Kelly’s Korner Monthly Gardening Tips

 

December

“From December to March there are for many of us, three gardens. The garden outdoors, the garden of pots and bowls in the house, and the garden of the mind’s eye.” – Katherine S. White

December is the beginning of winter in central Georgia. Short days and chilly nights are here, but there is still plenty to do in the garden! I hope you enjoy this months gardening tips!
1. Start inspecting house plants for pests. The warm indoor temperatures are perfect for pests to multiply. Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control (sku: 7206345) will protect your house plants from aphids, whiteflies, and other insects.
2. While the vegetable and flower beds are empty, speed compost and wonk-in to prepare you soil for next year. Black Gold Natural and Organic Garden Compost (sku: 7264930) is excellent to use in all outdoor vegetable and flower gardens.
3. The many fallen leaves make a great addition to your compost pile! For faster composting, add Horticultural Hydrated Lime (sku: 7299621) and Hi-Yield Cottonseed Meal (sku: 7299654), this will help stimulate beneficial bacteria to speed the composting process.
4. Bird Feeders bring lots of activity to a yard in cold weather! Thistle seed and suet cakes will attract many birds that perhaps you have never seen before. Ace of Gray has a large selection of wild bird seed and feeders to keep you wild birds happy all winter long!
5. December is a good month to plant camellias. Blooming from early winter through mid-spring this southern favorite is sure to please. Ace of Gray has a great variety of color and flower forms to choose from! Just stop by and ask Kelly!
6. Refresh the mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and control weeds. Be sure to water your shrubs and trees throughout the winter if the weather is dry.

November

Welcome to this Month’s Kelly Korner!

The crunch and rustle of leaves with each step lets us know fall is truly here. They sky is a deeper blue and nights are suddenly crisp and cold. This season brings out first frost but there is still a lot of work to be done in the garden.
I hope you enjoy this months gardening tips!
1. Now that the soil is cooler, its a good time to plant spring flowering bulbs. Ace has a good supply of daffodils, tulips, crocus, and many more for early spring flowers. Hi-Yield Dutch Bulb food (sku:7297088) provides the necessary nutrients for root development and to grow big beautiful flowers.
2. Rake out fallen leaves and old mulch under trees and shrubs. Fresh mulch or pine straw will help prevent diseases next year.
3. The ground is still warm enough to plant trees and shrubs. Ace has a great selection of fruit and ornamental shade trees for your landscape. Black Gold Natural and Organic Planting Mix (sku: 70062355) is a great soil amendment for all trees and shrubs.
4. Pansies, Snapdragons, Dianthus, Flowering Kale, and Cabbage perform well in our area. They enjoy the cooler temperatures and will give some color in the winter months ahead. Miracle-Gro Bloom Booster (sku: 7285505) will help promote more blooms and greater color.
5. Camellia and Sasanquas begin blooming this month. Easy to care for and beautiful winter flowers make Camellias and Sasanquas a southern favorite. When planting be sure to add plenty of Black Gold Compost (sku: 7264938) to make sure your plants are off to a great start!

October

Just a little late this month on Kelly’s Korner! Warm days, cool nights, and nice breezes are a sign that October has arrived! Almost like a second spring, there is plenty to do in the garden! I hope you enjoy this month’s gardening tips!
1. October is an ideal time to plant trees and shrubs! The cooler weather will encourage plants to root quickly. Bonide Root & Grow (sku: 700004) is ideal to get plants off to a good start and helps reduce transplant shock.
2. Hosta, Daylilys, and Iris need to be divided every few years. The cooler weather in October will get them off to a good start before the cold of winter sets in. Hi-Yield Bone Meal (sku: 7296825) will help develop sturdy root systems and stimulates plant growth.
3. There is still time to plant winter hardy vegetables such as cabbage, collards, broccoli, and English peas. Turnips and mustard are also good choices. They love the cool fall weather and will grow quickly.
4. A green lawn all winter is possible in our area. When daytime temperatures are in the 70’s try over seeding with Annual Rye grass (sku: 700071). Ace Starter Fertilizer (sku: 7475411) will encourage a hardy root system for a green lawn all winter long!
5. Tropical and Subtropical container plants will need to be moved indoors when temperatures drop into the 40’s. Apply Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control (sku: 7206345) to protect from insect damage in your potted plants.
6. Fall is a good time to apply lime if needed. Liming your soil now will ensure best results come planting time next spring. Lust Leaf Rap-i-test PH Soil Test (sku: 73752) will help determine the exact condition of your soil and let you know if you need to add lime.

