HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1994-04-13, Page 28PAGE 10 -HOME & GARDEN GUIDE '94
�.J 1 .I J Two simple steps will keep your garden blooming
From per 9
encourage root growth by
spreading a 1- to 2 -inch layer of
peat moss.
Shovel the soil mixture from
the tarp into the planting area,
creating a mound about two
inches above ground level. This
makes a raised bed for the
flowers and also aids drainage.
Before removing perennials
from their containers, soak the
soil so the rootballs will be easier
to break up if the flowers are pot
bound.
Set plants no deeper in the
ground than they were in the
container, firm into place and
water deeply.
Watering
Ensure roots will reach down
into the soil by giving them a
penetrating soaking.
A light sprinkling will do more
harm than good because it will
draw roots to the surface, where
they can be scorched by the sun.
Evaporation will be limited when
water is applied at root level,
preferably with a trickle or drip
irrigation system.
Maintaining the garden
Two simple steps will keep the
garden in bloom each spring.
At the beginning of the
growing season, apply a
balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10
to damp soil to provide plants
with nitrogen, phosphorous and
potassium. Water thoroughly so
additives will penetrate the soil.
Second, mulch around plants
to keep moisture in and
discourage weeds.
An organic mulch such as
shredded bark, pine needles or
buckwheat hulls also insulates
roots against temperature
extremes and reduces the spread
of disease.
Compost
Composting is not just another
dirty word.
It is the process of turning
organic materials — grass
clippings, leaves and twigs, as
well as coffee grinds, vegetable
scraps and egg shells — into
humus, a rich soil nutrient.,
Finished compost or humus is
one of the best soil conditioners
around.
A healthy dose of humus
enables sandy soil to retain water
and nutrients, and helps day soil
drain and "breathe" properly.
It also releases nutrients slowly
but steadily, so they do not burn
or harm plants.
Not just. another
dirty word
And humus stimulates the
spread of beneficial
microorganisms in the soil,
which are constantly at work
improving soil structure and
fighting disease -bearing bacteria.
Even novice gardeners can
produce useful compost
throughout the year. For be$t.
results, follow these simple
guidelines to convert big piles of
refuse into little piles of
compost:
1.) Start with the pile. A
compost pile can be located on
the ground, or contained 4n a
se. CONPOSTINO, Pyr 13
There are nearly as many herbs .as there are uses for them
Each and every day someone,
somewhere, finds a new and
innovative use for easy -to -grow,
multi-purpose herbs.
In fact, there are nearly as
many herbs as there are uses for
them.
Everyone knows that herbs are
ideal for spicing up soups, stews,
vinegars, jellies and relishes and
the right herb can add zest to
fish, meat and poultry. Quite
frequently, a common herb is
the "secret ingredient" your
grandmother talked about at the
dinner table.
But herbs - actually parts of
herbs, such as flowers, leaves,
roots, seeds and bark - can be
counted on for more than
improving the flavor of food.
Many doctors suggest
eucalyptus herbal rubs or balms
for their patients with strained
muscles or mild back problems.
Herbs often are used for
cosmetic purposes or artistic
endeavours.
People love to drink
chamomile or scented geranium
herbal teas and unwind from a
hard day's work in a relaxing
bath accentuated with sweet flag
or sweet violet.
The appealing fragrance of
dried herbs entices many either
to buy or make their own
potpourris, sachets and wreaths,
which boast a long-lasting herbal
aroma. Mint and rosemary are
among the most popular herbs
for this purpose.
In fact, the only thing most
people who find some use for
herbs don't seem to know about
them is that they are among the
easiest of all plants to grow.
Gardeners appreciate the
variety of shapes, sizes and
colors in which herbs come, and
put them to use in decorative
containers or rock gardeners, or
as ground covers.
When matched with annuals
and perennials, herbs help make
eye-catching additions to beds
and borders.
Many herbs spread quickly. A
Su MOST, Pap 12
WINDOWS •DOORS •SIDING •EAVESTROUGH
dith.ffilrisk
INTI
GLASS SiMIRROR
C O M P A N Y L T O
Your authorized dealer for
Hunter'"
BUILDING PRODUCTS
Alcan
Your authorized deafer for
n Product ALCAN
Building
QUALITY SALES AND SERVICE SINCE 1982
24 PRINCESS STREET WEST 482-3322
FAX 482-7793
CLINTON"
r;,