I often joke that squirrels are employed by local garden centres helping to increase sales of bulbs and blooms as they seem to eat all of them.  Squirrels can be a nuisance in the garden especially in fall!!  Squirrels absolutely love tulips, to a squirrel a tulip is like a descendant delight like chocolate!  Here are some ways to deter squirrels from the garden!

1. Plant Daffodils not tulips:  Daffodil bulbs are poisonous to squirrels and they won’t eat them.  Others bulbs squirrels stay away from include alliums and fritillaria.
2. When planting tulips (if you so desire) make sure you clean up after, do not leave any hints of tulips behind.  Cover plantings with chicken wire and bloodmeal.  Bloodmeal will help to distract and the chicken wire adds protection while the tulips will still be able to grow thru in spring.
3. If you can’t beat them feed them:  Place a squirrel feeder (http://www.backyardbirdingshop.com/Squirrel-Feeders.html) far away from your garden..this will keep them fed and busy.
4. Hen Manure (http://www.acti-sol.ca/Virtues-of-hen-manure):  I’ve had great success at repelling squirrels in spring and fall with top dressing my plantings with a broadcasting of hen manure.  Seems they don’t like the smell and I don’t even notice it.  Note you should reapply after rainy weather.
5. The plastic Owl.  Owls eat small creatures like rabbits and squirrels.  If I saw something that was going to eat me I would run to.  Placing one overlooking your garden will help however move the owl around on occasion or the rabbits and squirrels will think it’s just a lazy bird!!

Fun Facts about Squirrels from Squirrelnet.com

• Squirrels can jump a distance of up to 20 feet. They have long, muscular hind legs and short front legs that work together to aid in leaping.
• The hind legs of squirrels are double-jointed. This helps them run up and down trees quickly.
• A male squirrel can smell a female in heat up to a mile away. Mating season is February through May with a 44-day gestation period. Typically 2-4 young are born per liter.
• Squirrels have 5 toes on their back feet and 4 toes on their front. Their front toes are very sharp and help in gripping tree bark for climbing.
• In addition to residing in the Eastern US, Eastern Gray Squirrels can be found in many Western states, Great Britain, Ireland and South Africa.
• Squirrels in general are found on every continent except Antarctica and Australia.
• Squirrels can eat their own body weight (approximately 1.5 pounds) every week.
• Squirrels can fall up to 100 feet without hurting themselves. They’ll use their tail both for balance and as a parachute.
• The hibernating artic ground squirrel is the only warm-blooded mammal able to withstand body temperatures below freezing.
• Squirrels eyes are positioned in such a way that they can see some things behind them.
• The word “squirrel” means “shadow tail” in Greek.

- Rake and remove debris.
- Dethatch.
- Aerate if compacted.
- Prevent the germination of Crabgrass with Corn Gluten (BIO Weed and Feed).
- If not controlling Crabgrass fertilize with a slow release spring forumulated fertilizer. (high first number)
- If not controlling for Crabgrass topdress with soil, reseed and water.
- Fix burnt dog patches.
- Sod or Seed?? Stay tuned!!!

Featured Products:

Grass Stitcher: http://www.rittenhouse.ca/asp/Product.asp?PG=2329
CIL Bio Weed and Feed (CRABGRASS CONTROL): http://www.cil.nu-gro.com/products/product_e.php?prodID=547&category=1
CIL Patchgrass Lawn Repair: Available at most garden supply stores.
CIL Golfgreen Plus® Grass Seed With MYCORRHIZE Growth Supplement! http://www.cil.nu-gro.com/products/product_e.php?prodID=488

The snow is gone and it won’t be long until crabgrass keeps growing on!!! UNLESS you control it now!! Crabgrass is an annual grass type weed that grows via seed. For seed germination Crabgrass requires soil temps of 15c and daytime highs around 20c for 5 consecutive days. The key to controlling crabgrass is to prevent germination. How do you do this?? With a weed suppressant of course! CIL BIO Weed & Feed is just such a product. Made with Corn Gluten CIL BIO Weed & Feed prevents the germination of weed seeds while at the same time feeding existing lawn. The time to apply is after snow loads have melted, when seeds are still in dormancy (before forsythia bloom). Apply in the morning or after rain as this helps allow particles to stick. A word of warning: Corn Gluten is made of corn and birds love this stuff. Also leaving a bag in the garage outdoors is not a good idea as mice and squirrels are immediately attracted – take it from me as I know from experience. Finally remember when applying a weed suppressant like CIL BIO Weed and Feed it is useless to reseed your lawn at the same time as the Corn Gluten will prevent the germination of Crabgrass and desired lawn seed. Best bet when crabgrass is a problem, control it first and wait 3 to 6 weeks before reseeding.

