bulbs next spring. Mums are perennials and come back year
after year to flower in the fall. Mulch pansies, mums and asters to
insure the best winter hardiness.

POINSETTIAS & CHRISTMAS CACTUS
    These traditional holiday plants need a little special attention if
you want color again this Christmas.
    Poinsettias need long nights to trigger the color change in the
bracts. Early October is generally the time to start these artificial
"nights." The 12-14 hour dark period must be uninterrupted by any light
source. Even a dim light bulb can throw off the treatment. During the
remaining "day" period, poinsettias need a sunny location. The process
takes about six weeks, then you can leave the plants in bright light to
finish the color change.
    Christmas cactus may also be given longer "nights" to trigger bud
development; or they can be kept cool. This can be achieved by leaving
plants outdoors as night time temperatures stay in the 50s. Bring them
inside to a bright location once buds set on.

TULIPS & OTHER BULBS
    October is "prime time" for bulb planting. Daffodils, crocus and
hyacinths can be planted anytime now; plant tulips in late October to
November. When planning your spring garden, remember that bulbs make a
more effective display when planted in groups rather than singly. Plant
with the pointed end of the bulb up. Good drainage is crucial so work up
the area and incorporate Johnson's Bulb Planting Package. The Package
includes Cotton Boll Compost to improve the drainage, Bone Meal for a
slow release phosphorus to aid in root development and Bulb Food for a
total fertilizer.

                Bulb Planting Chart
          Bulb          Depth      Spacing
    Crocus & sm. bulbs   3-4"        2-3"
    Daffodils            6-8"        6"
    Hyacinth             6"          4-6"
    Tulips               5-6"        4-6"
    Larger Bulbs         8"          8-12"

    Water bulbs in well with ferti-lome Root Stimulator and continue 
watering through fall and winter if weather is dry and warm.

TREES & SHRUBS
    Every Kansas summer presents its own challenges that stress our
trees and shrubs. This year we had so much moisture the soil became
saturated, depriving plant roots of oxygen and causing damage to those
roots. As a result, many plants lost leaves during the later part of the
summer. The best thing to do now to help them next spring is to
fertilize this fall with ferti-lome Tree & Shrub Food. Tree & Shrub Food
is a granular fertilizer you just sprinkle or spread underneath plants,
then water in. This allows fertilizer to get to all the little feeder
roots and to be utilized efficiently by the plant. Tree & Shrub Food is
good for deciduous and evergreen plants and may be applied until the
ground freezes.