Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Plant resolutions
We’re into the 3rd full week of January and by now most of us have already recanted some of those silly resolutions we made in week one! I broke my resolution when that Snickers Bar wouldn’t leave me alone till I ate it. They can be relentless.
I’ve shared many times about resolving to start a garden journal. I hope you’ll do that.
There are also a few plant resolutions that I would like to share with you:
- Unless you’re willing to gamble on a possible losing deal, resolve to buy only woody plants that are hardy in your region. Right Plant, Right Place, the Master Gardeners mantra.
- Vow to incorporate as much organic matter into your garden beds as you can. All the little roots will cheer.
- Resolve to space plants so they get plenty of air. This one’s difficult even for me as most of us want instant gratification! As a gardener we really should know better. Air circulation is key in keeping disease down. The only time to pack your plants tight is with annuals when you are filling out a container or space for just the season.
- Speaking of diseased plants, before spraying ANY chemical on them, vow to find out what’s killing the plant or just toss it. Putting a chemical on plants without knowing what’s going on could wind up killing other healthy plants nearby.
- Along those same lines, buy only healthy plants. Although I may feel sorry for the wilted Wilma, I will not buy her in hopes of nursing her back to health and taking the chance that she’ll introduce some insect or disease to the rest of my plants.
Maybe you already do these things or maybe you’ll be a bit more diligent this year! I resolve to help you, so feel free to email me with questions at tkgardenbite@gmail.com. Find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube too.