May Tips for the Garden 2009

Gardeners, start your containers!! Spring has sprung! The weather is beginning to turn warmer and the sun is beginning to hang around a little more each day. Now is the time to plant warm season annuals and vegetables. I want to focus on veggie garden containers this month. Even small space gardeners can grow enough nutritious produce to prepare a few meals, supplement your diet, and save some bucks. With a little planning and attention, container gardens can produce like mini farms.

Almost any vessel can be used as a container, but it must have drainage holes that allow water to freely flow through the pot. Most veggies only need 8” of soil depth. Trays and smaller containers work fine for lettuce, radishes, spinach, and peppers. Root crops like carrots and onions, and large plants like most tomatoes and squash, require containers larger than 16 inches in diameter. Generally as a rule, bigger is better for root growth and overall vigor.

When growing veggies in containers, packaged potting mixes are typically the best choice to use for a planting medium. Using garden soil in containers is never ideal. Packaged potting mixes are lightweight, moisture retentive, and well aerated. In addition, they do not harbor any fungi, bacteria, insects, or weed seeds that would cause problems later.


Sunlight, not space, is probably the biggest limiting factor in urban environments. Without at least six hours of sun a day, it will be tough to grow quality vegetables. Crops need a lot of solar energy to make nutritious fruits, seeds, and leaves. Southern exposure is best, but six hours from any direction should be sufficient. To avoid leaning or uneven ground, rotate the containers weekly. Use wire cages or other sturdy supports to protect large plants like tomatoes, beans, peas, and squash.

Regular watering is crucial when you grow in containers because there is a limited soil mass for storing water. During the peak of summer heat, gardeners may need to water daily to keep plants growing at full potential. A drip irrigation system allows you to water automatically, and with a timer, you can even water containers while you’re away. However, the best option for vacation watering is always a reliable neighbor. Vegetables grown in containers also need regular fertilizing. Follow the label instructions, and make sure the container is well drained or plants may suffer from high salt levels due to fertilizer buildup. Some gardeners combine the two tasks and simply water with a quarter-length fertilizer solution once a week.

If plants don’t appear vigorous and healthy, check them closely because disease and pest infestations can quickly get out of hand. If caught early, most are easy to treat. Check the undersides of leaves for insects. Many of them can be picked off or sprayed with a strong stream of water. Some pests require other treatments. Natural insecticides are very popular with home gardeners. Always read insecticide labels to make sure the product is compatible with food crops, and follow the directions carefully.

When looking for plants, look for vigorous young seedlings with bushy growth. Check to make sure each seedling is securely anchored in the six-pack or pot, which implies a well-established root system. Dip the seedling in a bucket of water to moisten the root ball, tease out any circling roots, and plant it at the same depth it was previously growing. (Tomatoes are an exception to the planting depth rule because they can be planted with the bare stem several inches below the ground, and roots will form along the stem.)

Some crops like lettuce, beets, and carrots, are best grown from seed. Simply follow the instructions on the packet. Be sure to thin sprouts to the recommended spacing. Thinning is a ruthless task, but fortunately most veggie sprouts can be used in salads and other dishes for a spring treat.

If you have space to do a small raised bed garden in place of containers, check out http://www.squarefootgardening.com/ for a complete listing and schedule to produce a plentiful harvest for a family of four. Dig in and see how great and beneficial veggie gardening is!

Enjoy the season,
Sandi Hillermann McDonald

April Tips for the Garden 2009

Even though we had a fairly mild winter (cold but mild), springtime is still a very welcome experience. The birds singing early in the mornings and their increased activity lead way to courting, nesting and soon to be, new fledglings. I strongly encourage you to continue feeding our feathered friends during this important time and enjoy the antics that are ahead. We have just come out of a very tough time for winter birds, as the seed crops from fall and winter are long gone and the birds have to wait for new plants to emerge for food sources. So please continue caring for them.

