FALL IS FOR PLANTING! PART 2
Fall is a great season for planting hardy trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, and bulbs! Here are some great reasons why:
* Winds aren’t as much of a problem in the fall as they are in the spring, resulting in less dehydration, fewer staking problems, less leaf burn.
* Harmful insect populations are much reduced from spring and summer levels.
* The soil is still warm enough to stimulate root growth. The warmth stored in the earth all summer remains well into fall, but there is no stress from the blazing summer sun. Plants will get to establish roots during two seasons of moderate temperatures (now and spring) before having to face the stress of summer again. Root growth continues as long as soil temperatures in the top 6″ to 12″ of soil are above 38º and adequate moisture is available. Applying a thick (2″ to 3″) layer of mulch in early fall will keep the soil warm even longer. Be sure to leave a 2-inch gap between the mulch and the tree trunk. If it’s too close, mice can burrow under the mulch and chew a ring around the trunk which can cause serious damage to the tree.
Check back next week for Part 3!
ASK THE GARDEN GURU!
IS FALL THE BEST TIME TO PLANT A TREE?
ANOTHER GREAT QUESTION!
In this week’s archived episode from past seasons, the Garden Guru highlighted that Autumn stands out as perhaps the most favorable season for tree planting. During this period, as temperatures mellow, and a touch of humidity graces the air, trees find it considerably easier to establish themselves.
Lynn made it a point to bring something significant to the attention of our listeners – the realm of large trees! When we talk about large trees, we’re referring to those towering specimens reaching heights of 10 to 12 feet. In the world of horticulture, these trees fall under the category known as B & B. To uncover the meaning behind B & B in this context, have a listen to the Garden Guru’s tip below. And here’s a little hint: it’s not related to AIR B & B or anything to do with complimentary breakfast!
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE GARDEN GURU’S ARCHIVED RADIO SHOW ON THIS TOPIC.
HAPPY GARDENING!
VALERIE’S VIEW from the Greenhouse!
MINT ANYONE?
We get lots of requests for Mint. Most of our customers are looking for mint to use in their culinary creations and/or drinks. Mints also fill another purpose. Mint is a symbol of virtue and it is said to help relieve stress and anxiety. There are many recipes for creating medicinal potions. Mice dislike the smell of peppermint. Rabbits and squirrels also avoid mint. The plant is also considered deer-resistant.
Mints are vigorous perennials that thrive in any soil with good drainage. Where I have seen them grow best is along stream banks, which are considered to be their native habitat. They will tolerate some shade and the variegated types may require protection from the sun.
However, mints are aggressive so containing them can become an issue. Make sure to give them plenty of room to grow. Payne’s carries quite a selection of mints, such as Peppermint, Chocolate Mint, Spearmint, Mojito Mint, ‘Yerba Buena’ (our local Acequia mint), Strawberry Mint, Banana Mint and Ginger Mint. Occasionally, we have Orange Mint and Pineapple Mint also in stock. Come get your mint.
HAPPY GARDENING!
IT’S ALMOST OCTOBER!
Here’s this weeks three tips on what to do in thegarden during the month of October!
- Keep dead-heading pansies. The more pansies are dead-headed, the more they bloom.
- Consider planting frost-tolerant ornamental cabbages and kales. Their subtle colors and rose-like forms make a great substitute for summer annuals.
- Sow seeds of hardy flowers outdoors now on well-prepared ground. They may also be sown in outdoor pots. Some will sprout hardy seedlings that will start growing in Spring. Others will sit underground until Spring before sprouting.
THINK AND PLANT FOR SPRING! OUR FALL BULBS ARE HERE!
Hurry In. Our bulbs are going FAST!
Fall is the best time of year to plant bulbs such as tulips, hyacinth, crocuses and daffodils — in order to enjoy their fireworks of colorful blooms come Spring.
Payne’s sells ONLY the biggest, highest quality Holland-grown bulbs to make sure you get the largest, longest-lasting, most brilliantly colored blooms. Stop by either store and choose from our great selection!
TJ’s TIP: Don’t forget to sprinkle a little bulb food or bone meal in the hole while you are planting the bulbs and also sprinkle a little more on the soil surface to assure healthy growth. Of course, we have both bulb food and bone meal!
Did you know that Payne’s Organic Soil Yard (POSY) is the largest and oldest composting company in Northern New Mexico? We’re ALMOST as old as dirt!
PAYNE’S PHOTO OF THE WEEK!
PHOTO OF THE WEEK!
Thunbergia elata, or sometimes called Blackeyed Susan.
—————————————————-
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS! Please keep sending in your photos.
You Could WIN a $25 Gift Card!
If you have a photo taken in one of our greenhouses or of your own garden orlandscape that contains products from Payne’s, please send it to info@paynes.com!
If your photo is chosen, and used in our e-newsletter website or other marketingmaterials, then you will receive a Gift Certificate from Payne’s for $25!Please make sure to give us your contact information in your email.
ZODIAC SIGNS AND GARDENING? HERE’S THIS CYCLES PROFILE.
by The Old Farmer’s Almanac
Here’s THIS MONTHS ZODIAC SIGN PROFILE AND HOW IT CAN HELP YOU GARDEN:
LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22 )
Libra begins the fall. Because of your concern for beauty, flowers of all kinds abound in your garden. Color is important to you: Ranges from bright to subtle will be artfully placed throughout your decks and patios. You are not particularly fond of getting your hands dirty, so look for the local nursery truck to make frequent visits all summer long. Flowering bushes and trees will be tucked along fences and borders nestled in their beds of mulch. You always want to make a favorable impression; pansies and nasturtiums appear in your salads and roses, and lilies adorn your dining room table.