Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Plant Bulbs Now...For A Spectacular Spring Show!



Bulbs planted now can provide a beautiful garden in the spring. You can plant bulbs directly in the ground or in containers, if space in your garden is limited.


To plant in the ground:
  1. Prepare soil and add organic matter--to aid drainage--and granular slow-release fertilizer. Bulbs require proper drainage to thrive.
  2. Lay the bulbs on the top of the prepared area to complete your design and provide proper spacing.
  3. Using a narrow trowel, plant each individual bulb at the proper depth (3x height).
  4. Cover with 1" layer of mulch.
To plant in containers:
  1. Containers must have drainage holes and be placed outdoors so they receive normal rainfall throughout the winter.
  2. Fill container with soilless potting medium mixed with granular, slow-release fertilizer.
  3. Plant the bulbs at the correct depth (same as above, 3x height) and top-off with additional potting mixture and a light layer of mulch.
  4. If mixing different bulbs, plant larger ones first (they will be deeper than smaller bulbs) add a layer of potting mixture, planter smaller bulbs at correct depth and fill container with potting mixture. Finish with a light layer of mulch.
You will need to water beds or containers that contain bulbs only if it is a dry fall. The bulbs need proper moisture to develop roots.

Squirrels are very fond of bulbs, except daffodils! To prevent the squirrels from feasting on your recently planted bulbs, be sure to clean the area thoroughly. Pay special attention to any papery coverings that have fallen off the bulbs. If left, any debris will attract the squirrels to the bulb beds. After planting and clean up is complete, determine dimensions of bulb bed. Cut chicken wire 2" longer on each side than the dimensions of the bulb bed. Bend 2" on each side, forming a "box-top" to cover the bed. Push the bent edges into the ground to secure the chicken wire. After the ground is frozen the chicken wire can be removed.

Buckeye Landscape provides complete landscape services including design, planting, maintenance, mowing, clean-up, irrigation service, and snow removal.

614-866-0088


Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Green Grass for 2013


October is a great time for our lawns. They are green and healthy, responding well to the increasingly cool weather. Especially here in Ohio, where we have experienced drought conditions for much of the growing season; thereby struggling to keep our lawns looking good!

If you do your own yard work, now is a great time to start a journal recording lawncare information such as dates when you:

  • fertilize--be sure to include materials used
  •  aerate
  •  top-dress current lawn areas
  • install new lawn (complete or partial areas)
Also record:
  •  label information from any turfgrass seed mixture used 
  • service information for your mower such as date of purchase, last service, blade sharpening 
Keeping a record of all these activities will be useful in determining what additional work needs to be done and when.

We are approaching the deadline for new seeding, but if you have seeded this fall be sure to remove falling leaves from any newly seeded areas. Leaves left on the seedlings can smother the tender plants. Raking can be tricky, so try blowing the leaves off. Do this frequently so the leaves do not become wet and matted. Wet leaves can promote disease.

You should not have to water newly seeded areas unless it does not rain regularly. However, remember the new grass has very shallow roots and can dry out quickly. Especially if it is windy.

Fall fertilization is an important application, so don't skip it.

You want to remove falling leaves from established lawns, too. Although it is not as critical to do it as often. Mulching the leaves with your mower is a great alternative to raking. Less work and provides organic matter for the winter.

Everything you do in your landscape this fall adds to the beauty next year!

If you'd like Buckeye Landscape
 to provide Lawn Care for 2013, 
call for a FREE Estimate!
614-866-0088