Vegetable gardening is making a comeback, but this new fascination is not the Victory Garden rage of yesteryear. We could call them inflation gardens, because food has made dramatic price increases over the last year. Another contributor to this fascination is the fact that more and more people are concerned with what they put on the family table. When you grow it yourself, you control what goes in the soil and on the plants, and you get to pick a much broader selection of vegetable varieties. The supermarket may have 2-3 varieties of tomatoes, where you can choose from dozens of varieties to plant yourself. Why are there more varieties available at garden centers? Tomatoes don’t ship well, and they taste a whole lot better home grown. In fact, a tomato from your own garden is the ultimate standard for taste. Some, who grow them annually, never buy them from the supermarket, because they pale in comparison to what they can grow in the summer.

If you’re thinking of growing a vegetable garden this year, you are not alone. If you’re a little timid, there is help available. Start small and expand as your interest and time permit. No summertime garden is complete without tomatoes, and the perfect accompaniment to fresh tomatoes on your table is basil. If your garden has anything this year, consider both. If you want a little more, some bush cucumbers will fit in small gardens, and so will the bush summer squash varieties. Most of these bush varieties can be planted in nontraditional garden areas like flowerbeds or as a small addition to the landscape. You can interplant lettuce plants with your impatiens and harvest them long before the impatiens cover the area. You’ll get some salad greens, and kill two birds with one stone. Taking care of the impatiens insures the lettuce is never neglected. In short, a vegetable garden can find its way into every area of your home’s landscape - whether it’s confined to its own area, combined into the annual or perennial gardens that you already have, or planted in containers on your deck or patio - it will provide the ultimate in fresh vegetable taste, and the safest vegetables you can produce for your family table.

I would like now to mention other important steps to take in the yard and garden this month to keep things healthy and enjoyable. That will include applying liquid weed control to the yard this month to control dandelions, henbit and other broadleaf weeds. Prune spring flowering shrubs after they finish blooming. Watch for termites, as they begin to swarm in April. Termites can be distinguished from ants by their thick waists and straight antennae. Ants have slender waists and elbowed antennae. Fertilize your roses with a slow release fertilizer, such as Osmocote, and begin fungicide treatments to control black spot disease. Also, remove the winter mulch, and remove dead and diseased canes from your rose bushes at the start of this month. Cut all other green wood to about 18” on Floribunda and tea rose varieties and trim to a height of 24-30” for shrub roses.

Hang out your hummingbird feeders the first of this month. Use a solution of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water for the nectar. Change the solution frequently to keep it from fermenting. Food coloring is NOT needed, nor is it recommended for the birds. Water gardens may be cleaned out and the water changed. Do not scrub the walls since this will remove accumulated beneficial bacteria. Begin adding additional beneficial bacteria and barley straw bales now to begin the natural cycle of pond clean up. Asparagus and rhubarb harvest can begin!! Keep your hoe sharp. Start cucumber, squash, and cantaloupe and watermelon seeds indoors this month. The last week of April is a good time to try an early sowing of warm season crops in the garden such as green beans, sweet corn, etc. You can begin to plant transplants of tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and sweet potatoes outdoors now. This can continue through the month of May. This is truly the year of the garden. So reap your own harvest and enjoy the scrumptious flavors of your own produce. Remember, that Natural Gardening will keep your family safe so check out what organic options are available to you! There are many.

Enjoy! See you in the garden……….

Sandi Hillermann McDonald

March Tips for the Garden 2009

March welcomes ‘Spring’, and it will be met with open arms this year!! This is the month to open up the gardens and get things in shape for the new growing season. So, there is plenty that can be done. To name a few, mowing time is upon us; have you sharpened those mower blades? To keep that lawn looking fantastic, it is time to add Fertilizer with Crabgrass Prevention. Make sure to follow directions and do not try to skimp on the amount of product used, so you get great coverage from the Crabgrass Prevention. If you feel you need to over seed, check with the professionals on proper steps for spring treatments.

Clean up those perennial beds and cut down all Liriope and Ornamental Grasses to about 3-5” above the ground. Once this has been done, it is time to re-mulch your shrub and flower beds. Top-dress these areas with a slow release fertilizer as well, such as Osmocote. Do not put mulch or fertilizer too close to the crowns of plants. You could cause either rot or burning of the plant crown.

