Guide to planting and maintaining fescue grass!

Cool-season, turf-like fescue grass is perfect for northerners and homeowners living in harsh, dry climates. It is strong, resistant to groups of fast-spreading weeds, and surprisingly self-sufficient. Also, if you have active children or pets at home, you, too, could benefit from applying a sample patch of fescue grass to your yard. Here is how you can grow and maintain it.

Start by planting the seeds late spring or early fall (fall is the best choice). Before seeding, be sure all weeds surrounding your planting area are cleared out and till the area approximately six inches deep. Also, rake the area and remove any large rocks or old piles of sod. Depending on the intensity and duration of the seasons surrounding your living environment, some people will need to start the seeding process earlier than others. Once soil temperatures reach the low-to-mid 60s (Fahrenheit), you will likely see good results.

Remember, over-seeding is required when working with this type of grass. People generally over seed in October to help the grass recover from the times the grass suffered against the humidity and frequent showers during the summer. Beyond that, mow the grass between 2-3 inches every few months and leave the clippings on the ground. The clippings act as an additional layer of fertilizer.

Fescue grass requires consistent maintenance in the summer, which won't work well for everyone. If you are willing to put the work in, your grass will stand strong through the duration of Winter. You will no longer feel stressed about a lawn that looks like a leaking brown slushy once spring arrives.

For more information on the fescue grass seeding process or assistance with locating equipment, stop in, and a store associate will help you!

Easy to Grow Garden Fruits

Gardening is extremely rewarding when you get to taste your creations. For those looking into gardening healthy foods, soft fruits are a solid starting point. Some gardeners like to start with berries and work their way up to larger, sweeter fruits. Beginners wishing to work with smaller berries can start with small containers before transitioning to full-size fruit trees.

So, are you ready to put down those weeds and start growing your food?

Let's get straight to it! 

1) Strawberries

Strawberries offer flexibility when it comes to usage and durability. They fit in well with a variety of seasonal dishes and maintain their flavor all year long. A strawberry's ability to thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments make it a fan favorite. They only need to be planted once and are easily movable when frost hits the ground. Ever bearing strawberries are popular because gardeners can get two harvests a year (June and late August/early September).

2) Pineapple

Pineapples are surprisingly easy to grow when planted properly. When ready, cut the crown off of a pineapple. Next, soak it in water for a day or two. Lastly, place the pineapple in a  gallon-sized container and place it under direct sunlight. It is that simple! Let it soak up the sun's rays and within no time, you will have yourself a delicious pineapple.

3) Tomatoes 

Shocking twist, I know. But yes, Tomatoes are considered a fruit. Like other small berries, tomatoes are often raised in a container. Tomatoes need more room to grow because they expand quickly and need a strong foundation to support their weight.

4)  Watermelons

Watermelons can grow outdoors or in a large container. Some people prefer to use a container because the vine often has a mind of its own. A vine left unmanaged can spiral out of control and wrap around other plants. If you are considering growing watermelons, keep in mind, they need a lot of water and direct access to sunlight to grow. Artificial sunlight or a comfortable living space next to a window will suffice.

Five Tips for Protecting Your Beloved Garden

To some, July is a wonderful month for numerous reasons. Schools out, fireworks light up the sky, pools are open, amusement parks are flooded with energetic tourists and refreshing drinks are flying off of the shelves. While humans have access to amenities and shelter to keep them cool when temperatures become unbearable, plants usually don't have that luxury. They are forced to stand tall and fighting through the dry, humid air. 

Be honest, how often do you thoroughly inspect your garden during the month of July? Probably not very often, right? It may be too hot or you are busy traveling the world. Understandable, but we recommend seeking out some assistance from a nearby gardening buddy. A little bit of maintenance can go a long way in ensuring that your precious plants reach their full growth potential. We want your garden to shine when the light gets dimmer. Here is how you, too, can protect during the scorching summer months. 

1) Now is the perfect time to clear out any dead, injured or permanently damaged flowers to make room for new prospects to grow in.

2) Look out for snakes meandering through your garden during the quiet times of the day. We recommend you stock up on snake repellent and have one container loaded and ready to use just in case an unexpected slim, but scaly intruder sneaks onto your property. Consider checking out the organic repellent from I Must Garden, which is made with botanical oils and several other completely natural ingredients to avoid harming yourself or your plants.

3) Looking to add some flavor to your garden? Trellis’ for vines are looking exceptionally healthy this time of year.

4) Protect your bedding plants and vegetables with an extra layer of healthy fertilizer during the warmest and driest months of the year to prevent them from losing too many nutrients. Plant-Tone, a premium organizer fertilizer product, is a great brand to try.

5) Don't terrorize the bees! Once you can look past their (somewhat) frightening looks and odd buzzing sounds, you will quickly realize they don't mean any harm. Besides, they help plants to grow up big and strong. If you must spray chemicals, it is best to wait until later in the evening or after sunset.

We wish you the best and hope that you and your garden have a happy summer. Come by and see us if you have any additional questions. An expert will be happy to help you protect your beloved garden during your battle against the heat waves.