Our GREENHOUSES are bursting with color! STOP BY TODAY!

BELOW are some blooming annual plants, just waiting for our FROST FREE DATE of May 10th!!!

In general, spring planting typically begins once the ground has thawed and is no longer frozen. This is usually after the last frost date in our area — which is May 10th. That’s why we are saying GET READY TO PLANT!

What does that mean? WELL….

Preparing for spring planting can be a multi-step process that involves several key tasks to ensure that your plants have the best chance of thriving. Here are some steps you can take to get ready for spring planting:

Plan your veggie garden: Start by deciding what you want to plant and where you want to plant it. Consider factors such as sunlight, soil type, and drainage when planning your garden.

Prepare the soil: Get your soil ready for planting by removing any weeds, rocks, or debris, and tilling the soil to loosen it up. It’s very important to improve your soil by adding compost or other organic matter. Get your soil from Payne’s Organic Soil Yard to improve soil fertility and structure. CLICK HERE for POSY.

Test the soil: Test your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels. This can help you decide what amendments, iron sulphate or fertilizer your soil may need. Payne’s has soil testers in stock.

Choose your plants: Select plants that are suitable for our area and climate, and that will thrive in the conditions of your garden. Think about planting cool-weather crops such as lettuces, peas, leeks, onions, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, garlic, potatoes, onions, and carrots.

Get your tools and supplies: Gather your gardening tools and supplies, such as gloves, a shovel, a rake, and watering cans.

Plan for irrigation: Make sure you have a plan in place for watering your plants, whether it’s through irrigation or hand watering.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure a successful and productive spring planting season.

Most of us are more than ready for the “SPRING” literally to actually arrive, especially since winter has lasted so long. THANKS ALOT Punxsutawney Phil! 

Well … according to the Garden Guru … we can finally use dormant oil, start pruning and fertilizing! Hopefully the temperatures in our area will continue hitting the 50s and early 60s… if so… it’s time to put on the garden gloves and head outside. 

Please note: Our temperature fluctuations have been so erratic this Spring, that some plants are breaking dormancy early … therefore one should not spray dormant oil if those plants have little leaves or flowers on them.

Dormant oil is a type of horticultural oil that is applied to plants during their dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Spraying dormant oil on plants is an important practice because it can help control pests and diseases. Don’t forget! Don’t spray dormant oil unless the temperature outside is 50 degrees or above! And make sure not to spray during high wind. 

Make sure to carefully read and follow the label instructions for any product you use to ensure safe and effective application. The Dormant Spray PAYNE’S has in stock is BONIDE ALL-SEASON. Stop by today!

As far as pruning and fertilizing – now also it’s a suitable time for pruning and fertilizing — it’s a good time because plants begin to come out of dormancy and start growing actively again. For deciduous trees and shrubs, it’s often recommended to prune before new growth starts, which is typically in late winter to early spring. As for fertilizing, it’s good to do it when plants are actively growing to support their growth and development.

However, it’s important to consider the specific needs of the plants you’re dealing with, as some may have different requirements. For example, some plants may prefer to be pruned after flowering rather than in early spring. Additionally, some plants may not require fertilization at all, or they may have specific preferences for the type of fertilizer used.

If you’re uncertain about the timing or method for pruning and fertilizing a specific plant, it’s always a good idea to ask our gardening experts here at Payne’s for advice based your specific plant species.

Payne’s sells ONLY the biggest, highest quality bulbs to make sure you get the largest, longest-lasting, most brilliantly colored blooms for Summer!

Onion and garlic sets, Dahlias, Lilies, Freesia, Gladiolas, Crocosmia, Potato sets, and more! 

Stop by Payne’s North and choose from our great selection!

PAYNE’S TIP: We have bone meal, bulb food, and super phosphates 

IN STOCK NOW! Don’t forget to use one of these at time of planting. Please follow the instructions on the packaging for best performance!

Limited quantities!