Nesting boxes for Bluebirds and Purple Martin houses should be put out early this month. Purple Martins return to our area between St. Patrick’s Day and the end of the month. So now is the time to be prepared. Are you considering doing some vegetable gardening this year? Well there is no better time than now to start those preparations. You can start seed in the house for plants such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplants. Plant or sow seed for peas, lettuce, radish, kohlrabi, collards, turnips, potatoes, spinach, onion sets, beets, carrots, and parsley outside this month. Set out broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and pansy transplants now. This month is also good to set out strawberries, blueberries, blackberries grapes and other fruiting plants. It is likely we will see an influx of home gardening this year. It can be done in containers on the patio, as square foot gardens, or large plot gardening. There is nothing better than a home grown tomato!! Check out our website for instructions on these items, www/hillermann.com.

Here is a fun project for the family to try --‘Taters in a Basket’. Have you ever tried growing potatoes in tough clay soil? The results are usually less than bad. However, here is the perfect solution for growing great potatoes. Grow them in a pot. Now, whether you’ve got clay soil, live in an apartment, or don’t have a garden at all, you can grow potatoes the ole’ yard boy way. And that’s in a container. Here is what you will need:

1. The container, I like to use bushel baskets. They breathe well, allow for good drainage, and they look great! However, any container, plastic, wood or clay will work as long as it has good drainage and is at least 14-18 inches wide and at least 10-12 inches deep.
2. Soil, soil-less potting mix works best. Use the good stuff for better results. If you have a compost pile, good compost will work too. Finely shredded is best. People have even used straw and ground leaves.
3. Fertilizer, an all purpose garden food such as Osmocote is great.
4. Seed potatoes, these aren’t the ones you buy from the grocery store. They can be found at the garden center and are used specifically for growing potatoes. Do not use potatoes from the produce department at the grocery store; they have been treated with a growth inhibitor to keep them from sprouting.

Fill the bottom of your pot with 2-3 inches of soil-less mix or compost. Take a large seed potato, or a couple medium sized, cut up into pieces that contain the eyes, and evenly distribute those on top of the soil-less mix. You can plant 6-8-10 pieces with eyes per basket. If you’re not sure about the ‘eyes’, you can plant whole potatoes, or cut them in half and plant the halves. Cover with another 3-4 inches of soil-less mix, add the fertilizer and water in thoroughly, and place in the sun. Water as needed, thoroughly moistening the soil, then letting it dry before watering again. Once your potatoes start to grow, water regularly, being careful not to over water, which can cause the tubers to rot.

When your potatoes are growing, you have a couple options: 1) As the potatoes grow, keep adding soil-less mix or compost to the container, keeping about 4 inches of foliage showing. Continue this process until the container is filled to within 1 inch of the top of the basket. 2) Let the foliage grow until it’s approximately 3-4 inches above the basket, and then fill in around the foliage with your soil-less mix or compost unit the basket is full. Now you’re set for growing potatoes! Let your potatoes grow all summer. Don’t forget to keep them fed too. Come late summer or fall when the foliage starts to yellow, cut the foliage off, dump out your soil, and you’ll have a basket full of taters! It is that easy. Good Luck!!

Now it is time to go, so we will “See you in the garden!”

Sandi Hillermann McDonald

February Tips for the Garden 2009

February is National Bird Feeding Month!!!

February is National Bird Feeding Month…and if you have not yet enjoyed this hobby, it is not too late to start. Choose a certain variety of feeder for the types of birds you would like to attract. Tube type feeders are great for all types of songbirds, including finches, nuthatches, chickadees, and more. Platform type feeders, (feeders with a horizontal bar or platform) are best for attracting larger birds such as cardinals, bluebirds, blue jays, etc. Viewing the antics of these fluttering jewels is remarkable. Start today.

I cannot believe that it is the first week of February already. January is normally one of the slowest months around a garden center, but this year it has flown by. It is a time for education, programs, restocking, inventory, merchandising and so much more. We have been busy getting ready for and looking forward to a beautiful Midwestern spring.

