Tip of the Week - Charlie Nardozzi
Keep Checking Back for Gardening Tips from Charlie Nardozzi
Charlie Nardozzi has worked for over 20 years to bring expert gardening information to home gardeners through radio, television, and the printed page. Charlie serves as senior horticulturist and spokesperson for the National Gardening Association (NGA). He also writes national gardening news for the Regional Reports Newsletter and worked as an editor for National Gardening magazine for 12 years.
Planting a Tree - November 16, 2009
Fall is the perfect time of year to plant a tree. Select a tree with the ultimate height and spread to fit in the area you plant. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball of the tree and three times as wide. Remove the container or burlap and place the tree in the hole. Back fill with the original soil. Only amend the soil with compost if it’s of very poor quality. Water the tree well and mulch with a 2- to 3-inch thick layer of bark mulch, keeping the mulch away from the trunk.
Cleaning and Storing your Tools - November 23, 2009
Before you hang up your hoe and shovel for the season, there is still a few more chores to do. Cleaning and sharpening your garden tools is a good way to preserve them through winter and have them ready to go again in spring. Check wooden handles for breaks and replace if needed. Clean mud and dirt off all metal surfaces to prevent rusting. Oil wooden handles, sharpen blades with a file and store your tools in a weatherproof location, like an Outdoor Storage Shed from Lifetime Products.
Planting Spring Flowering Bulbs - December 6, 2009
Fall is the perfect time to think about spring -- spring flowering bulbs that is. Plant tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, and other spring flowering bulbs now for a show next year. Find a location with well-drained soil. Plant bulbs in amongst perennial flowers, around shrubs, or by themselves in annual gardens. Plant in groups to maximize the effect. Bury large bulbs about 4- to 8-inches deep and smaller bulbs 2- to 4-inches deep. Mix and match varieties and types of bulbs in the same hole to extend the bloom season.
Pruning Storm Damaged Trees - February 28, 2010
Summertime often means big thunderstorms with high winds. Unfortunately this can mean damage to your prized trees. If you have broken branches on your trees due to storms, here’s what to do: For small diameter branches that can be reached from the ground, use a pruning saw and cut the branch back to the trunk or main branch. Leave a ½-inch thick of stub so the tree can heal itself properly. For branches higher up or for larger limbs, it’s probably best to hire a professional arborist to do the pruning.