Frank's Senior News

The number one hobby is gardening among adults!
It is good therapy, provides exercise for busy business folk, and also provides an abundance of fresh air and possibly some good veggies and herbs at just the right time.
Yes in most parts of the US and Canada spring is approaching and it is time for cleaning up the yard.
Here are some tips that may help the home gardener with the spring cleanup chores.

1. Tulips and Daffodils are in bloom in many areas, so when they are done, cut the flowers, and let tops wither.  Clean debris and small weeds from flower beds. It is good to dig bulbs up every couple years to divide and keep bigger bulbs going.
2. Apply spring dormant fruit insect spray and spring herbicide, and fertilizing. Roses should be spring pruned no later than May 15th in most areas.  Remember to prune just above the eye on the rose stem that directs new growth in the direction you want it.  Always cut on a slant
3. Compost your leaves, and organic waste, so you can have a nice mulch.
4. Remember to use pre-emergence herbicides to minimize the weed growth in flower beds and in perennial beds – only use the right amount of chemicals.  To minimize control chemicals you can use bark, rock or other deep layers of cover on beds to keep weed problem under control. Or use organic contol with carefully placed boiling water on the young dicot weed growth.
5. Use of container tubs, jars and planters minimizes weed control needs and water use and maximizes beauty and color spots.
6. Try growing Tomatoes, peppers, gourds, and squash in tubs or garden planter vases for a great look and maximum return with minimized work.
7. Tubs and planters are easier to reach and usually require less work than flower beds.  You can plant Annuals and have an excellent display.
8. To get best results from your garden this year start early and just after the last frost and do clean up and early insect and weed control.  It will save time, money and give you a better look all year long.
9. Think about installing a sprinkler system, and drip system for watering. It is actually fairly inexpensive and wastes less water than old fashioned broadcast methods.
10. Use organic control measures as much as possible.  Go Green!
11. See your local expert at the garden center or your local county agent for problem solving.  Get help from a pro when you are stumped! Always follow the directions on the packages!  Happy Gardening!

Frank Ryan grew up in the horticulture and floral arts business and loves minimalist gardening and container gardening. It is a great way to enjoy wildlife and nature in harmony.