Archive for the ‘Seasonal’ Category

As the fall season wanders down the autumn path there are still a few things we as gardeners should be doing and checking off our “to do” list. I always say that what we can do now will be something less we have to do in the busy time of spring.

Hope all is going well in your backyard. I just finished harvesting my potatoes, and winter squash. Mulched in the remaining Nantes (my very favorite) carrots and tasty beets. I have to say that I was real impressed with the money I saved since I installed drip in almost my entire garden. I am also proud of the fact that I was able to dry a lot of my fresh herbs for winter use…. Ahhhh the tasty stews and soups I will be able to make…… I also have fired up my age old sourdough for tasty bisquets this winter season……. That said lets take a look at some of the things on our garden lister……

If you have not yet got your garlic, shallots, and winter onions planted….. Time is wasting

A GREAT way to reduce weed growth in your empty beds this winter is to apply an application of Cold Climate organic fertilizer then spread at least 3”-6” of good organic weed free compost over the entire beds….  WOW…. You will be impressed next spring.

As the leaves fall from your fruit trees make sure to apply “dormant” oil and Lime Sulfur or Copper spray. You may also spray your roses, cane berries, plus any other ornamentals that seem to suffer perennial insect and or disease problems

Apply Fertilome “Systemic Tree and Shrub Drench” around Birch, Aspen, Snowball Bush, Alberta Spruce, Lupine, or any other “non-edible” trees, shrubs, and perennials to help protect against borer/insect damage in the year 2011. This process is working very well for a lot of folks and has most certainly been credited for saving a lot of our areas White Birch trees for almost certain death.

Pruning of most evergreen shrubs and trees can commence at this time of the year. Save some of the branches for holiday decorating…. You might even try making a wonderful “Garden Wreath” for your door as well as some special friend or relative…… Happy clipping

Make sure to store all liquid garden and landscape products to ensure against freeze damage… Lock them up to spare younger hands from getting into them!!!!! Even granular and dust type products should be stored to protect against moisture damage. In future purchases try to buy small amounts so as to use them up during the season….. May be a little more cost per application but storage will be eliminated and quality of product will prevail.

Remove all hoses from hose bibs and drain. Keep handy in case of fire or dry winter watering for plants under eves and dense evergreens.

Make sure to have a bird bath out to encourage the wild birds to stay in your backyard. These little feathered friends are not only fun to watch during the winter months but they will help control insects and reduce your spraying.

Clean all garden tools and spray with “Pam”. Treat wood handles with linseed oil. Drain or treat all gas powered equipment to help maintain your investments.

Side-dress asparagus and rhubarb with “Cold Climate” organic fertilizer, then top off with at least 3” to 6” of GOOD organic weed-free compost.

Continue to rake fallen leaves from your lawn to avoid suffocation of your grass. Apply a granular mole/vole natural repellant if you have had problems with trails in your spring lawn.

Dig-up your rosemary plant then bring it inside for wintertime enjoyment. Not only will you be able to harvest the needles for culinary uses but it should offer some spectacular blue fragrant blooms sometime during the early to mid stages of winter.

Make sure to drain and possibly store your cast stone fountains and birdbaths to avoid freeze damage. It would also be wise to apply a coat of sealer to help protect the finish.

It is fun to set out stations of suet and other select wild bird feed to maintain a good bird population in your area. As mentioned above they will help rid your area of pesky little insects, thus reducing the amount of spraying during the spring and summer season.

If you have any Terra Cotta pottery outside it will be wise to bring it inside to avoid winter damage. You may also want to monitor other earthen pottery. We now sell only frost resistant pottery which has really reduced the amount of damage. It is so sad when spring arrives and you see damage to your patio investments.

As long as there is no hard frost in the soil you may still plant a few exciting and early spring blooming flower bulbs. Many times, at this time of the year there will be some great sales. Shop around as there are many great varieties to choose from and they will…. Or should I say might come back year after year….. Fun Fun Fun…… grab your shovel….

As the leaves fall from your trees make sure to put them into a compost pile……. Dango….. These leaves will make the BEST compost in the world. Layer them in with other debris as well as some finished compost. Moisten well and then cover with a tarp or plastic to help hold in the heat. You should turn the compost on occasion to help hasten the end result…. Happy composting.

Last but not least why not try “forcing” some flower bulbs for indoor color. Redmond Greenhouse has great choices of paper white narcissus, hyacinths, and amaryllis. You will usually need around seven weeks depending upon indoor temperatures. Use a GOOD potting soil and fertilize with Earth Juice (combine the “Grow” and the “Bloom” to give optimum feeding! Apply every 2 weeks once they start to grow. This practice will help ensure repeat blooms year after year.

