Spring is in the air!

It’s Spring! I’m sure everyone is probably anxious to get out into their yard and spruce it up for the summer season to relax and enjoy.  If you’re thinking of fertilizing your yard though – STOP! 

Spring is not the time to fertilize.  The best time to fertilize is in the Fall, so your root system can develop strong roots to crowd out any weed intruders. 

What you can do in April is add lime if needed (have a pH test done to determine if this is necessary) and reseed bare spots making sure you rake the seed into the soil for good contact. 

Seed mix:  One good seed mix for the northeast is 65% Kentucky bluegrass, 20% fine leaf fescue and 15% perennial ryegrass.  Depending on what your demands are on your lawn, will depend on the seed mix you should use.   Keep in mind the sun requirements:  shade mix needs at least 4 hours of direct sun, and sun mix needs at least 6 hours of direct sun.  Of course, you can always reduce your lawn and add more gardens.  J

 If you didn’t fertilize in the Fall, your lawn may benefit from fertilizing now. Keep in mind though, that Spring fertilizing greens up your lawn fast, but you have a shallow root system which allows weeds to come in. The best defense against weeds and crabgrass is a healthy lawn with a good root system.  You are also more likely to see lawn stress in the summer from lack of water, due to the shall root system.  If you want a more organic way of fertilizing, try “compost tea”.  http://www.countryliving.com/outdoor/gardening/compost-tea-0808 and http://www.comfylawn.com/lawn-compost-tea.html

You can remove broadleaf, dandelions and onion grass by hand using a trowel.  If you have a problem with crabgrass, you can apply a pre-emergent crabgrass killer when the forsythia bushes are in full bloom, but this does contain chemicals, so be wary.

Mowing:  Begin mowing your lawn when the lawn height is the height it will be maintained at (approx 3” or higher).  Use a sharp mower blade for a good cut, and leave the clippings on the lawn to allow the nutrients back into the soil.  Do not leave “clumps” of grass on the lawn.   When mowing, you only want to take off 1/3 of the leaf (grass blade).  This will help maintain a healthy lawn by allowing roots to develop, and water and nutrients to be absorbed from the soil.  A good rule is: mow your lawn at the height of 3” to promote a good root system.

Fertilizing: Lawns need nitrogen for a healthy lawn and good root system.  Fertilizing is best done in the Fall when the grass has slowed growing, so that all the nutrients are provided to the roots to develop a good root system.  If you have winter injury to your lawn, which is unlikely here in the southern NY area due to our mild winter this year, or did not fertilize in the Fall, your lawn will benefit from fertilizer once the soil temperature is above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.   Just remember in the Fall to add 50-75% nitrogen between August and November, when the shoot growth is slowing and the root growth is increasing. 

Watering: Your lawn needs water. You should water in the morning, when there is less evaporation, and do not “over water”.  If you see water running off of your lawn onto the hardscape, any pollutants present are being carried in that water into our storm drains.  Your lawn is a “filter”.  It filters all the rainwater before it goes into our water table.  Added pesticides on your lawn are not only bad for the wildlife, pets & children while they are walking on it, but it can go into our water system as runoff when we water our lawn or it rains, and harms our aquatic life and ultimately all of us.   

Aerating: Should be done in late summer/early Fall. 

In summary:  A healthy lawn will attract birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and all beneficial creatures, that will aid in keeping your yard in balance – naturally.    

If you have further questions, please let me know by leaving a comment, or you can always contact your local Cornell Cooperative Extension for assistance.

BTW…if you have the occasional dandelion (and don’t use pesticides), dig it up and add the tender leaves to your salad.  Dandelions are extremely nutritious and full of vitamins.  Check out the below link: http://genuineaid.com/2010/11/12/dandelion-nutrients-and-benefits/

 Happy Wildlife Gardening!

Next post:  June 4th – Attracting butterflies to your garden

Got Deer?

Everyone seems to have issues with the deer coming into their yards and making a meal of all of their shrubs and plants.  

The dilemma:  how can you be environmentally friendly and creature friendly, and still manage to keep the deer from extinguishing your garden? 

This is a question I struggle with always regarding wildlife. I’m sure I’m not alone.  What I try to do is create a balance.  I love seeing wildlife in my yard.  However, I also know how much time, effort and money goes into creating a landscape, so I don’t want it to be eaten in by a herd of hungry animals.  I certainly don’t want to inadvertently poison them or any other creature, so I have to be careful about what I use.   The product I found to be useful is called “Deer Stopper”. http://www.messinawildlife.com/main  It smells like rosemary and mint, which is most likely why the deer don’t like it.  Deer are creatures of habit and I’ve read that they don’t like strong smells.  Mint is one of the scents that they seem to avoid.  If you watch deer, they have their own “roads”.  They travel the same way all the time.  So, if you “see” where they are coming into your yard, you may have a chance to block their “entrance” with a structure or, if there are bushes in this area, spraying with Deer Stopper, may make them alter their course entirely.  Of course your neighbors may not be too happy, but you can pass on this information to them. 