I am all excited about what is on the horizon in the gardening industry for 2009. So, let’s talk 2009 Trends in Gardening:
1. Eco-boosting is in. Conspicuous Consumption is Out. From hybrid cars to canvas shopping bags, consumers want to do their part to end conspicuous consumption and boost eco-friendly living. Today’s consumers are displaying ‘green pride’ by digging into gardening. A simple way to be an eco-booster is to create natural habitats for wildlife and say “no” to chemical ‘garden drugs.’
2. Grow it Yourself (GIY) is in. Doing it ALL for Me is Out. Relaxing, tranquil moments may be few and far between, but the increase in gardening reconnects us with nature, family, and friends as we share our bounty. With the increase demand for year-round fresh fruits and vegetables, local farmers markets are seeing an upsurge in business, community gardens have waiting lists, and plant swaps are on the rise.
3. Blended gardens are In. Segregated gardens are Out. Edible landscapes transform our yards into an ornamental but productive space as lettuces and parsley mix with roses and petunias. Planting mini-vegetables and being able to say, ‘I grew it myself’ is hip and cool. Container gardens are a great way to add edibles to your landscape.
4. Locavore is In. Big carbon footprints are Out. Buying local is all the rage. Again, this shows with the insurgence of farmers markets and their growing popularity. Home Grown is so good!
5. Water is In. Water is Out. For the first time, water is “In and Out.” Whether moving in fountains, endless waterfalls, or fishponds, the soothing sounds of water can turn any backyard or indoor area into a private oasis.
6. Outside is In. Inside is Out (But not “out”). From bean sprouts on kitchen counter tops to green walls laden with herbs, plants are being used to decorate spaces as ‘art-in-motion.’ There is a trend to bringing the outside indoors with tropical plants. They create instant beauty a give a boost of oxygen and clean air. They make perfect home air purifiers. Outdoor rooms and kitchens continue to be popular.
7. Info Lust is In. Lack of Knowledge is Out. Lack of time and knowledge have been primary reasons people hesitate to garden. Not anymore. Novice and experienced gardeners alike are hungry for inspiration, information, and instruction on gardening and “how-to-tips.” Gardeners’ are gobbling up information from friends, classes, workshops, magazines, and the internet on everything from best cultivation practices to which herbs are best to relieve stress. Sharing stories with bloggers and friends is a good way to learn more.
8. Quick & Simple is In. Over-the-top gardens are Out. Containers are no longer a trend but a garden staple in large and small spaces. Containers with an evergreen shrub or tropical plant for foliage add ‘boom without bloom’ and are gaining popularity. Simple edible gardens are best grown this way.
9. Worldly is In Cookie-cutter is Out. Americans have embraced the ‘world bazaar’ of vibrant colors, textures, sights and sounds. Rustic stone for pathways, patios, walls, and hidden trails, bring an added sense of discovery, charm and intimacy to any garden.
10. Bubbling is In. Excess is Out. Outdoor living continues to boom as the trend for “stay-cations” and “bubbling” comes home. Staying home and entertaining in our sociable spaces, dining and playing in comfortable great rooms, enclosed patios, and decks is preferred to expensive outings. People are staying home more and investing more in their homes.

So you can see, whether you’re gardening in the yard, decorating a balcony, patio or deck with assorted containers, or growing herbs in the kitchen window, it’s clear that “Mother Nature” is back in all we do!! So grab the kids and enjoy the fresh air and beauty around us. Start planning your spring gardens NOW……………

I cannot wait to get out and enjoy in the garden… see you next time.

Sandi Hillermann McDonald

January Tips for the Garden 2009

This month I would like to talk “bird feeding.” Celebrate our feathered friends and make it a family affair! It is hard to say who benefits more from backyard bird feeders, the birds or the people who feed them. Some of life’s moments that are more enjoyable include the songs and antics of the birds outside our windows. Watching them is so captivating that it can alter an entire day’s plans, turning a twenty-minute breakfast into a three-hour brunch. Activity at your feeders probably can hold your attention all day with its ever-changing pattern of form and color, from fluffed-up chickadees to sleek cardinals. Often the brightest spot on the winter landscape, with the most activity, is the bird feeder in the backyard. No matter what size yard or garden you have, you can create your own bird haven. All you need to do is provide food, water and shelter. Start with shrubs and evergreens, which not only offer cover during harsh northern winters, but also protect birds from their natural enemies. They also provide safe nesting sites in the spring. Your local nursery can help you choose varieties that are most beneficial for the wild birds.

