Fertilize Strawberries and Transplant Perennials
August 2008
GARDENING NOTES:
It is time to get strawberry plants in shape for next spring according to John Hobbs, an agriculture and rural development specialist with University of Missouri Extension. An August application of nitrogen on strawberries is important in order to increase the number of strawberries produced next spring.
Plenty of daylight and warm temperatures during June, July and August promotes the growth of new runner, or daughter, plants. As daylight hours dwindle and temperatures grow cooler in September and October, fruit buds for the next year's fruit crop develop. To get a good berry crop next spring, it is important for strawberry plants to be vigorous during this period of fruit bud development. A general application rate is one-half to three-fourths pound of actual nitrogen per 100 feet of row. Apply fertilizer and water well. UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION SOUTHWEST REGIONAL NEWS SERVICE
PERENNIAL NOTES:
Perennials that bloom from early spring to early summer are best moved or divided in early to mid autumn. Bearded Iris are best divided in July or early August, but you can usually get away with doing this task in early September. Remember to add compost to beds when renovating plantings.
Peonies are an early summer bloomer that should only be moved or divided during the autumn. Try to keep peony divisions large, with a generous amount of woody root and at least 3 to 5 "eyes" or growing points where the stems emerge. Small divisions can take several years to recover and get large enough to flower nicely. Peonies are heavy feeders, so take this opportunity to amend the soil.
True Lilies (including Asiatic, Oriental, Trumpet and other hybrids) move beautifully during mid autumn. Carefully dig up the clumps, separate the bulbs and replant them immediately. Resist dotting individual bulbs around the garden. Planted in groups lilies make a much better show in the landscape. Hostas and Daylilies are also easily moved or divided in the fall. Cut back foliage by 1/3 to 1/2 before digging plants to make division easier and reduce wilting.
Wait til spring to transplant Japanese Anemone, most large fall-flowering ornamental grasses and English Lavender (Lavandula).
August Garden Center Hours Springfield
Mon - Fri 8 - 6, Sat 8 - 5, Sun 10 - 5
A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. ~ James Dent
What's New?
Holly-tone Fertilizer
Fall is rapidly approaching and now is the time to think about getting your plants ready for winter. One environmentally friendly product we have had wonderful success with is Holly-tone! This is a great fertilizer for acid loving plants. It’s rich in natural organic matter plus trace minerals to help your plants endure cold winter weather. Holly-tone uses the acid decomposition from it’s natural ingredients to gently buffer the soil, maintaining correct acid level fro optimum growth and color. This is the ideal fertilizer for dogwoods, hollies, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and evergreens. Do a light feeding in the fall at one-half the spring application amount to ensure winter hardiness!
Garden Decorations
The flowers don't have to be the only beautiful decorations in your garden! Add a little bit of your personality with decorations from the Lawn and Garden Center!
Half Price Seed Sale
As the hot days of summer give way to cooler nights, plants start to grow with a renewed vigor. Now is the time to start your fall garden. Visit Wickman’s garden center for all your fall garden needs! Flower Seed ˝ Price Sow perennial seed now for next years blooms! Buy annual seed now for sowing next spring!
Serenade-Organic Garden Disease Control
Yes! Children and pets can play safely in and around areas treated with Serenade Garden Disease Control, the first EPA-registered organic fungicide for home gardeners. You can even harvest and eat fruits and vegetables the very same day they are treated! Approved by the EPA & USDA's National Organic Program and the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in organic gardening, this microbe penetrates and destroys disease spores, but is completely non-toxic to bees, beneficial insects and wildlife.
Oracle Fountains On Sale!
Oracle Fountains by Ecosphere Associates are made with natural stone or metals that can withstand the harshest elements for years of enjoyment. The lightweight construction allows for easy placement, movement and a distinctive look. The artistic elements of the Oracle Fountain Line compliment any decor, garden or landscape style. The soothing sound of moving water is always a welcome addition to the home, landscape or office.
Organic Control for Japanese Beetles
Hate all those Japanese Beetles? Think prevention! It's not too late to treat for next year. Use Milky Spore Grub Control spring, summer and fall for 2 consecutive years for best results! Yellowing leaves and brown spots on tomato plants? Use Bonide organic Liquid Fungicide for control of blights and mildew. For a speedy harvest and increased yields on tomatoes and vegetables use Bonide Tomato and Blossom Set Spray.
Tomato Leaves Yellowing?
'Tomato Blight' is a fungal disease active in warm, moist weather that causes tomato leaves to yellow and be speckled with black and brown spots. Spray plants every 7 to 10 days with FERTILOME BROAD SPECTRUM FUNGICIDE at a rate of 6 tsp. per gallon of water every 7 - 10 days to control tomato leaf blight, leaf spot and several other common diseases. Always follow label directions and keep in mind it is best to avoid spraying plants during extremely hot and sunny conditions.
Green Pots
These all natural planters are made from rice and provide an ecofriendly alternative to plastic! Besides being durable and affordable, these planters are stylish and biodegradable!
Summer Gift Items on Sale
There is still plenty of time to give a great summer gift! The garden center is having a sale on a wide variety of summer items, from a peaceful outdoor bench to sweet summertime baskets! Stop by today!