Fencing:  deer don’t like to jump into small enclosures.  If you have a small garden, a 4 foot high fence should deter them.  If you have a larger garden, you’ll have to use an 8 foot fence. 

One thing I (and all of my animal friendly friends)  want to do is just “feed them”.  Of course, this enrages anyone who lives near you. However, before you go and start feeding these beautiful creatures, you should check out this link from the Vermont Agency for Natural Resources http://www.anr.state.vt.us/site/html/reflect/Jan11.htm.  They state how dangerous it is, to the deer,to start feeding them.  So what to do?????

Well, you can certainly plant plants that you know the deer will eat, and keep them in a certain area, preferably far away from your “prized landscape” where they can go to nibble. Some plants that deer enjoy can be found on the following sites:  http://www.ehow.com/info_7752139_plant-deer-eat.html,http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/factsheets/deerdef/bridgen_list.pdf 

However, most of us don’t have that much land to contend with and generally want to do more to keep deer away from your landscape.  Therefore I would suggest planting plants that are not  as tasty to them.  Mind you I said “not as tasty” being that a hungry deer will eat anything if it means starving or eating something a little less palatable.   Here are some suggestions for deer resistant plants.:  http://www.northerngardening.com/deerplants.htm.

I hope that this information has been helpful to you.  Please let me know if you have questions or comments.   I always enjoy hearing from people. 

Thank you, and…. Happy Wildlife Gardening!

Happy Holidays!

Hi Everyone,

Well the holidays are fast approaching.  Whatever holiday you celebrate: Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, Winter Solstice, or another one – it’s a wonderful time of year to put “gifts” outside for all of our creature friends to enjoy as well. 

Is there an evergreen, holly, or another tree in your yard that you can “decorate”?  You can use the following as your decorations, that your feathered friends, as well as those cute little four-legged friends (squirrels, chipmunks) will love! 

1) Suet pine cones – put florist wire or twine around the fat end of the pine cone by slipping it under the pine cone scales being careful not to break the scales.  Put on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper for easy clean up.  Mix equal parts of peanut butter and cornmeal until blended.  Use a tablespoon to spread the mixture onto the pine cone, leaving some scales empty so birds can land on them without getting sticky feet.  Use a knife to push the mixture into the crevices – carefully, to avoid breaking the pine cone scales.  Hang in your tree. 

2) String peanuts (in the shell) and/or cranberries into a garland to string on the tree.

3) Cut an apple, pear, orange, etc – into quarters.  “Sew” a string through a small square piece of cardboard (as an anchor), then the fruit pieces (thickest areas, best through the skins of the fruit, so they don’t fall off).  Tie a thick knot under the cardboard end, and use the other end to tie a loop for hanging.  You can put a couple of different fruits on the string, then hang it in your tree . 

4) Cut bagels in half.  Spread each half with peanut butter.  Dip in a dish that has sunflower seeds (whole or shelled, but not salted), or chopped nuts (not salted).  Put a ribbon or twine through the bagel hole to hang on tree.

5) Buy some of the bird seed “bells” you see at the store for your tree. 

Don’t have a tree but still want to try these?   A shepherds hook will work just as well. 

Don’t forget that the birds and critters still need water.  If you have a birdbath, you can buy a heater for it at a pet store or bird center.  If not, just put a dish of water out during the day in a sunny spot, so they can get a drink. 

They’ll be toasting you for all the holiday refreshments you’ve provided!  And you will enjoy seeing all the beauty of creation that is around – even on the coldest of winter days! 

Happy Holidays everyone!

Winter blooming house plants

 Are all you gardeners already having the winter blues?  If so, check out the below post that appeared in the December 3rd issue of the Journal News. 

Happy Gardening!

Ask the master gardeners
Q: I want to bring color into the house during the winter months. Can you suggest a few good blooming houseplants?
A: Depending on the light, humidity and temperature levels in your home, you have many plants to choose from. Here are just a few.

African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) bloom all year and come in a variety of colors. They like medium light (a bright east-facing window), a temperature range of 65 to 80 degrees and average humidity.

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) and Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri), both original to the forests of Brazil, bloom in shades of white, pink and red.

They like medium light for growth but require high light for flowering. They prefer temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees and average humidity. Too much water will cause the flower buds to drop prematurely.

Peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) is a striking plant with dark-green leaves and white flowers; it usually blooms in the spring. It prefers low light, temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees and average humidity. The potting soil should remain moist, to avoid wilting.

The graceful Calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) has dark-green leaves accented by sculpted white cups with a yellow spike in the center. It requires bright light, moderate humidity and temperatures of 60 to 85 degrees.

Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is a compact succulent with bright flowers over waxy green leaves.  It requires high light (south or west window), average humidity and temperatures of 55 to 80 degrees. 

With its red, white or pink blossoms and heart-shaped leaves, cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is a holiday favorite. It requires bright light, average humidity and temperatures of 50 to 70 degrees. Cooler temperatures encourage long-lasting blooms.

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum hybrids) is a stately beauty with solid colors ranging from dark red to white, as well as variegated hues. Amaryllis requires lots of light, average humidity and temperatures between 70 to 85 degrees.