Whether you are just beginning or greatly expanding your bird-feeding program, give careful consideration to making it easy and fun for the whole family. If the feeders are hard to reach, the bags too heavy for the kids to maneuver, or the birdbath too far from the hose, pretty soon someone will lose patience and object to being involved. Hang different types of feeders at different heights and near enough to your house so you can watch the birds at relatively close range. You can use empty coffee cans and homemade funnels (cut the bottom off a large soft drink bottle) for feeder-filling convenience. Don’t be discouraged if you have just put up a new feeder and the birds don’t flock to it immediately. Because birds recognize food by sight, it can take a while for them to locate a new source. Birds are attracted to shiny, reflective items. Try putting aluminum foil on the ground underneath the feeder, where sunlight can be reflected. If you already have other feeders, put the new one nearby until the birds discover it. Bird feeding activity attracts other species, so when you add a specialty feeder (such as a nyjer feeder to attract finches) to your feeding station, it probably won’t take new birds long to find it. Remember that, for the sake of the birds’ health, it is always important to keep the feeders and the ground beneath then cleaned up of old seed that can harbor disease.

A clean source of water is important for the birds especially in winter. Put your birdbath in an open area, but near some trees or bushes to permit a quick escape if predators approach. Birds will visit regularly once they discover that it is a safe and steady source of fresh water. Open water in freezing weather will attract as many or more birds as a well-stocked feeder! Water actually helps the birds stay warmer in winter. By cleaning their feathers and grooming them with natural oils, our feathered friends are able to help insulate their bodies from cold. You can keep water thawed with a submersible heater placed directly into the water… which is an economical and safe method, as long as you use a high-quality outdoor extension cord to plug the heater into an electrical source. Heated birdbaths are also a good option.

Birds appear to be homeless in winter, which makes people wonder where they go at night. In general, they choose to roost in the same kind of places as they build their nest during breeding season. Some birds will use the same roosting spot every night unless they are disturbed by predators. Depending on the species, birds have different nighttime habits. For example, chickadees and other small feeder birds must be settled in before it gets dark. They usually head for some type of cover, often in the form of evergreen trees. Chickadee flocks fly into these evergreens together and tend to perch near the trunk for added protection from the wind. Nuthatches and some small woodpeckers, such as the downy, often head for tree holes in which to spend the night. Some woodpeckers may even excavate a tree hole in winter just for roosting, and they usually roost singly. A few other birds, bluebirds for example, may also roost in tree holes or birdhouses to conserve body heat. Bluebirds and nuthatches don’t mind a crowd so they may roost communally, particularly on cold nights. The record for the most eastern bluebirds found in one birdhouse at night is 25! That’s a good argument for keeping your birdhouses up all year long! Many birds fly long distances to spend the night in large communal roosts. Crows fly up to 50 miles each winter night, usually finding a roost in evergreens with as many as 100,000 of their closest friends. Grackles, robins, starlings and many herons also form large nighttime roosts. One of the most amazing night behaviors of birds is exhibited by the northern bobwhite. In winter, they join into groups called coveys. These consist of 12 to 16 birds that feed together during the day and gather together at night in a circle on the ground with their tails facing in. The circle is tight, and all the birds are close against their neighbors on either side.

Here’s a small trivia fact about birds. Did you know…for added insulation to conserve heat produced by shivering, birds grow a large number of extra feathers in early winter. White-throated sparrows average about 1,525 feathers in October, and well over 2,500 in February. “Feather light” is not an exaggeration. This huge number of body feathers makes up less than 10 percent of the whitethroat’s total one-ounce weight.

So take time to enjoy the show outside your window in the garden this winter, and we shall talk again soon.

From the garden,
Sandi Hillermann McDonald