Well that about wraps it up for this go around. Hope it helps you continue the world of gardening here in the High Desert……. Happy Autumn………… Eat an apple and smile… Doug

     For those of you who grew root crops I might offer an alternative to digging and trying to successfully store them before winter hits with snow, frost, frozen ground. In past years I have simply covered these rows of veggies with about twelve to twenty four inches of clean wheat or rye straw………….. dango………… Winterization made easy.

     This amount of insulative organic material should hold the “deep freeze” at bay and allow you to harvest some of the tastiest root crops ever!!!!!!

     Many folks agree that flavor is enhanced and natural sugars are brought forth as the winters chill sets in. Mother Earth will store your root crops the best ever…..

Thought I should give you a current tip sheet to help guide you through the fantastic time of the year……….. Lots of great things can and should be done at this time of the year. I don’t believe there is a better time to plant and I don’t believe you will find the weather any better. Warm soil, warm nights, wonderful days filled with sunshine….. Better grab the shovel and plant some spring flowering bulbs along with a little garlic, shallots, and tasty onion sets….. Now is the time…. Doug

• As garden beds are emptied of their flowers and veggies it might be a grand idea to plant a “green manure” crop of rye, oats, or peas. With this warm weather you should be able to get them established before the cold sets in….. Then you till them under in the spring just before planting.
• Fall is a great time to plant seeds for a new lawn…. Redmond Greenhouse has a local blend that should germinate in less than a week
• Fall is also a great time of the year to plant wildflower seed. We have over 10 different varieties that are well suited for our high desert area……Our Deer Resistant selection is our number one seller.
• This is the time of the year to plant fall blooming crocus as well as spring blooming varieties of tulips, daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths….. Our selection is the best ever with lots of new and exciting species….. We also have many deer resistant types as well as some deer resistant tulips….. oh yes………. All at Redmond Greenhouse.
• When you have about 80% leaf fall on your fruit trees, roses, and cane berries it would be a GREAT time to apply dormant sprays to all of them…….
• If you have not yet pruned your cane berries…… time is wasting….. remove all the canes that bore fruit (if they are done) and then leave only 5 to 7 strong vigorous canes that grew this year……… remove all others to help build STRONG berry patches….. Fertilize with 10 cups of our organic fertilizer Cold Climate and then mulch them with some of our organic compost at the rate of about 3 to 6 inches…… Ready for winter now….
• No pruning should be going on at this time of the year….. Fall pruning in cold climate zones such as ours is done in the spring and summer season only…..
• Pruning of evergreens can begin as soon as late fall lands on our calendars….
• Drenching insect vulnerable trees and shrubs with our Fertilome Insect Tree and Shrub Drench can be done at this time of the year through November….. This product works pretty darn well with boring insects in all trees……
• Its Garlic time…………… ye ha………. Our selection of garlic, shallots, and onions has never been better…………. Now is the time to allow them time to establish themselves before winter sets in………….
• If you are going to bring in any outdoor plants make sure they are free of insects and disease otherwise you risk the chance of contaminating all you other indoor plants.
• If you have a rosemary herb planted outside in your herb garden you may want to pot it up and get ready to bring it indoors……. They do so well and will bless your home with amazing blue and fragrant flowers mid winter…Wow…
• Any tree, shrub of perennial planted at this time of the year will be almost a year ahead of those planted in the spring of 2011..… grab your shovel…Happy Fall Gardening….Doug

Oh my, how the season engulfs my time. Seems like only yesterday we were deep in the late months of winter, and now look where we are.. Heading towards summer and all it has to offer.
For timely tips…. (very short) look to the Redmond Greenhouse “Facebook”
Meanwhile out in the garden and landscape…. Deep water to encourage strong roots and healthy plants. Feed with the organic fertilizer “Cold Climate”. Healthy plants are far more resistant to insects and disease plus I do believe you will almost gain a zone of hardiness by using this type of fertilizer in conjunction with lots of organic compost…….
If you are having problems setting out your plants…. Try using a “light” floating row cover to protect against sun and wind…… It really will make a difference………
Try to keep weeds under control as they allow many insects and disease to lurk close by your valuable plants.
Control ants in the garden as they will contribute to spread of aphids………… There are many great organic products on the market to help control this early spring and summer pests…..
So sorry for all you folks that lost so many plants, trees and shrubs this past winter……….. The worst loss year I have seen in the thirty some years I have been involved in this business……….. Dang!!!!! The cause…. mild winter but DRAMATIC spikes in temperatures……. Just blew the bark right off the trees…. so to say….
Happy Spring……… have fun planting…. and don’t forget to smile across the fence……… Feels good….. Doug

