GARDEN TALES

Mary Waldron's Gardening Tips

• Always try to garden in harmony with the environment. Use as few chemicals as you can. Over use of nitrogen on the lawn, particularly on heavy soils seems to kill worms which help with aeration. Nitrogen can also get into ground water and cause pollution.

• Pine needles can be used as an effective weed suppressant on acid loving plants such as rhododendrons and camellias. Pine needles are also a good slug deterrent; the needles adhere to the slug's slimy body which cause much discomfort.

• Buy a bigger greenhouse / glass house than you think you need.

• Grow something new from seed every year.

• Prepare the soil into which you are going to plant. Dig it, weed it and feed it with organic matter. This work repays you with years of carefree gardening.

• Grow the plants that like your soil and situation. This leads to happy plants and happy gardeners.

• Plan your garden to look good in winter and it will look good all year round.

posted by Thomas @ 3:29 pm