Zone 7 gardening: "CowPots" & Mulch

Monday, May 24, 2010

"CowPots" & Mulch

This spring I’ve been growing small seedlings by planting seeds in dirt in small containers, which I place in a sunny location in my house. After they have grown two sets of leaves, I transplant them to a larger pot. I’ve found “CowPots” perfect for my seedlings. These pots are made from composted cow manure. When the seedlings are ready for transplanting to your garden, place the “CowPots directly into the soil. Therefore, the roots are not damaged by removing the plant from a pot. The young plant roots easily penetrate the sides and bottom of the pot. As the composted manure biodegrades, the seedling is fertilized from the manure.

“CowPots” come in two different sizes, 4 inch or 2 inch. I bought these at Southern States. Oh and they don’t smell!

Mulch improves the appearance of our gardens. The other reason to mulch is to protect plants, conserve water, suppress weeds, and nourish soil. Mulch is an organic substance which is a by-products of forest harvesting. Best not to use mulch until it has begun to decompose. After I receive wood chips from a cut tree, I wait a year or so before using the pile of chips. As mulch ages, it becomes darker in color.

For acid loving plants, like azaleas and rhododendrons, use a mulch that releases acid, such as pine straw or pine bark. Hardwood mulches tend to become alkaline and are good for most other plants.

Do not use mulch which is made from recycled wood pallets and woody construction debris which has been dyed or stained. The dyes and stains will leach into your soil.

Apply mulch in 3 to 5 inches layer on your garden. Do not place mulch directly to base of plants. Especially, do not place against tree or shrub trunks because it can cause basal rot. Replenish mulch when there‘s one inch or less or it. Usually top off every year.

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Feb. gardening notes cont.

February is the month to prune! The tree and shrub branches which you pruned can be forced to display lovely blooms and foliage, a reminder of approaching spring. Prune fruit trees and other deciduous trees. Old lilacs can be cut back to one foot, but they should be mulched, fertilized and water for 3 years to develop a compact flowering shrub. Also hollies can be heavily pruned down to a foot. Prune summer blooming shrubs, such as beauty bush, butterfly bush, Hydrangea, Nandina, crepe myrtle, and Rose of Sharon. Prune vines. Grape vine cuttings may be saved for making wreaths. Deciduous bare-root trees can be planted about a month before the last freeze. Mulch your tree to a depth of 3 or 4 inches at a distance of 3 inches from the trunk. Don’t neglect your vegetable garden. I read that one can replant the roots from leeks. In 60 to 90 days you’ll have a new tasty plant. The next time I buy an organic leek I will be sure to plant the roots in my garden. Will let you know the results. Last year I planted a few store bought organic cocktail tomatoes which had rotten and they grew into a healthy plant. Also cut one of the eyes off your potatoes and plant. You can have a wonderful vegetable garden with out buying seeds or young plants. Bluebirds are already checking out homes. So clean birdhouses and put out new houses in open fields on post about 5 ft. high. If you place a nearby feeder stocked with mealy worms; you will have a better chance of the bluebirds to taking up residence. Don’t forget to feed all the wild birds, which will soon be nesting.

January Gardening Notes cont.

Also indoors start germinating seeds of Petunia, Portulaca, Salvia, Snapdragon and Verbena. All take 8 to 10 weeks before their seedlings are ready to be planted in your garden. Sprinkle poppies seed in snow.

Even in the winter you should weed. If the weather is too miserable; then study your garden catalogues and plan for the arriving warm weather. For a fun and informative read, Susan Orlean’s “The Orchid Thief” will entertain you with her experiences with orchids and obsessions in Florida.

October Notes cont.

This is the month for a fall cleaning of your yard. The foliage of tall bearded and Dutch irises should be cut down to 2 inches and added to your compost pile. Also add your raked leaves to your compost pile. Diseased plants should be burned or put in the garbage. Compost will reward you with rich soil to add to your garden. If your vegetable garden suffered heavy insect or disease invasion then (after discarding the plants) turn the soil. The fresh air will help prevent the insects and diseases from returning next summer. Otherwise let the dead plants and vegetables remain in your garden until spring, because beneficial insect have laid their eggs on these plants. You do not want to discard the dead plants until after the insects have emerged in the spring.

If the soil dries out; then keep watering your container plants, camellias and azaleas. Shrubs can suffer winter damage if they are allowed to dry out. Also water your new seedlings and pansies. Mid-Oct should be your last fertilizing of shrubs and trees. Only fertilize English box every two or three years.

Due to our drought, even with this recent rain pounding on the ground, trees have dropped their leaves early. So the colorful fall leaf display is diminished. We may not receive our first frost until next month. Before the first frost, dig up your sweet potatoes. Also pick your green tomatoes.

Now is the time to cut wood for your fireplace. Gather the dried seed pods which have fallen from magnolia trees. Place these pods in a basket next to the fireplace to use as kindling.