No matter which plant you choose, make sure you use a good potting mix and pots that allow water to drainout onto a saucer. To provide enough humidity for your plants during the dry winter months, place the saucer on a tray filled with small stones and water. Finally, use a fertilizer designed for houseplants to maintain vigor and prolonged bloom.

Houseplants not only add beauty and life to your home, but also help purify the air that you and your family breathe.

And while most houseplants are safe, keep in mind that some, if ingested, will make pets and small children sick. Before choosing a plant, check first with your local Cornell Cooperative Extension to make sure that the plants you bring into your home do not pose any risk to pets and young children.
Laurie Lago Rispoli, Tappan, master gardener with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland

For the actual post: http://gardening.lohudblogs.com/2011/12/03/plants-to-brighten-winter-windowsills/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=plants-to-brighten-winter-windowsills

Gobble, Gobble…

Hi Everyone,

Well, Thanksgiving is approaching fast, and I just wanted to touch base with everyone.  While you’re sitting around your dinner table giving thanks for family, friends, love, life, food, or whatever else is on your list of the many blessings we all have, don’t forget to give a special blessing for the beauty of creation that is all around us every day. 

And while you’re at it….put a little something out for those critters.  Whether is bird seed, suet, peanuts, cracked corn, or any other treats for the wildlife that you have near you that you want to attract.  However, remember: never feed wildlife like bears – as they will never let you stop feeding them, and get really really angry and destructive if you do stop.  Feeding our wildlife is a wonderful thing to do, but you should never put yourself or anyone else, in harms way. 

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!  Enjoy and be blessed!

Laurie

Anyone home???

The temperature is dropping here in the Northeast, and autumn is well on its way with the characteristic changing of the leaves and the crispness in the air.  This is one of my favorite times of the year.  Everywhere you look in nature, you can find something unique and beautiful to see.   People are apple picking, pumpkin picking, wine tasting, raking leaves, going to street festivals – all over the place.  Lots to do!

But during this very busy season, we mustn’t forget about all the critters that make this time of year so interesting.  The squirrels and the chipmunks are extremely busy gathering seeds and nuts to store for the winter.  I still remember one of my favorite post-it commercials, several years back, where the squirrels were putting the post-it notes all over their den to remember where they hid their nuts.  Very funny!    We can help them out by leaving nuts on the ground for them; in a feeder; or just in a pile (they’re really not fussy).  It’s really the least we can do.  While we’re doing all the “fun stuff”, they are trying to make sure they have enough food to survive the long winter!

Another thing to do is to make sure that you clean out your bird houses so there is lots of room for birds to snuggle in the cold winter days ahead.  However, make sure you don’t already have inhabitants in your houses though.  Case in point…..we had a bird house that was high up on a pine tree that housed two families of sparrows this year.  All was quiet now.  I had already cleaned out all the houses I could easily get too, but my husband and I got the ladder over to this house to clean out this high-rise house.   I opened the house “door” and reached in to pull out the nesting material when all of a sudden a flying squirrel came rushing out!   Flying squirrels are smaller than the grey squirrels and glide through the air at night (they’re nocturnal).  They are dark grey on top with white on the bottom, and are just adorable!  I felt terrible that I had disturbed its sleep, and had exposed its sensitive eyes to the bright light of day.  It ran under a bush and out of sight very quickly.  I just hope that it made its way back into the house later on.  Needless to say, I did not clean out that house being that it was currently in use and its inhabitant obviously liked the décor!  Next time I’ll knock first!   

In case you are thinking “why should I feed the squirrels and chipmunks?”, let me tell you a little story….  Last year, after buying pumpkins for the yard, I said to my husband “I want to grow our own pumpkins next year.”  Well, I planted some of the miniature pumpkin seeds, but never got around to planting seeds for the “real” pumpkins.   In the middle of the summer we noticed this huge leafed vine that had what looked like a squash on it, but the leaves were too big.  We figured, it must be a pumpkin!  But neither of us had planted any pumpkin seeds.  I said to my husband, I bet it was the squirrels!  Every year I leave the pumpkins in the back yard by the birdbath, after Thanksgiving, for the squirrels, birds and any other critter, to eat.  Well….one of them, and I’m thinking a squirrel, “planted” a seed for us.  The result….a PERFECT pumpkin! (picture above, thanks to my husband) I felt just like Cinderella!  What goes around, comes around people!  I fed them, and they gifted us with a beautiful pumpkin! 

The moral of the story….Share your blessings and you will get it back tenfold! 

Happy wildlife gardening!

More on Gardening for Wildlife

Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for all your supportive comments and for adding more information to help the wildlife!  I did have a request on where I purchased my roosting houses.  While I don’t recall exactly where I had purchased them, I did find it onthe web, so I wanted to share the site, as well as another site with other style roosting houses, for anyone interested in purchasing them. 

The one we have you can find on: 

http://www.amazon.com/Gardman-BA05101-Teardrop-Roosting-Pocket/dp/B000MIWPBM/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1318769639&sr=8-7

You can see lots of other styles on:

http://www.maskedflowerimages.com/birdhouses.html

Happy Wildlife Gardening!