IS IT OK TO USE RAKED UP LEAVES AND GRASS AS MULCH?

ANOTHER GREAT QUESTION!

In this week’s archived show from previous years, the Garden Guru recommended some things that we should do in our garden before “Old Man Winter” sets in. Here are a couple things that one should consider. Lynn said that you should set your mower down a notch and cut it a little bit shorter than normal and of course remove all the grass clippings! 

Lynn also mentioned that you need to rake up those leaves before winter sets in. Now you can use the grass clippings and the leaves that you’re removing from your lawn in other parts of your yard as mulch UNLESS you’ve used a fertilizer this summer with a weed killer in it! Listen to Lynn’s tip and find out why you shouldn’t use grass clippings and raked up leaves on certain plant beds.

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

HAPPY GARDENING!

 Here’s this weeks three tips on what to do in the garden during the month of October! 

1. Composting and Mulching: 

Emphasize composting during October. You can clean up your garden beds and add plant debris to your compost pile. Kitchen scraps, leaves, and other organic material can also be added. The compost created during the fall and winter will be a valuable source of nutrient-rich soil for your garden in the spring. Additionally, as you prepare your garden beds for winter, apply a thick layer of mulch to protect the soil from erosion, temperature fluctuations, and weed growth. This mulch will help maintain soil moisture and keep it healthy over the winter.

2. Prepare for Winter Pest Control:

As the weather cools down, many garden pests look for shelter and overwintering sites. Take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infestations in the spring. Here’s what you can do:

• Clean up the garden: Remove plant debris and fallen leaves, which can provide hiding places for pests.
• Inspect plants: Check for signs of pest infestations, such as aphids, scale, or spider mites, and take action to control them.
• Apply dormant oil: Consider applying dormant oil sprays to fruit trees and shrubs to smother overwintering insects and their eggs.

3. Lawn Renovation:

Fall is an excellent time to rejuvenate your lawn and address any issues that have developed over the summer. Follow these steps for a healthier, greener lawn:

• Aerate the soil: Aerating your lawn helps reduce soil compaction and allows nutrients and water to penetrate deeper into the soil.
• Overseed: After aeration, overseed your lawn to fill in bare patches and promote thicker grass growth.
• Fertilize: Apply a fall-specific, slow-release fertilizer to provide essential nutrients to the grass as it prepares for winter.

Payne’s just received our Paperwhite Narcissus bulbs for the Holiday season. Hurry in to both stores because these will sell out AND we won’t be getting in another shipment!

When you buy Paperwhite narcissus bulbs from Payne’s, you buy the best bulbs available from our Dutch grower. Paperwhites are deliciously fragrant and don’t need cold treatment to be coaxed into bloom, as hyacinths and tulips do.

Here’s how to bring your Paperwhites to flower:

• Plant your bulbs in a well-drained soilless potting mix, like Black Gold Natural and Organic Potting Soil
• Choose a pot that’s only slightly larger than the bulb, or plant three bulbs in a large enough container to hold them 1 inch apart.
• Plant the pointy end up and the base down.
• Set the bulbs into the mix so that their top third is exposed above the surface.
• Water with warm water, put the pot(s) in a sunny 50-60ºF room, and keep the soil just moist (not soggy, no standing water in the drip catchers!). 
• They’ll bloom in about 6 weeks.

Some people prefer forcing Paperwhites using containers that don’t drain such as a soup bowl or deep platter. Put the bulbs in, pointy side up and then fill in with gravel covering approximately 3/4 of the bulb. Keep water in the bowl. Plant more bulbs in bowls or pots, every week or two, to space out the blossoming.

Now is the time to start feeding your plants, trees and shrubs Gro-Power Flower-N-Bloom. Payne’s recommends this product as the last feeding in fall, especially for areas with cold winters like Northern New Mexico. Gro-Power Flower-N- Bloom will aid in helping perennials, shrubs, trees and lawns withstand the cold winters and respond vigorously in spring. 

Stop by either location for this special winterizer in stock now

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!

By Claire Hoppe Norgaard – Better Homes & Gardens

Mix and Match Thrillers, Fillers, and Spillers for Spectacular Spooky Season Containers

As autumn rolls in, it’s time to infuse some spooky charm into your outdoor spaces. A simple yet stunning way to celebrate the season is by creating fall-themed container gardens. But what makes a show-stopping Halloween planter? It’s all about combining thrillers, fillers, and spillers — a foolproof design technique that turns ordinary containers into spectacular seasonal displays.

Thrillers: The Eye-Catching Focal Point

“Thrillers” are the stars of your container, adding height, drama, and that wow factor. For spooky season, consider using dark and dramatic plants like black mondo grass, blood-red coleus, or ornamental grasses with deep purple or silver tones. Ornamental peppers with black or vibrant orange fruits can also make a striking impact. The key is to choose plants that command attention and set the tone for the rest of the arrangement.

Fillers: The Supporting Cast

While thrillers steal the show, “fillers” provide volume and help to bridge the gaps in your container. These medium-height plants create lushness and complement the thriller without overpowering it. For fall, opt for seasonal plants like dusty miller, which brings a ghostly white hue, or chrysanthemums in rich oranges and yellows. You can also use heucheras with their variegated leaves to add texture and color contrast.

Spillers: The Finishing Touch

To complete your spooky container garden, you’ll need “spillers” — trailing plants that cascade over the edges, adding movement and softness. Creeping jenny, with its vibrant lime green foliage, provides a striking contrast to the darker thrillers. For a more sinister vibe, consider ivy or sweet potato vine in deep burgundy or nearly black shades. These plants create a dramatic, overflowing effect that takes your container to the next level.

For a truly festive touch, don’t forget to accessorize! Add small pumpkins, faux spider webs, or creepy figurines nestled between the plants. You could even drape some battery-powered string lights for a haunting glow as the sun sets.

By thoughtfully combining thrillers, fillers, and spillers, you can craft eye-catching containers that capture the essence of spooky season. Whether you’re decorating a porch, patio, or windowsill, these autumn arrangements will keep your space feeling festive and fun all the way through Halloween.

We are almost as old as dirt!

Stop by and see Sam and ask him what is the best product for your current needs. 

Buy in bulk! We’ll deliver for a small fee or bring your truck and we’ll load it for you!

Payne’s Organic Soil Yard
6037 Agua Fria
505-424-0336