January Tips

January is the time to contemplate the coming gardening season. To have the most successful gardening experience, whether it be on a windowsill, patio, or in the garden, take the time now to review your successes and failures and prepare your plan for the coming year. Prepare a list of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, vegetables and seeds for your containers and landscape. Visit the information center at Van Putte Gardens to help you make the right choices. Don't throw out those spring gardening catalogs! They're also a good source of information to help you plan. Van Putte Gardens is open year-round and we have a huge selection of seeds and seed starting supplies in stock now. Check the back of seed packets to determine the best time for starting in our area. Think Spring!

Dreading the snow that is sure to come? Don't. The snow that we get in our northern areas acts as winter protection for your plants: it insulates, reducing deep freezing in the soil and protects the roots and crowns. For all of your plants, make sure you have applied a sufficient layer of bark mulch ( 2-4") to protect them during times when there is no snow cover. Van Putte Gardens carries a wide variety of mulches to suit any customers' tastes and needs. It's still not too late to apply!

A WORD ON HOUSEPLANTS

Check houseplants for mites, mealy bugs, scale and whitefly that may have been brought in from the outdoors. Consult a professional at Van Putte Gardens to select the proper treatment. Increase humidity by placing sensitive plants on trays of pebbles filled with water or by running a humidifier. Signs that humidity is too low are browning tips and leaves that are smaller than normal or are misshapen.

February Tips

We are now in the coldest part of winter and you're feeling like spring can't get here soon enough. Hold on – we're only a few weeks away! Since you can't get out in the garden, how about getting out into the garage or down in the basement to maintain your gardening equipment. Lawn mowers and tillers need the oil replaced periodically, just like your car. Check belts, chains and oil levels. Clean away soil, plant debris, rust, etc. Check hand tools for signs of wear and tear and make necessary repairs or replacements. Van Putte Gardens has a great selection of the latest and greatest hand tools!

If you want to keep yourself busy inside, there's plenty to do that's garden related: complete plans for your vegetable garden – you'll be planting peas, beans, broccoli and lettuce before long; tend to your houseplants by rotating them regularly, washing them to help keep them free from pests, and maintaining humidity during the dry heating season; begonias, impatiens and geraniums can be started from seed now.

WATCH FOR UPCOMING GARDENING SHOWS. They'll give you many great ideas for the upcoming gardening season, as well as a much needed break from winter. Don't forget to bring along a notebook and pen to jot down all the great plants you'll want to shop for here at Van Putte Gardens!

March Tips

March has arrived and spring is officially here (March 20th)! Flowering bulbs that were planted last year are peaking through the soil and some are even blooming. Help them along by raking away leaves and debris that have helped to shelter them in the preceding winter. Now is also a good time to cut back any perennials that you didn't get to last fall. Yep – now is the time to trim that butterfly bush as well.

Even with spring bulbs starting to show, you still want to see some color. Now is the perfect time to brighten up your home with flowering plants. Beginning approximately 2 weeks before Easter every year, Van Putte Gardens displays a huge variety of flowering plants, suitable for the holiday or for everyday. Enliven your windowsill with cyclamen, miniature roses, hydrangeas, African violets, begonias, orchids and more (Call for exact dates and availability).

OTHER ESSENTIAL INFO:

• If you want to transplant established trees and shrubs, now is the time to do it – before new growth begins.
• Apply pre-emergent weed control to landscape beds: use PREEN – Van Putte Gardens customers swear by it!
• Don't cultivate the soil until it has dried enough so that it crumbles when being handled.
• Start feeding houseplants again using appropriate fertilizer.
• Start canna & dahlia tubers indoors in a cool, sunny location.
• Start your garden records for the new season.

April Tips

April is the month that everyone gets excited about because we are finally seeing some color in the garden. As the blossoms of flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and others begin to fade, be sure to remove the seed head. By not letting the seed head form, the energy that would be used to make seeds will be reserved to benefit the bulb. Also, do not remove the foliage until it has begun to yellow. It must remain intact so the bulb can produce enough energy to bloom again the following year.

Now is the time to apply an All-Seasons spray oil by Bonide to trees and shrubs to help control over-wintering insects and diseases. If you have fruit trees, it is especially important to begin the Bonide Fruit Tree Spray schedule to insure a high quality harvest free of fungal spots and insects. Please consult with a Van Putte Gardens professional if you have any questions regarding the use of these products.

OTHER ESSENTIAL INFO:

• Apply pre-emergent crabgrass control before the forsythia blossoms drop. Read the label and consult with a Van Putte Gardens professional if you have any questions regarding the application of this product.
• Harden-off seedlings started indoors before planting into the garden. Do this by setting the seedling trays outside during the day in a protected area (water as needed) and then bringing back inside at night to protect from freezing temperatures.
• Houseplants are now more actively growing – the perfect time to transplant into a new pot.
• Monitor water for transplants and new seed beds – Mother Nature may not be enough!