September

September is a great month! Summer will soon be left behind as we look forward to the cooler weather of Autumn. Fall is a great time to be outdoors in our gardens. I hope that you enjoy this months Kelly’s Korner Gardening Tips!

1. Add color to your garden. Chrysanthemums add bright color and a touch of fall to our gardens. Keep well watered and remove spent flowers for color all season! Ace of Gray has started to get a large selection of Fall Garden Mums in all sizes & varieties!
2. One of the best ways of preventing insects and diseases from affecting your vegetable garden next year is to clean it up this fall. Remove all dead foliage and plants, such as tomatoes, squash, and melons. If left in the garden, pests can overwinter and cause many problems next spring.
3. Fall is a great time to improve the soil in our vegetable gardens! After all the dead or dying vegetables are removed, spread a 1-3 inch layer of Black Gold Compost (sku: 7264930) and spade or till into the top several inches of soil.
4. September is an ideal time to add shrubs and trees to you landscape! Ace of Gray carries a great selection of shrubs and fruit trees, and we also have the best varieties for our climate!
5. Lawns will benefit from a “Winterizer” fertilizer application. Fertilize now with 16-4-8 (sku: 700144) after the growth has slowed, but before frost turns the grass brown.
6. Spot Spray broad leaf weeds in your lawn. Mimosa weed and others can become a major problem. Hi- Yield Atrazine Weed Killer (sku: 7298144) and Hi – Yield Weed Killer 2 4-D (sku: 7297690) will help prevent the spread of these weeds.
7. Its time to plant cool season vegetable seedlings. We have a good selection of Broccoli, Collards, Cabbage, and other vegetables that enjoy the cooler temperatures. Root and Grow Root Stimulator by Bonide (sku: 70000) will help reduce transplant shock and promote vigorous plant growth!

July

July is a special time of year as we celebrate our Independence and prepare for Summer Vacations! As the heat and humidity settles in, there is plenty of work to be done in the garden. I hope that you will enjoy this months gardening tips!
1. July is the best month to prune Hydrangeas. After the flowers have faded, you can prune them to the size you want for the next year. After pruning there will be a lot of growth between now and October. These branches will mature and bring blooms for next year.
2. Summertime is very favorable for Japanese Beetles. The leaves of their favorite plants look like lace after the beetles have dined on them. Japanese Beetles can be controlled by regularly applying garden insecticide, Liquid Sevin (sku: 7637374) is a very effective control in vegetable gardens. Bonide Systemic Insect Control (sku: 7284664) works great on shrubs and other ornamental plants.
3. Spring vegetable plants should be in full production now. Be sure to pick ripe vegetables regularly. One over-ripe vegetable left on the vine can stop bloom production. Regular applications of fertilizer such as 10-10-10 (sku: 744008) and Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food (sku: 7307804) will prolong their fruiting time.
4. Crape Myrtles are on the most beautiful and carefree flowering plants of the south. There are many different types and colors to choose from and Ace of Gray has a great selection in stock right now!
5. With the increased heat and humidity, diseases and fungus can become a problem in our lawns. Spraying Ferti-Lome Broad Spectrum Landscape and Garden Fungicide (sku: 7309255) will help prevent these diseases and fungus problems. Ferti-Lome F-Stop Granules (sku: 7296247) is also a great curative fungicide for the control of diseases in home lawns and ornament turf grass.

6. Many of our Spring flowering annuals are beginning to become leggy and stop blooming. A second season of blooms is possible if you cut the faded annual flowers by half, then water and fertilize with Miracle-Gro Bloom Booster Flower Food (sku: 7295389). This will promote more blooms and great color! The second round of flowers should begin to appear in two weeks!