HOW EASY IS IT TO GROW VEGETABLES IN CONTAINERS?

ANOTHER GREAT QUESTION!

In this week’s archived show from previous years, The Garden Guru wants to encourage everybody to consider growing vegetables in containers! Lynn said that there are many different types of vegetables and they all have different sizes of leaves and textures and colors. And if you follow a few simple rules in container gardening, you’re almost guaranteed success! 

Lynn said that the first thing you need to do is start with a large enough pot and what I would recommend is something that is 16 inches across the top or even larger or you might consider a series of pots — so that you can have a larger garden! Listen to the Garden Guru’s show below and find out the outrageous thing that Lynn planted in a container!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE GARDEN GURU’S ARCHIVED RADIO SHOW ON THIS TOPIC.

HAPPY GARDENING!

Moisture retention: Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil by reducing water evaporation from the surface. This means less frequent watering and more consistent soil moisture for plants.

Weed suppression: A layer of mulch helps to suppress the growth of weeds by blocking sunlight and preventing weed seeds from germinating. This reduces the need for hand-weeding or herbicides.

Soil insulation: Mulch acts as an insulator, keeping soil temperatures more stable and protecting plant roots from extreme temperature fluctuations.

Soil improvement: Organic mulches break down over time, adding nutrients to the soil as they decompose. This improves soil structure, promotes healthy microbial activity, and can ultimately lead to healthier plants.

Erosion prevention: Mulch helps to prevent soil erosion by reducing the impact of rainfall on the soil surface.

Aesthetics: Mulch can give a garden a finished, polished look, and can help to highlight plants and other features in the landscape.

CLICK HERE for more information.

By Karen Weir-Jimerson,  Better Homes & Gardens So, what is sustainable gardening? There’s no official definition, but the idea is to minimize the impact that humans have on the earth. Following sustainable practices at home includes avoiding polluting chemicals, preserving natural resources, and reducing waste whenever possible. You don’t have to make huge changes right away if you want to start gardening in a more sustainable way; even something as simple as using natural weed killing methods instead of chemicals can help the environment. These sustainable gardening ideas will help you contribute to a happier, healthier planet. 1. Practice Organic Gardening Going organic is an important part of sustainable gardening. Using fewer chemicals in your garden is more ecologically sound and more cost-effective. If you’re raising food for your family, gardening organically is even more important. Start from the ground up by building good soil rich in nutrients and add natural compost to amend the soil. If you discover insect pests or plant disease in your garden, treat them with organic solutions. 2. Mulch Your Landscape Not only is mulching a great way to prevent weeds from springing up in your garden, but it also helps hold moisture in the soil. In areas with watering restrictions, this is especially important. Add a 2 to 3-inch layer of the mulch of your choice to your garden beds and around landscape plants. Mulch options for sustainable landscaping include: Shredded bark, cocoa bean hulls, pine needles, grass clippings, and coir (made from coconut hulls). 3. Plant Natives Knowing how to grow a sustainable garden includes knowing what plants to use. Sustainable plants are those that are indigenous to your region, also called natives. These plants take less work, usually require less water, and thrive better than other perennials because they are already suited to your climate, rainfall, and soil types. Additionally, native plant species provide food and shelter for the native insect and bird populations. 4. Lose Your Lawn (Or Part of It) A gorgeous, green, and weed-free lawn uses a lot of resources. Water and fertilizer are needed to keep most lawns looking in top shape. You can have more sustainable landscaping by reducing the area planted in grass and replacing it with easy-care perennial ornamental grasses, low-growing shrubs, or groundcovers. 5. Water Less Using less water is an important element of sustainability, especially in areas where water is scarce and restricted. Xeriscaping, a method of gardening and landscaping that reduces the need for watering, incorporates a wide variety of attractive drought-tolerant shrubs and perennials. To collect water from Mother Nature to use on your plants, install a rain barrel at the base of one or more of your downspouts. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE. STOP BY PAYNE’S TODAY!