May Tips

Finally, May has arrived! Gardeners in our area are chomping at the bit to get their annuals and tender vegetables planted. Don't plant too soon: our frost-free date is Memorial Day. If you're in a hurry, try planting petunias, pansies or snapdragons as these will tolerate a moderate frost. Onions, broccoli, peas, lettuce and other cold-tolerant vegetables can be planted as well. You may also want to try Hot Caps or vegetable row Blankets to protect your tender seedlings on cold nights – available at Van Putte Gardens! Water new plantings regularly to maintain a consistent amount of moisture. A layer of organic mulch will help to conserve water as well as reduce weeds. If you choose to use newspapers, avoid using those printed in color, and weigh them down with a layer of grass clippings. A great way to recycle and add nutrients to the soil!

OTHER ESSENTIAL INFO:

• Perennials, trees and shrubs can all be planted before the frost-free date.
• Broadleaf weed control can be applied towards the later part of the month – see a Van Putte Gardens professional for details.
• Remove spent blossoms from azaleas and rhododendrons. Do not allow seed formation to occur. This will help produce a more compact and full appearance.
• With the warmer weather also come insects. Monitor your landscape plants closely and apply appropriate insecticides as needed. Always read and follow all label directions.
• Use Organic Gardener 5-10-5 to prepare vegetable beds. This high organic fertilizer is slow release, non-burning and is also great for perennials and shrubs!

June Tips

We are well into the growing season, but, believe it or not, we just now have the perfect conditions for planting cucumbers, melons and various squash. These vine crops require warm soil conditions for proper root development. Planting them in soil that is too cold may cause them to wither up and die. As always, provide a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and keep weeds at a minimum.

OTHER ESSENTIAL INFO:

• Prune spent blossoms on lilacs before seed formation. Further pruning of lilacs should be done at this time as well – don't wait too much longer or you'll risk not having blooms the following year.
• Begin applying fungicides on roses: it's easier to prevent diseases than it is to control or cure them (black spot & mildew).
• Continue with fruit tree spray program.
• Feed annual flowers every 2 weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer, such as Miracle-Gro.
• Prune hybrid tea roses after flowers fade to encourage strong cane development and new blooms.
• Houseplants can be placed outside for their summer vacation.
• Keep an eye out for Japanese beetles.

July Tips

As we head into the lazy days of summer we must be careful to not become too lazy: our newly planted shrubs and trees must be watered regularly. Even those planted within the past couple of years will need to be watered during these dry times. Be sure to water deeply, allowing water to penetrate down through the entire root ball. A good way to do this is to allow a garden hose to run at a slow trickle at the base of the plant for 5-15 minutes, depending on the size of the plant. In times of hot, breezy weather with little or no precipitation, water 2-3 times per week. In times of overcast or cooler weather with a measurable amount of precipitation, water 1-2 times per week.

OTHER ESSENTIAL INFO:

• Lawns also require regular watering to keep them green. Apply the equivalent to approximately 2 quarts of rain per week. Avoid light, shallow watering.
• Provided that you are watering regularly, continue applications of Van Putte Gardens 15plus lawn fertilizer: every 4-5 weeks for new lawns; every 6-8 weeks for established lawns.
• Hot, humid weather provides ideal conditions for spider mites as well as diseases. Monitor plants closely and apply treatments at the first signs of infestation/infection.
• Check hanging baskets and container plantings for water everyday! Some may need watering twice a day in very high temperatures. Continue fertilizing every two weeks with Miracle-Gro.
• Deadhead annuals and perennials to stimulate more vigorous blooming.
• Stop harvesting rhubarb and asparagus, they need to build up energy for the following year.
• Sow vegetable seeds by mid-July for fall harvest: beets, peas, carrots, parsnips, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels-sprouts, cauliflower and salad greens.

August Tips

While you should continue fertilizing vegetable and annual plants to encourage maximum production, make the beginning of August the last you fertilize trees and shrubs: they will soon be hardening-off in preparation for winter and you don't want to encourage any new, tender growth that could be damaged by cold weather. If you wish, trees and shrubs can be fertilized again once they have gone dormant, towards the end of October into November.

OTHER ESSENTIAL INFO:

• Pull out and dispose of dead or dying plants from the garden. Sanitation will help stop the spread of insects and diseases.
• Gather cut flowers and wildflowers at their peek bloom for drying.
• August is the time to start applying grub control. Timing can vary slightly depending upon weather conditions. Consult with a Van Putte Gardens professional.
• Start grooming houseplants for their trip back indoors. Check for potbound plants and transplant as needed. Examine closely for insect pests and take action before bringing plants inside.
• Fall is a great time to plant trees, shrubs and grass seed!

September Tips

Spring may be considered the season of renewal but did you know just how much you can do now to renew your lawn & landscape? September is an excellent time to aerate, de-thatch, fertilize and seed or sod your lawn. Van Putte Gardens Countryside grass seed mixture is the best! Weather conditions are also ideal for applying broadleaf weed control (do not seed and use weed control at the same time, however). Container gardens can also be refreshed. Replace leggy or spent annuals with beautiful choices from Van Putte Gardens, such as winter pansies, ornamental kale & cabbage, fall asters, sedums and mums.

