Basic Gardening Tips
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The three most important considerations for successful gardening are:
1. Soil Conditions
2. Watering
3. Fertilizing
Soil Conditions
Start by assessing the quality of your soil. If your soil has too much clay or shale, you need to amend it before planting. Amendments like peat moss, planting mix, garden compost, composted manure, and perlite can improve your soil.
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Shale soil won’t hold moisture long enough for plant roots to absorb water, so adding peat moss or garden compost is critical for moisture retention. On the other hand, clay soil can prevent oxygen from reaching the roots, causing roots to suffocate or die from disease. In this case, adding perlite and planting mix or peat moss can help balance moisture, air, and nutrients.
Watering
The condition of your soil determines how much you need to water. Properly amended soil requires less frequent watering and is more effective. Once the soil is prepared, focus on the specific water needs of each plant.
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Lawns and most annuals, with their shallow root systems (3-8 inches), need watering every 2-3 days during the first week. Never water every day, except in extreme heat and wind conditions. Shrubs and trees, with deeper roots, require deeper, less frequent watering every 7 to 10 days. The key rules are to thoroughly saturate the root system and not water again until the soil is somewhat dry. Always apply water slowly to ensure deep penetration and allow the soil to dry out before the next watering.
Fertilizing
Never fertilize a dry plant. Always thoroughly water your plants a day before feeding them. Dry roots can be burned by fertilizer, but well-watered roots will absorb it more effectively. Annuals, which grow and flower in one season, need frequent feeding—ideally every week or every third watering.
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Perennials vary in their feeding needs, but a general rule is to use a granular perennial food (10-12-10) from late April to early August. When planting in poor soil that has been amended, mix half native soil with half amendments to avoid creating a waterlogged area surrounded by clay.
Recommended Products
1. Plant Starter: Reduces transplant shock and helps new plantings establish.
2. Granule Fertilizers: Feeds plants throughout the growing season.
3. Concern Products: Natural way to control insects and their damage.
4. SKH Planting Mix : Ideal for amending clay or stony garden soils.
5. Osmocote : Timed release fertilizer for better blooms, used along with regular fertilizer.
6. Water Wand: Makes watering easier and more enjoyable, but be careful not to over water.
7. Garden Books: Essential for specific watering, feeding, and growing requirements for various plants.
By following these basic gardening tips, you can create a healthy and thriving garden. Happy gardening!