I HOPE THIS HELPS!!!

Frankie

The world of gardening is always a wild and wacky place attracting gardeners of all ages no matter of income or race.  In fact some celebrities have turned to gardening to keep a little balance in life.  Recently Russel Brant announced since marriage he has been addicted to the garden and Amy Winehouse is using gardening to create some calm and control.  For those who love to garden here are some of the products I featured on BT this morning!!!

Grass Stitcher

Use the Grass Stitcher to prepare your lawn for overseeding.  The design of the wheel creates an ideal environment for seed germination when it is rolled over the planting area.

http://www.rittenhouse.ca/asp/Product.asp?PG=2329

Fence Guard

Help protect and prolong the life of your fence posts with Fence Guard plating.  The plating covers the base of your fence posts, which are susceptible to damage from string trimmers etc.

http://www.rittenhouse.ca/asp/Product.asp?PG=9000536

Grow Tub

Take container gardening to a new level.  The Grow Tub can be easily used indoors and out to grow fresh produce or flowers.  The Grow Tub is also available in three different configurations, static, mobile or upright.

http://www.rittenhouse.ca/asp/Product.asp?PG=9000558

Liberty Hose Reels

Heavy-duty metal hose reels for your garden or property.  These hose reels are built to last with all metal construction and a powder coat finish.

http://www.rittenhouse.ca/asp/Product.asp?PG=2669

Soji Lanterns

All the classics from previous seasons, with new designs for this year; Soji Lanterns create mystique and intrigue to your outdoor living area.  Solar powered and weather proof, Soji can be left outside for the entire season.

http://www.rittenhouse.ca/asp/Product.asp?PG=1291

POTATO BAG:
Reusable planter bag for growing potatoes. Ideal for patios, balconies and small gardens. Easy to move around with handles on each side. Velcro flap – no digging required!

http://www.mckenzieseeds.com/product_detail.aspx?productID=135067

MIXED SEED POTATO:

www.bradfordgreenhouses.com

April showers bring may flowers and with April here now is the time to get out and get gardening. Here are some tasks you should be doing in early spring.

NOTE: IF YOUR GARDEN OR LAWN FEELS SPONGY UNDER FOOT STAY OFF UNTIL FIRM. WALKING ON SOAKED SOIL WILL CREATE COMPACTION AND HARM YOUR GARDENING MORE THAN YOU’LL HELP IT.

LAWNS:

- Remove debris (sticks, stones, garbage etc).
- Fix mole damage and or tunnels and apply blood meal to prevent further damage. (moles are controlled by getting rid of grubs once soil temperatures warm).
- Rake and de-thatch.
- Aerate if compacted.
- Top-dress and reseed to thicken.
- For established lawns fertilize with CIL Golfgreen 20-0-5 slow release.
- If crabgrass was a problem last season apply CIL BIO Weed and Feed with corn gluten (note you cannot re-seed your lawn when applying CIL BIO Weed and Feed as it will coat both annual weed and grass seed and prevent germination).

GARDENS:
- Remove debris (leaves, old annuals from last season, garbage etc).
- Prune dead wood and broken branches.
- Cut back dead growth on existing perennials.
- Amend soil with Nature Mix Annual and Perennial Soil.
- Plant frost tolerant annuals to add colour (my favourite are pansies).
- Before Fruit , Shade trees and flowering shrubs crack bud apply Dormant Spray Kit (rids over wintering disease and insects.
- Create a garden budget and plan with the ultimate goal of selecting the right plant for the right place.

VEGETABLE GARDENS:
- Remove debris.
- Amend Soil with Nature Mix Herb and Vegetable or Composted Manures (my favorite manure is sheep).
- Start Tomato and Peppers indoors (only if you need a ton of tomato plants).
- Purchase Seed Potatoes (selection goes quickly).
- Create a plan for the vegetable garden remember always grow what you eat.
- For those creating a veggy garden for the first time one key is to plant in full sun the next recommendation is to build a raised 4 x 8 box but do not use pressure treated lumber as the sealant could leach into your soil.