Nothing dresses up your landscape like a new layer of bark mulch. September is the perfect time to do so. Besides adding a fresh look to your beds, mulch also helps to retain moisture, control weeds and provides invaluable protection to your perennials, shrubs and trees during the coming winter months.

OTHER ESSENTIAL INFO:

• September is the ideal time of year to apply grub control.
• Houseplants should all be inside for the winter at this time.
• Incorporate organic matter, such as manure and compost, into garden areas now as the warm temperatures will allow it to begin breaking down, ensuring that nutrients will be available for plant growth next year.
• Now is a great time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials and spring flowering bulbs.
• Transplant strawberries, raspberries and other berry bushes at this time.

SPRING FLOWERING BULBS ARE IN STOCK NOW AT VAN PUTTE GARDENS AND READY FOR PLANTING!

October Tips

As we always say here at Van Putte Gardens, "Fall is for planting." This is especially true for shade trees because the upper parts of the plant are beginning to go dormant while the roots continue to actively grow. Planting at this time of year generally requires less watering and is less stressful to the plant. Carefully choose the location for your new shade tree to ensure it will provide the desired cooling effect. Also, consider the type of tree to select, some will provide a deep shade while others will provide a filtered or dappled shade. One of our experienced nursery professionals will be happy to help you make your selection!

OTHER ESSENTIAL INFO:

• Continue to plant spring flowering bulbs.
• Check houseplants for insects that may have been brought in from the outdoors.
• Continue watering new plantings as needed.
• Rake leaves from lawn areas – DO NOT allow them to accumulate.
• Dig non-hardy tubers such as cannas, callas and dahlias and store them in a dark, cool, dry location for the winter.
• African violets will benefit from being moved to a brighter location as blooming is directly related to length and quality of daylight.
• To help set buds on Christmas cactus, provide cool night time temperatures, around 55 degrees. Also, keep in a room where they will receive plenty of natural light but will not be disturbed by lights in your home at night.

November Tips

While we can still get out into the garden, why not do some things now to make life easier in the spring? Remove all dead vegetable and annual plants and trim back perennials (wait until early spring to cut back butterfly bush and ornamental grasses). Prepare soil for early spring planting of crops such as peas, carrots, broccoli, etc. by incorporating organic material. Have the pH of the soil tested and add lime or sulfur accordingly. Van Putte Gardens will do a free pH test for you: just bring in a soil sample (a 1 lb. coffee can filled to the top is ideal) and the results will be ready within just a few minutes. Take care not to touch the soil with your bare hands – this can alter the results – use a garden tool.

OTHER ESSENTIAL INFO:

• Apply winterizer to your turf. Van Putte Gardens has it with or without weed killer.
• If you still have flowering bulbs hanging around plant them now!
• Apply Wilt-Pruf® to broadleaf evergreens such as rhododendrons, azaleas, boxwood, laurel, holly, etc. while temperatures are above freezing. Make sure to cover both upper and lower surfaces of the foliage.
• Continue to water fall plantings, however less often at this time of year.
• Store pesticides properly – where they will not freeze.
• Drain sprinkler systems and put away hoses for the winter.
• Increase humidity for houseplants now that we are into the heating season.
• DON'T FORGET OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS. VAN PUTTE GARDENS HAS ALL OF YOUR BIRDFEEDING NEEDS.

December Tips

The Christmas season is well underway here at Van Putte Gardens. Our gift shop is fully stocked with seasonal decorations as well as gifts to suit all of your friends and family. Have a need for Christmas plants? Look no further as our greenhouse is filled with an excellent selection of flowering plants, including poinsettias, cyclamen, Christmas cactus, kalanchoe, topiaries as well as a variety of our very popular combo baskets.

Poinsettias are the most popular plant at this time of year. If cared for properly, it can last well into the new year. Place the plant in a bright light and keep slightly moist. Water when the top of the soil is dry and the pot feels light in weight. Never allow it to dry out completely, but most importantly do not over water. Keep out of cold drafts. Keeping your poinsettia for the next year and making it re-bloom can be a little tricky, but it can definitely be done, a feat that can be very rewarding. For month by month instructions on how to care for your poinsettia, stop in at Van Putte Gardens and we will be happy to give you a copy.

OTHER ESSENTIAL INFO:

• Purchase your cut Christmas tree as early in the season as possible to get the freshest available. Make a fresh cut 2 inches up from the base (we'll be happy to do this for you) and place in a bucket of water in a shaded area. For an extra long lasting tree, spray with Wilt-Pruf®. Bring inside when desired.
• For live Christmas potted trees, dig the hole where it is to be planted before the ground freezes. Cover the hole for safety reasons. Plant after the Christmas season. We recommend keeping a potted tree indoors for no longer than 7-10 days. You don't want to cause new growth!
• Van Putte Gardens has bulb forcing supplies.