Fill-A-Flat Pre-Order is happening now.
Hello, again!
Just like getting our ferti-lome For All Seasons applied soon, there are some other timely projects to get accomplished that will pay dividends all season long.
A timely application of weed and grass preventer is a great tool for keeping unwanted grassy and broadleaf weeds out of turf areas, and controlling weeds in a flower garden or landscape bed will not only make the area look better, but will also help the desirable plants perform better. I hear some people comment occasionally that they don’t care what grows, as long as it’s green. I’ll guarantee you that once a homeowner has a vigorous stand of crabgrass in their turf, they’ll never delay the preventative application again. Take my word for it.
A few tips for getting our landscape beds ready for the season:
First thing is removal of debris from last year's growing season. Maybe it’s leaves that have blown in from your neighbor’s yard, or spent annuals and perennial plant parts from last year. It all needs to go. A leaf blower, leaf rake and pruners all help.
Looking for fall germinated weeds is next. Physical removal is good, or if there are large areas to tackle try Hi-Yield Super Concentrate Killzall Weed and Grass Killer. I like it because it kills weeds down to the roots. It’s a non-selective weed and grass killer - so it's important to keep it off desirable plants, grasses and vegetation. Use near fences, on paths, patios, curbs, sidewalks, driveways, around trees, shrubs, flower beds, and buildings. The Ultra formula with surfactant dries on fast and is rainfast in as little as two hours. For smaller, targeted areas, try Hi-Yield Killzall Quick Weed & Grass Killer Spray. It’s in a ready-to-use spray container and is rainproof in ten minutes. It reaches the roots in one to two hours and provides visible results in as little as three hours. Killzall may be applied when temperatures are as low as 50 degrees. Both are safe and effective tools for the landscape.
To prevent weeds in flower and landscape beds, use Hi-Yield Turf & Ornamental Weed & Grass Stopper. It eliminates weeds in sensitive landscapes, such as warm season established lawns and ornamental landscapes. Turf & Ornamental controls crabgrass and other broadleaf weeds for up to four months after application. It works best when applied before most weeds emerge, but it will help control crabgrass for up to four weeks after it germinates.
Mulch applied to all landscape areas will not only enhance the appearance of the beds, but also aids in prevention of weed germination and retains valuable moisture. My favorite for flowerbed areas is Grade-A Cedar Mulch. This all-bark mulch is made of western red cedar. It provides a thick, protective layer that's resistant to floating or blowing away. It smells great, is attractive and holds color well. It really is the best cedar mulch around.
Don’t forget to fertilize! We have many options for fertilizer for the landscape, from ferti-lome Gardener’s Special, our favorite flower and vegetable plant food for decades, to ferti-lome Tree & Shrub Food, my favorite fertilizer for trees and shrubs.
With the current watering schedule for customers of the City of Wichita and even those concerned about using less water, consider applying Hydretain. Hydretain attracts moisture from the air, which when added to a turf or landscape area will greatly reduce water usage. Hydretain manages soil moisture, extending watering intervals for ornamental plants, turfgrasses, trees, shrubs and agriculture by as much as two to three times. Other benefits are minimizing plant drought stress, lowering water utility bills, avoiding water restriction fines, increasing seed germination, saving time and labor, improving transplant success, eliminating dry spots and improving plant nutrient uptake. We’re very impressed with the results we’ve seen.
Be sure to save the dates of April 23 - 27 for our annual Fill-A-Flat Sale. Many customers are ordering their plants on our website now to make sure they are able to get the varieties they are wanting. See you soon!
Your friend in the garden,
Marty Johnson
Owner - Johnson's Garden Centers
P.S - Garden Time on KAKE-TV begins this weekend! Catch us every Saturday and Sunday at 7:55am for our local gardening tips. If you miss it, catch up anytime on our YouTube Channel.