THIS SHOULD GET YOU GROWING!!!

FRANKIE

My new book “Get Growing” has me spreading the manure right across Canada over the next few months!!  I’ve already travelled out west to Calgary where I met some of the most determined gardeners ever!!  A zone 3 with cool summer nights, high winds and huge hail Calgarians have a tough time growing plants.  More goal is to get more Canadian’s growing here is a listing of some future dates.

4-Mar   Hamilton Home and Garden Show 1pm – Hamilton Convention Centre

5-Mar   Stratford Garden Festival 1:30 PM – Stratford Rotary Complex

6-Mar   Barrie Home Show noon   – Barrie Molson Centre

12-Mar    Costco Vaughan 11-1 PM – Hwy 7 and 400

12-Mar    Costco Downsview 3-5 PM -Wison and Dufferin

15-Mar   Canada Blooms opening night 7-9pm – Direct Energy Centre Toronto

16-Mar   Indigo Eaton Centre  noon -Direct Energy Centre Toronto

18-Mar   Canada Blooms  12:30 -Direct Energy Centre Toronto

19-Mar   Canada Blooms 2:30 -Direct Energy Centre Toronto

20-Mar  Costco Barrie 1-3 PM   – Mapleview Drive (Molson Park) and Hwy 400

24-Mar   Edmonton Home Show 5 PM/7 PM Edmonton Expo Centre

25-Mar   Edmonton Home Show 1PM Edmonton Expo Centre

26-Mar   Kitchener Home Show 1PM /3 PM Kitchener Auditorium

27-Mar   Ottawa Home Show 1 PM/4 PM Landsdowne Park

1-Apr   Int. Home/Garden Show 2:00 PM International Centre, Mississauga

2-Apr   Int. Home/Garden Show 2:00 PM 5-Apr International Centre, Mississauga

9-Apr   Chapters Barrie 1:00 PM Mapleview Drive (Molson Park) and Hwy 400

My first garden book “Get Growing” (http://www.harpercollins.ca/books/Get-Growing-Frankie-Flowers/?isbn=9781443405539)truthfully I can’t believe I’m an author. This has been a goal of mine for a very long time. I always wanted to create a guide for anyone and everyone who wants to garden. The book is broken down by season and by type of space. For example Chapter 1 Early Spring is broken down into lawn, flower garden and vegetable garden. Each section has instructions and detailed photos but best of all each section starts off with a checklist of what you need to do in that area of the garden at that time of year! We spent one day a week during the 2010 growing season doing photography – the pictures are authentic and gorgeous!! So what’s it like writing a book here are my words of wisdom:

Book writing need to know:

1. Make sure you have a loving and supportive wife…I spent countless hours writing and many times I went to a local library to write.
2. Do finger exercises!
3. Be prepared to re-write…after hours of writing all that comes out is gibberish!
4. Toddlers are not good for writing? Their pounding of the keyboard doesn’t help!
5. Writing a book sounds like a good idea but plan for more time than you think!
6. Celebrate the little things…a bottle of wine per chapter is always something to look forward to!
7. Get most of your writing done in winter…who wants to stay inside in spring and summer!!
8. Editors start off as friends, get a little pushy around deadlines but in the end it’s worth it and you will be friends forever!!
9. Surround yourself with good people working on your project …you’ll be spending a lot of time with them.
10. If friends feel your being distant …you are…your book becomes your world!!

GET GROWING OVERVIEW:

Book Description
Have you ever looked enviously at a neighbour’s garden and wished you had a green thumb? Have you ever gone to the garden centre full of enthusiasm, only to find yourself confused and defeated? Have you ever wished that somehow gardening could just be, well, easy? If so, it’s time to Get Growing with Frankie Flowers. In 352 pages packed with inspiring yet instructional photos, Frankie coaches gardeners of all levels through the basics of getting a garden growing. Broken down into seasonal chapters that give the reader concise, clear instructions on what you need to do now and why, it provides a solid foundation for building a beautiful ornamental garden, a healthy, natural lawn and a bountiful vegetable garden. With tons of step-by-step detail—in words and photos — this book includes everything from planning and planting to pruning and fine tuning. It’ll also help gardeners of all levels troubleshoot problems like weeds and slugs and rodents (oh my!). Gardening shouldn’t be complicated or overwhelming — it should be fun. The secret is just to get outside and Get Growing!