DOUG’S GARDENING BLOG – 6 Common Gardening and Landscape Mistakes

FEBRUARY IS A GOOD MONTH TO THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT TO DO IN THE GARDEN THIS YEAR AND THEN DO THE PROPER RESEARCH.

Here we are approaching the end of February. With a mild winter this year we are all starting to get excited about the spring season. Spring is just a few weeks away. Here is a list of the most common gardening and landscape mistakes that homeowners can make:

NOT HAVING A PLAN

Before getting started, you should have an idea of what it is that you are wanting to add or change in the landscape. Mistakes are made when you don’t have a plan. Landscape mistakes can be costly and frustrating. We can help! That’s our job to help assist you in making a good plan and making good selections.

NOT READING LABELS

Whether these labels are on plants or plant products, it is important to have a full understanding of the plant requirements or how to use a specific plant product correctly. Did you know it is a law in Virginia that you are to read product labels? And, that you apply products properly and according to the instructions listed on the container.

GREAT PLANT BUT WRONG LOCATION

This is such a common mistake. When looking at plants and making a selection, you need to know the growing requirements, habits, and characteristics. Too often homeowners fall in love with a plant while shopping. They decide on the spot to plant it. But, they fail to realize the growing dimensions of the plant. In a couple of years, the plant is doing well but has already outgrown its space.

NOT AMENDING THE SOIL AT THE TIME OF PLANTING

We tend to have heavy, red clay soil in our area. This issue is only enhanced for homeowners who are left with only hardpan, sub-soil on their lot after the house had been built. Both situations require soil amending when planting. For both woody and herbaceous plants, the planting hole should be dug two to four times wider, but no deeper than the root system. Use this existing soil and amend it with some organic matter. Plant no deeper than the root system. Remember: “roots are roots and stems are stems.” In other words, don’t plant the plant too deep.

WATERING

One of the more common mistakes is not understanding the water requirements of the plant. Some plants require more watering than others. Whether the plant is in the ground or being used as a container garden, you need to learn when the time to water. New plants need to be “babied” in the first year as their roots are still small and not established. Therefore, more vulnerable to drying out quickly. And, don’t be fooled by having an irrigation system. Most times the irrigation system does not provide a thorough, deep watering.

PRUNING

The proper time to prune a shrub or tree is so important to learn and know. It is so important that Virginia Tech has created A GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL PRUNING, SHRUB PRUNING CALENDAR. I keep this calendar handy at all times in order to inform customers about how and when to prune certain plants. Improper pruning can be detrimental to the health of the plant and it could keep a plant from flowering as expected.

Come see us because it is our mission to provide you with the best service and information.

PLANT A LITTLE HAPPINESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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