Saturday's Green ChileFest schedule & more.
Hello, again!
I’m sure you have heard the phrase, ‘The best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago’. I'll add to that, 'The next best time would be now'. Nursery professionals and gardeners alike agree that fall is a great time to plant most cold hardy plants. Our national nursery association decades ago introduced the 'Fall is for Planting' campaign to promote planting of not only trees and shrubs, but annuals, perennials, lawns, vegetable gardens and spring flowering bulbs. With the current warm soil temperatures and the cooler days of fall ahead, newly planted trees will establish quickly. Plants are under less stress with favorable temperatures and generally more moisture this time of the year.
One of the most important parts of tree planting is to select the right tree for the right spot. Our staff at the stores can help you in selecting the tree that best fits your spot. Keep in mind the mature size of the tree canopy and allow the tree ample room to grow.
People ask about planting during a period of water restrictions. I honestly believe that more plant casualties are caused by overwatering. By using the following steps, I know you’ll be successful in your tree planting project:
Before you begin, collect all your supplies and remember that successful planting starts with the hole. By taking a little extra time to do it right; and spending a few extra dollars on planting supplies, you’ll help ensure the survival of your new plants. In addition to a shovel, you’ll need:
• MYKE Tree and Shrub
• Cotton Burr Compost
• ferti•lome Start-N-Grow
• ferti•lome Root Stimulator
• All Bark Cedar Mulch
• Tree Stakes (for larger trees)
• Tree Watering Bag
1. Dig the hole two to three times as wide as the plant’s container; even wider if possible. Dig the hole no deeper than necessary. IT IS BEST TO PLANT HIGH (especially in clay soils). Place the soil you’ve removed around the outer edges of the hole.
2. Remove the plant from the container. If not using MYKE Tree & Shrub, place the root ball directly in the hole and go to step 4.
3. If using MYKE Tree & Shrub, apply following the Application Chart and recommendations on the package. New roots must be in direct contact with MYKE so be sure to spread it all around the root ball (do not mix MYKE in with the soil from the hole).
4. Amend the soil from the hole with Cotton Burr Compost and Start-N-Grow (18-6-12) at the rate of 2/3 existing soil and 1/3 Cotton Burr Compost plus the recommended amount of Start-N-Grow.
5. Fill the hole with the amended soil and tamp lightly around the root ball. Use excess soil to form a berm around the outer edge of the hole. Soak the berm with water and the recommended amount of Root Stimulator (4-10-3 plus B-1). Repeated use of Root Stimulator during the first growing season is recommended.
6. To conserve moisture, protect roots and reduce weeds, place All Bark Cedar Mulch around the base of your plants. Mulch should be 3-4" deep, but should be kept away from the tree trunk.
7. Use tree stakes for larger trees during the first year for protection from wind. Pay special attention to watering for the first season. Newly planted trees and shrubs will require more water than existing plants, but take caution not to overwater your plants. A Tree Watering Bag is a good option, especially during watering restrictions.
Be sure to stop by this Saturday for ChileFest at both stores. With the chile roaster filling the market and sampling area with the aroma of fresh roasted Hatch chile, I know it’ll be a fun atmosphere. It’s free to attend; see the schedule below. I hope to see you there!
Your friend in the garden,
Marty Johnson
Owner - Johnson's Garden Centers
I’m sure you have heard the phrase, ‘The best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago’. I'll add to that, 'The next best time would be now'. Nursery professionals and gardeners alike agree that fall is a great time to plant most cold hardy plants. Our national nursery association decades ago introduced the 'Fall is for Planting' campaign to promote planting of not only trees and shrubs, but annuals, perennials, lawns, vegetable gardens and spring flowering bulbs. With the current warm soil temperatures and the cooler days of fall ahead, newly planted trees will establish quickly. Plants are under less stress with favorable temperatures and generally more moisture this time of the year.
One of the most important parts of tree planting is to select the right tree for the right spot. Our staff at the stores can help you in selecting the tree that best fits your spot. Keep in mind the mature size of the tree canopy and allow the tree ample room to grow.
People ask about planting during a period of water restrictions. I honestly believe that more plant casualties are caused by overwatering. By using the following steps, I know you’ll be successful in your tree planting project:
Before you begin, collect all your supplies and remember that successful planting starts with the hole. By taking a little extra time to do it right; and spending a few extra dollars on planting supplies, you’ll help ensure the survival of your new plants. In addition to a shovel, you’ll need:
• MYKE Tree and Shrub
• Cotton Burr Compost
• ferti•lome Start-N-Grow
• ferti•lome Root Stimulator
• All Bark Cedar Mulch
• Tree Stakes (for larger trees)
• Tree Watering Bag
1. Dig the hole two to three times as wide as the plant’s container; even wider if possible. Dig the hole no deeper than necessary. IT IS BEST TO PLANT HIGH (especially in clay soils). Place the soil you’ve removed around the outer edges of the hole.
2. Remove the plant from the container. If not using MYKE Tree & Shrub, place the root ball directly in the hole and go to step 4.
3. If using MYKE Tree & Shrub, apply following the Application Chart and recommendations on the package. New roots must be in direct contact with MYKE so be sure to spread it all around the root ball (do not mix MYKE in with the soil from the hole).
4. Amend the soil from the hole with Cotton Burr Compost and Start-N-Grow (18-6-12) at the rate of 2/3 existing soil and 1/3 Cotton Burr Compost plus the recommended amount of Start-N-Grow.
5. Fill the hole with the amended soil and tamp lightly around the root ball. Use excess soil to form a berm around the outer edge of the hole. Soak the berm with water and the recommended amount of Root Stimulator (4-10-3 plus B-1). Repeated use of Root Stimulator during the first growing season is recommended.
6. To conserve moisture, protect roots and reduce weeds, place All Bark Cedar Mulch around the base of your plants. Mulch should be 3-4" deep, but should be kept away from the tree trunk.
7. Use tree stakes for larger trees during the first year for protection from wind. Pay special attention to watering for the first season. Newly planted trees and shrubs will require more water than existing plants, but take caution not to overwater your plants. A Tree Watering Bag is a good option, especially during watering restrictions.
Be sure to stop by this Saturday for ChileFest at both stores. With the chile roaster filling the market and sampling area with the aroma of fresh roasted Hatch chile, I know it’ll be a fun atmosphere. It’s free to attend; see the schedule below. I hope to see you there!
Your friend in the garden,
Marty Johnson
Owner - Johnson's Garden Centers
