Let’s talk about weeds. The best weed control is utilizing best practices for growing lush lawns: fertilizing, mowing, and watering. Fertilizing The first application of fertilizer is usually mid-April to mid-May. Tax day is a good benchmark. Look for 3-1-2 ratios of N-P-K (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium). Those are the small numbers usually under the product name. Slow …
LONGER HOURS OF sunlight beckon unhurried strolls through many of the most spectacular landscapes our region has to offer. Bring your mask and consider visiting one or all of the following venues in April. Enjoying local treasures in the great outdoors should not be missed. Covington Garden Club’s Annual Flower Show “Happiness is Homemade,” Apr …
PRUNING IS ONE of those necessary gardening tasks that often goes awry or is intentionally neglected for fear of doing it wrong. No need for concern! Follow these Pruning Made Simple guidelines to get it right. 1. What is the intended goal? Overgrown holly bush along the driveway scratching the car? Leggy growth after hydrangeas …
HOW MANY OF us can name a month of the year by what is blooming? Holly berries in December, camellias in January, paperwhites in February, azaleas in March and the list goes on. Perennial gardening can offer repeat displays over multiple years. Perennials are plants that live more than three years. Trees, shrubs, bulbs and …
WINTER GRAYS AND damp ground can make for dull days. Did you know houseplants are reported to improve concentration, boost one’s mood, and lower stress? Most houseplants are natives of shady, tropical locations that are adapted to grow within our homes and can be found for sale in big box stores or even your favorite …
Tips from a Louisiana Master Gardener If shrubs and trees weren’t pruned last month, and Hurricane Zeta didn’t do it for you, there is still time to do so this month. December’s climate in southeast Louisiana is mild with sufficient rainfall. Now is an optimal time to add a new tree, or transplant an existing …
Just when you thought gardening was over for the year, think again! November is an excellent time to plant a variety of greenery. Planting shrubs in November affords root systems to become fully established before summer’s heat. Nurseries are more quiet this time of year and staff can more readily answer questions. Thoroughly prepare the …
October signals the celebration of harvest season and all things orange, yellow, and red. If you were one of the brave souls to plant pumpkin seeds in late June or early July and summer rains didn’t wash them away, you should have a lovely yield. If not, visit some of the sites below–we won’t judge! …
Think the weather outside is too hot for gardening? Think again! Hopefully by now kids have returned to school as have you to the garden. Consider this clean-up checklist: 1. Hurricane season is still a concern. Stow any lawn ornaments that may float away, blow over or become air-borne. 2. Lawn fertilizing is finally …
THERE ARE MORE than 700 plants known to cause reactions ranging from mild nausea to potentially life-threatening. The following list of ten are most commonly available and pre-existing within the residential yard. 1. Sago Palm: All parts are highly toxic especially the seeds. It contains cycasin and at least three other toxins. 2. Aloe: It …
SUMMER MONTHS IN the garden are known for either too much rain or not enough. Because July’s weather is very humid and hot with several hours of sunlight, how you water is essential. When: Early morning is best, between 5 am and 8 am. Water remaining on foliage has time to dry before the heat …
THERE IS NOTHING like a homegrown tomato. The very aroma of a juicy, plump, ripe tomato slice on a BLT sandwich typifies summer. It could easily be said for any homegrown vegetable – one grown in soil, nurtured by nature and the human hands that cultivated it. Vegetables can be easily grown in the home …