Tracking the footsteps of this spring is certainly a winding trail. I don’t remember such a mild approach in the past thirty years I have live in the High Desert. I do know that an incredible number of gardeners are overflowing into the plot as they sow seeds of lettuce, onions, peas, and more. Starts of cabbage and broccoli are also finding their way into local garden soils. My oh my must we remind ourselves it is still March and our last approx frost date is the end of June!!!! Oh well me must do what we do…….. be enthusiastic and over the top optimistic….. Smile and Believe!
If you are planting asparagus make sure to take a look at some of the hybrid varieties of “all male” and gourmet selections such as “Gourmet Purple”. Work into the soil at least 12” of organic compost in combination with our organic blended “ Cold Climate” fertilizer. Possible light harvest next spring if all goes well! As you plant your strawberries MAKE SURE TO PLANT THEM IN RAISED BEDS! This practice will allow for good drainage and higher yields. Mix and match your selections for longer season harvests. Add our product “Azomite” for an additional boost of goodness. Keep all runners off the new plants and mulch with additional compost.
Over in the pond and waterfeature area you may want to add a shot of Microbe Lifts “Spring” starter package. Follow up with some PL and possible “Sludge Buster” for getting rid of that bottom pond YUK. If you need a GOOD algaecide try the Microbe Lift version. Gets rid of green water and NASTY STRING AGLEA!
Happy Early Spring….. Ready to go Veggie Starts and a ton of GREAT seed….. Doug

     As the first day of January rolls onto the calendar we are greeted with a warm day and lots of Central Oregon sunshine. Being the optimist I am I do belive this will be a fantastic year to garden and landscape. Ample moisture in the soil and the warmth of the sun usualy yeilds great results. I do realize this is early in the season to get off and running but as someone once said……………… daylight is burning and there is no better time than now to set your plans in motion………………. That said………….. Smile and unlock the gates of your garden………… let the sunshine in and drop to your knees! Let the gardening season begin…………. Doug

     As December rolls up another page of the calendar you might want to make sure you have your tasks in line.

• Dormant sprays have been applied to all fruit trees as well as other disease prone plants (Alberta Spruce, Roses, Snowball bushes, etc.).
• Apply liquid “Copper” spray to lilacs and disease problem roses.
• Make sure to keep fallen leaves from lawn
• Apply Mole and Vole repellent to lawns to avoid “under snow” winter damage.
• Prune selected evergreens
• Clean and store all garden tools. Spray with “Pam” to reduce rusting
• Mulch “garden stored” veggies with insulating straw or other organic mulch
• Store and protect valuable statuary, fountains, and bird baths.
• Place heaters in bird baths to encourage the overwintering  of backyard birds.
• Put heaters in water features that have fish.
• Fill winter bird feeders and hang suet
• Don’t forget to check winter stored bulbs for decay and rot.

Well that about wraps it up for now. Hope the late fall season finds you healthy and your pantry full of the gardens bounty….. Doug

     As the summer sunshine continues to warm the ripening fruits in our gardens make sure you keep an eye on potential bugs and disease. Spider mites are a big problem when the days are as warm as they have been and you don’t  won’t to let get out of control. The product “Spinosad” (an organic) has been working pretty darn good. Make sure to spray three different times at one week intervals! This spray will also help with white fly, thrips, and leaf beetles.

     Side dress beds with organic compost to help suppres weeds and add nutrients. If any plants are not up to par……… try giving them a shot of liquid organic “Earth Juice” bloom……….. In regards to tomatoes if you run into blossom end rot we stock a liquid calcium that should help. This product is also good for squash and cucumbers.

     Hope the season is going well. If you are looking for starts of lettuce, carrots, and other late summer  plants we just might be able to help you out. We have been sowing seeds in anticipation of late season growing….. It works and there is a lot of great growing time yet to come. We also have wonderful starts of flowering cabbage and kale, plus a new and fresh crop of pansies, violas, asters and mums. Not to mention a GREAT collection of fall grasses and sedges…… Hope to see you soon.    PS: Sorry for not keeping the site so up to date……….. my back surgery had me not so comfortable at the keyboard… all is well and healing and the smile is still on my face…. see ya in the garden… Doug

   Ahhhhhhhhhh the season of summer is here andI hope all is well in your garden. Not a bad spring in terms of past history….. A few frosts, a  couple of heavy downpours, along with a scattered pounding of harsh hail. Welcome to the “High Desert”. As I have always said if you can ride out the unexpected climatic conditions of thus unpredictable gardening are you “just might” have a pretty good garden of flowers, herbs, and veggies.

