BT Toronto Blogs

1. Eyes are bigger than experience and needs:  When starting out in gardening my recommendation is to start small and gain some confidence.  Large areas of gardens may look great for the first little while but if you don’t have the time or the experience the end results will turn into frustrations and a waste of $$$.
2. Selecting the wrong plants!!  The ultimate goal is finding the right plant for the right place.  When you do so plants will grow with ease and if perennial will come back year after year with minimal care.   If you just go out and choose a plant because it looks good…the end result could be deadly!!
3. Buying in bloom:  Ok you’ve checked to see that your soil type and light requirements match however you select the plant that is in full bloom at the garden centre.  I always say in the world of plants look for bud not bloom and sometimes as with marigolds I suggest pulling off all the blooms at planting so the Marigold can focus on its roots for establishment.
4. Wrong soil:  That $1.99 bag may look like a good deal but if used in a container will kill your plants (from root rot).  For pots choose soils formulated for containers or potting soil.  However remember most container and potting soils are soilless mixes meaning you need to fertilize.
5. You don’t ask questions:  Everyone at one point in their life was a novice gardener.  There are no bad questions.  If you don’t know the difference between an annual and perennial ask!!  Find a knowledge friend or just a good garden centre to help guide your shopping decisions.  My book “Get Growing” is perfect for building your garden confidence.

Keep Blooming,

Frankie

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