We are all optimistic that the soil that we have in our gardens will do the job we ask of it – grow beautiful, healthy plants. But really most soils in Seattle don’t provide the basic nutrients for growth. As plants grow, they need to absorb nutrients and leave the soil less fertile or heavy rains wash them away. By applying fertilizer, you are putting back the lost nutrients to ensure that your produce and flowers will be bountiful in the future.
Read MoreDO’S + DONT’S IN TAKING CARE OF HOUSEPLANTS
I’ve written a lot about outdoor plants over the past couple of years but wanted to write about houseplants for a change. Since the weather is getting cooler and wetter, some of us fair weather gardeners are putting our gardens to bed and won’t have much to do with them until spring. Now is a great time to start giving attention to your houseplants.
Read MoreJENNY’S GARDEN TIPS: Bees, Hummingbirds, and Butterflies - Oh My!
Pollinators move pollen from one part of the plant to another which fertilizes the plant. Only fertilized plants can bear seeds and fruit. You also need seeds and nuts for future new plants. Not all is lost - there are things you can do to increase the variety and number of pollinators that are coming to your garden.
Read MoreJENNY’S GARDEN TIPS: SIX ACTIVITIES FOR GARDENERS TO DO THIS WINTER
Here’s my list of 6 different activities you as a gardener or would-be gardener can do to get you through winter and start thinking about spring. There are places to visit and things you can do. Hope you can
at least try one of these!
JENNY’S GARDEN TIPS
WHAT TO PLANT FOR IMPACT IN 2018
by Jenny Mandt, Owner, Garden Coaching Solutions
“In a bulb there is a flower, in a seed an apple tree…” is a song about planting today to reap the rewards tomorrow. Why not plant something now that will make your garden shine next year? With a little planning, digging, and effort the results will be worth it. First thing is to check out your soil. Is it a hard as a rock, sandy, grey and lifeless looking? This should be corrected before you plant anything. New or divided plants, shrubs or trees will need fertile, well-draining soil in order to thrive. Adding soil building compost can really boost nutrition in lifeless soil.
Read MoreSummer Maintenance Checklist
Seattle summers are the best! Tanner and I are almost done with all of our yard updates and can finally enjoy the fruits of our labor. It has been quite a transformation.
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