     As we move into the month of July there are a few things you will wanat to keep an eye on. Spider mites are the number one invader of so many our flowers and shrubs. Do keep a watchful eye (with a hand held lens) for distressed looking foliage. Leaves will often become dusty looking as well as a little sprackled yellowing on the inner leaves. The product called “3 in 1 Insect, Disease, Mite Killer” is a top end and very effective. On the organic side a product called “Spinosad” seems to be doing a pretty good job. As always make sure you “WATER DEEPLY IN THE MORNING AND DON’T SPRAY UNTIL THE COOL OF THE EVENING”. I might also add that it is imperative to repeat the spray every seven days for three times to get the most out of your efforts!!!! Down in the Vegetable garden it will pay you to apply preventative sprays of “Serenade” (organic disease control) on such plants as your squash (Zuccini) and cucumbers. These plants inparticular are very vulnurable to powdery mildew. The particular disease goes by so many time undetected and will realy take a toll on your plants vitality…… Don’t forget to continue to sow seeds of crunchy salad greens as well as cilantro, radishes, and peas. The HOT weather will sometimes derail your efforts, but if you are successful the mid to late summer crunch will be all yours.

     Out in the orchard (for those of you that are lucky enought to have fruit trees) should make sure to thin your crop if you have not already done so…………….. Less fruit means a bigger and tastier late season harvest. In worse case senerios I have seen frut trees complety dump their fruit because of too much fruit combined with inadequate waterings……. Side dress with some of our organic fertilizer “Cold Climate” and maybe even a thin layer of good organic compost to help hold in moisture as well as reduce weed populations.

     For tomatoe growers who may have not properly addressed the need for calcium you may want to apply a liquid or granular side dressing of “Liquid Calcium” of granular “Azomite”. This practice might also be good for your cucumbers and squash…… Mulch with compost as well!!!

     If you have any Alberta Spruce trees, if you have not already done so it would be advisable to give them a liquid drench of Ferti-Lomes “Systemic Insect Drench” to help ward off any hot summertime Mite damage. Almost Guaranteed they will arrive and do their damage. Potted Alberta’s will usually show signs of browning, rusty dusty on the side facing the building. Sometime webbing will be seen but not always….

     Contrary to many this is a good time to sow seeds of wildflowers, lawns, and other desired crops. With the warm temperature, warm soil, warm nights, germination will simply astound you. I did my lawn in July several years ago in mid July. I had germination in 5 days and was mowing in 15 days!!!!! THE ONLY THING……..  If you do not water with diligence (at least three times a day) the seeding project may not go so well……….. Other tips I might offer to you would be to make sure you work a lot of good compost into the seeding area. Lightly cover the seed with a fine compost and use ONLY ORGANIC FERTILIZERS. You might also consider covering the freshly seeded area with our special “Seedling Cloth”. This scanty spun-bound white fabric is a true miracle in regards to helping new seedbeds. It will shade the seed, hold in moisture, and keep birds out. Just make sure to anchor it down or the High Desert breeze will move it down the block or possibly farther…….

     Well……………….. That about wraps it up. Sorry I have been a little slow with subject, but my back has been giving me fits of late and I find it very unpleasant to sit at the computer…………. I did have surgery and I am in the recovery mode…. My wonderful wife bought me a new computer desk, chair, and keyboard…………… ye ha………….. I will try to do better………… happy gardening…………. Doug

     Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh you just have to love a GREAT WEEKEND…………….. Warm weather, lots os sunshine, and the garden is ready to plant.

     As I have mentioned many times since the start of the year………. this is…………. “The Year of the Garden”.  There is not a day goes by that at least one person tells me that they are going to try a vegetable garden this year. Some have done so in the past but have let the practice slice, and then there are those that have never gardened in their lives. I find this so exciting not just because I own a garden center but that I realy beleive gardening is a VERY imortant part of a good and solid lifestyle………..

     If you have not yet visited my blog at coldzonegardening.com you may want to click and go………….. I try to give seasonal information on gardening in relationship to cold climate gardens and landscapes. Topics on trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs, and products are continualy entered as time permits. I hope you find it useful.

      Meanwhile back in the garden the tomato seems to be capturing the lions share of attention. From the topsy turvy to the historic heirlooms it seems just about everyone is trying to grow their own. Herbs are also a very hot topic as so many folks are returning to the kitchen and pulling out a cook book. No matter what drives you to the garden I think it is a VERY GOOD thing………. Celebrate and enjoy the health benefits as well as the nutritional goodnes a family garden can provide……………..   Happy May and welcome to Spring…………. Doug