Good Afternoon!!! Well, we HAVE had another unusual season, haven't we??!! Certainly has been up and down with the weather, really cold, then warm, then cold again; several frosts in low lying areas this past week, some folks got their gardens nipped a bit. I believe most of the plants have survived, a few have been lost due to the extremes but we have come to expect the unexpected living in Missouri!!!
Then, of course, we have to mention the critters that love to make a buffet out of the garden and flower beds. Lots of folks have had entire plants nipped off at the base by birds or rabbits, some squirrels and raccoons have been busy digging in planters and disturbing what work has been done. There are a lot of things on the market to help deter the offenders, also, garlic, mint, hot pepper, etc. Some folks have had luck with scattering shaved bars of soap around the garden to repel deer and the like, we didn't have much luck with that, a tall fence works best for us!!!;) A couple of gentlemen have had success with placing loud radios on either end of the garden and right before bed relieving themselves around the perimeter......to each his own. I'm sure everyone has their own idea of what works best.
We do still have a good supply of garden vegetables, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cabbage, melons, cukes, squash, herbs and some garden seed. Our back greenhouses are emptying out of flowering annuals quickly as customers are getting their patios and yards beautified. Don't forget the perennial yard has some very nice and inexpensive flowers for years of beauty, our variety list will help you determine what will work for your area. Warm and sunny weather is what we need now to help everything grow well in your yard and garden. Sounds like the next few days are going to be scattered with rain, so that will help plants to establish healthy root systems and then some warm sunny days to get growing. I know it's tempting to water often or daily, but generally we recommend not watering until needed. Over-watering can be the cause for poor root growth and spindly plants, along with creating an environment ideal for fungi, bacteria and viruses to grow. With a healthy garden you shouldn't need to water unless there is prolonged drought, well-balanced soil and good drainage give your plants a head start to grow well. We water our vegetable plants when we plant them and let nature take its course. You will find that your plants will grow stronger healthier and it has been proven that the flavor will not be "watered down". When you do water, do it infrequently and water deeply, encouraging the roots to go down deeper and stronger. As for your potted plants they will obviously need to be watered, but wait until they are thirsty, you can usually tell by the weight of the pot or by sticking your finger down a couple of inches in the soil, if it's still wet don't water. Of course this is just a general rule of thumb and do remember, do NOT water at night; with our warm humid summers that again is the perfect environment for harboring viruses and bacteria.
Gotta get back to work; plants are calling, have a great Spring and looking forward to a GREAT SUMMER!!!!
