Have you heard the phrase “Fall is for Planting”? You may wonder why that is the case! While most plants in our area of the Mid-Atlantic can be very successfully planted in the spring, summer or fall, autumn truly is the best time. The cooler temperatures mean less heat stress and less watering needs for new plantings. In fall, the ground retains its heat much longer than the air, allowing roots to grow and become established until the ground actually freezes. This is why seeding grass in the fall is recommended. Planting in fall also allows you to get a jump on the spring season, as you will be rewarded with a larger tree, shrub or perennial!
Category Archives: Gardening Tips
Hummingbird Gardens
Their shining iridescent colors and ‘humming of wings’ make hummingbirds among the most beautiful and fascinating birds to attract. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only species of hummingbird found in northern New Jersey. Male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have a brilliant, metallic-red throat that can appear black in the shade, while females have a white throat. Both have bright iridescent green backs and wings.
Habitat
The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is the only Hummingbird that breeds in the eastern US. Hummingbirds migrate seasonally and are attracted to woodland edges and openings near streams where their favorite nectar producing plants grow. The nectar provides the necessary energy for the Hummingbird’s rapid flight movement – a Hummingbird may beat its wings up to 75 times per second.
Feeding
Although Hummingbirds feed from nectar-bearing flowers of all colors, they are mainly attracted to bright red, pink, and orange tubular flowers. The most important thing you can do to attract these birds to your garden is to plant flowering annuals, perennials, shrubs & trees.
Also, these birds will eagerly come to special feeders that are stocked with sugar water. There are several models of Hummingbird feeders available to suit your budget and taste. It’s recommended to fill the feeders daily, with fresh “nectar solution”. Every four to five days clean the feeder thoroughly with hot water and a little vinegar to prevent mold establishment. Scrub the feeder with a bottle brush and rinse thoroughly before refilling.
Recommended Plants:
The following garden plants provide color and nectar that can help attract Hummingbirds to your garden:
- Red Columbine
- Scarlet Sage
- Trumpet Vine
- Nicotiana
- Lobelia
- Veronica
- Delphinium
- Four O’clock
- Impatiens
- Bee Balm
- Lilies
- Fuschia
A garden with a combination of these flowers (and a nectar feeder!) can assist in attracting these unique birds to your garden.
All of these annuals and perennials are available at Rutgers Nursery and Landscape in their respective seasons. Our staff is always willing to assist in all of your gardening projects.
Happy Hummingbird Watching!
Dealing with Wet Soil
With all the rain we’ve had lately, you may be wondering how this excess water affects our plants! For areas that drain well, our rainy periods shouldn’t have a negative effect. However, heavy clay soils that are not amended with organic material (like compost) can prevent easy drainage. Why is water a problem? Excess water in the soil forces out air. When there is less air available, the oxygen is rapidly used and becomes inadequate for good root growth. Adding compost is a great way to loosen clay soil and improve drainage. Adding a trench to divert water away from plants works well too.
How to Care for Your Roses so They Bloom all Summer
Water Adequately
Diligently check the moisture level in the rose beds at least twice a week in dry summer weather. When watering, avoid frequent shallow sprinklings, which won’t reach the deeper roots and may encourage fungus.
Feed Regularly
Once a month between April and July, apply a balanced granular fertilizer (5-10-5 or 5-10-10). Allow 3/4 to 1 cup for each bush, and sprinkle it around the drip line, not against the stem.
In May and June, add in an additional tablespoon of Epsom salts along with your fertilizer; the magnesium sulfate will encourage new growth from the bottom of the bush.
Mulch Generously
Mulch, as an element to rose care, helps minimize weeds, keeps the soil moist and loose, and adds essential nutrients.
Prevent Pests and Disease
Removing dead leaves and canes will help reduce pests. Local pests to watch out for are:
Stem Borers
Japanese Beetles
Aphids
Spider Mites
Black Spot/Powdery Mildew
Prune to Promote Blooms
Pruning your roses keeps them blooming repeatedly all summer long. Deadhead religiously and keep beds clean. Every leaf has a growth bud, so removing old flower blossoms encourages the plant to make more flowers instead of using the energy to make seeds. Clean away from around the base of the rosebushes any trimmed debris that can harbor disease and insects.
Stop deadheading all your rose plants 3 to 4 weeks before the first hard frost so as not to encourage new growth at a time when new shoots may be damaged by the cold.
These simple techniques for rose care will assure you a season of abundant flowers and healthy plants.