Organic Products
Bagworms are on the move! Use Monterey Garden Insect Spray or Ferti-Lome Borer Bagwom and Tent Caterpillar Spray to control unwanted foliage feeding worms. Both are classified as organic by the USDA National Organic Substance Board, with no significant impact to beneficial insects when used according to manufacturer’s directions. For your organic nitrogen source try Hi-Yield Cottonseed Meal. Creates an acid condition and stimulates beneficial bacteria. Use on all types of plants. Japanese Beetles are being sighted! Try Ferti-Lome Carbaryl to control pests on roses, ornamentals, vegetables, trees and lawns.
Spray now to Control Bagworms!
Thuricide - the original for organic farming and pest control! Thuricide is used to control caterpillars as needed. It is easy to mix and apply. Apply by hose or pressurized sprayers, mist blowers, or aerial application, 1/2 tsp to 4 tsp/gal of water depending on extent of infestation. Even a little squirt bottle may be used.
Woodstock Wind Chimes
These chimes are tuned to the scales and melodies of some of the world's most celebrated compositions such as Brahm's Symphony No 1 and Amazing Grace. Because they are known for the purity of their sound, Woodstock Chimes come with a lifetime tuning guarantee.
MoleGo - Organic Repellant
MoleGo™ is 100% organic castor oil in an easy-to-use sprayer. Repels moles, other small animals from your lawn. Can be used in other areas such as ornamental turf, golf courses and athletic fields. Apply immediately after the presence of moles is detected or in early spring, mid-summer and early fall. Treats 10,000 sq. ft. 32 oz. hose-end sprayer.
Organic Sprays
Indoor Pharm with pure Rosemary Oil is safe to use on herbs and all indoor plants. This organic spray treats fungus gnats, whitefly, mealybug, spider mites and more!
OKA Footwear
Tiptoeing through the tulips can be dirty business. Keep feet comfy and clean with our signature clog. A fully molded upper makes this the practical yet stylish choice for outdoor and professional wear. The entire OKA b. line is as comfortable as it is colorful! This new style of footwear is popping up everywear, and is even getting noticed by publications such as Us and Lucky. Come get your pair today!
Gift Cards
The perfect gift for many occasions! A Wickman’s Gift Card is always the right fit for the experienced gardener and a perfect choice for novice green thumbs as well. Growing for you since 1922 … Wickman’s Garden Village promises a wonderful shopping and gardening experience!
Euracast
Euracast is produced from special polyurethane components and sealed with a protective ultraviolet finish. Euracast's unique insulating properties prevent freezing and protect plant roots. Euracast items will not leak or sweat, making them ideal for indoor and outdoor use. The key feature of this product is the reduced weight over other types of pottery yet offering excellent durability.
Bethany Lowe Designs
Decorative pieces from the Vintage Spring Collection by artist Bethany Lowe prove that everything old does become new again! A self-taught artist, Lowe says her love of antiques is what led her into the world of design.
Ferti-lome High Performance Mix
For all your repotting needs, this greenhouse-grade fertilizer has an eight-month controlled release of major and micro nutrients. Plus, the non-ionic wetting agent promotes water absorption and retention increases plant stability!
Spinosad – Certified Organic Insect Control
Great news! Fertilome’s BORER, BAGWORM, LEAFMINER, & TENT CATERPILLAR SPRAY containing spinosad is now certified by the OMRI, the Organic Materials Review Institute. Safe for use on vegetables, fruit, lawns, trees and shrubs, spinosad controls many insect pests. Take care though – even organic products can be harmful to bees! Plants and flowers sprayed with spinosad are toxic to pollinating bees for up to 3 hours following treatment. When using either organic or chemical products, remember … Always Read The Label!
Hummingbird Feeder
What hummingbird can resist these new feeders from New Creative? They come in a variety of colors, and a recipe for hummingbird nectar is on the tag. It's outdoor spirit - outdoor charm - outdoor life!
Bird Feeders
Come check out our new birdfeeders - perfect for getting your backyard ready for spring! These copper-top feeders are sure to attract many species of birds. We sell seed, too!
Fountains
Experience the soothing sounds of water in motion indoors or in the garden. Visit the Garden Center to see our selection of tabletop fountains, lightweight wall fountains and classic garden fountains. Delivery and set-up service available.
Garden Lady
Liani’s Garden Stakes feature her charming Garden Ladies printed in full color, front and back, on durable metal. All have a garden-related quote and feature bells, beads and added elements. The ladies are attached to green stakes, with a double forked end for stability. Add a touch of charm to your garden and home with Liani’s Garden Ladies!
Music of the Spheres
Established in 1989 by musician Larry Roark, Music of the Spheres creates wind chimes with superior tonal quality and outdoor durability. These chimes have eleven different musical scales to choose from, and each piece is made with great care and attention to detail.
The Garden Center makes it easy to choose pots and containers to suit your style and your plants! Classic terra Cotta is a naturally porous material that breathes and provides excellent drainage.
Glazed Ceramic Birdbaths
Brighten your yard with a variety of wonderful colors! The birdbath top is removable for easy cleaning and storage, and locks into place with a simple twist onto the pedestal.