June

June is the midpoint of the year; the end of spring and the beginning of summer. Long hot muggy days have arrived and late afternoon showers will help keep our gardens green and growing! I hope you enjoy this months gardening tips!
1. Mulch your vegetable and flower gardens. Log hot summer days dry out the soils quickly. A good layer of mulch will help conserve soil moisture and keep the soil temperature down. Pine straw (sku: 700002) and Wheat Straw (sku: 700283) works well and adds organic matter to the soil as it breaks down.
2. Fruit and shade trees will benefit form fertilizer this month. Fertilize with 10-10-10 (sku: 744008) and spread it evenly underneath the tree to the drip-line.
3. Keep the vegetable garden going! Continue to plant heat tolerant vegetables such as Eggplant, Okra, Beans, Peppers, and Squash! Harvest vegetables regularly because one over-ripe vegetable left on the vine can stop bloom and production!
4. Prune Hydrangeas. Remove all stems that have faded flowers on your blue and pink hydrangeas. The new growth that occurs between now & winter will produce next summer blooms.
5. Mosquitoes are an unwelcome visitor to our summer gardens. Help control them by eliminating standing water whenever possible. A good natural control of mosquitoes is the Mosquito Dunks (sku: 7092935). Place in standing water, such as bird baths, rain barrels, or flower pots to keep mosquitoes away from your important plants! Mosquito Dunks are non-toxic to pets, fish and other wildlife, will last up to 30 days, and treats up to 100 sqft of water.
6. June is a great month for seeding new lawns or patching bare spots in an existing lawn. Bermuda Grass Seed (sku: 7499239) and Centipede Seed (sku: 7105543) are good choices for a permanent lawn!
7. Deer Can be a problem in our vegetable and flower gardens! Deer Out (sku: 7032CON) will repel deer from our gardens, fruit trees, flowers, and shrubs. It’s safe & effective and Deer Out will not easily wash off in the rain. Apply every 30 days or as needed.

I hope you have enjoyed this months gardening tips!

May

It’s time for another Kelly’s Korner!

May in Georgia is a beautiful time! We can still enjoy the cool morning breezes and warm afternoon sunshine before the summer heat settles in. May is a great month to get outdoors and work in the garden! I hope you enjoy this months gardening tips!
1. May is a great month to plant summer flowers with the cold weather behind us and summer’s heat is not yet here, summer annuals will get a great start. Begonias, Coleus, Geraniums, Petunias, and Zinnias all provide lasting color in your landscape! Keep them well watered and frequently fertilized with Liquid Miracle-Gro Fertilizer (sku: 73643). Miracle-Gro starts to work instantly and efficiently for quick, beautiful results!
2. After the Azaleas are finished blooming, give them a good slow release fertilizer. Now is also a great time to prune them by removing tall sprouts and shape the plant to look nice in your landscape. Fertilome Azalea, Rhododendron, Camellia Food (sku: 7296965) is designed to create acidic growing conditions that will allow your plants to thrive and grow! It’s also great for Gardenias!
3. May is a good month to treat your yard for fire ants! Hi-Yield Bug Blaster (sku: 7298177) will help control fire ants, ticks, fleas, and other insects on lawns and landscaped areas. For individual mound treatment, Hi-Yield Fire Ant Control works great! (sku: 7299928)
4. Warmer night temperatures will speed up the growth of our lawns. Now is a great time to apply a good slow release fertilizer. ACE Lawn Fertilizer (sku: 7475379) is safe for all grasses. It will help build strong deep roots to protect from drought and heat. Apply anytime during the growing season.
5. Continue to plant heat loving vegetables such as Okra, Peas, Peppers, and Tomatoes. Corn, Squash, and Eggplant grow well now that the soil is warm. Insects and caterpillars can cause damage. With the warmer damp nights fungus can also be a problem. Fertilome Triple Action Spray (sku: 7297765) can be used up to the day of harvest. Safe to use for all fruits, vegetables, roses, and flowers! Keeping them insect free all season long!
6. May is a good month to finish planting shrubs and trees. Be sure to admend the soil with a good soil conditioner! Black Gold Natural and Organic Ultra Outdoor Planting Mix (sku: 70062355) is great for landscapes and gardens! This soil contains organic matter to improve the structure of your outdoor garden beds!

April

It’s time for another Kelly’s Korner!
April is the month that we tell winter goodbye until next year! Warm breezes and rain showers usher in a new season of flowers and growth! Spring is the favorite season for many and I hope you enjoy this months gardening tips!
1. April is a great month for planting our vegetable gardens. With the danger of frost now past and warmer nights, it’s time to plant tender vegetables. Tomatoes, Peppers, Beans, Eggplants, Cucumbers, and Okra thrive in the warmer temperatures. Amend the soil with Black Gold Compost (sku: 7264930). Black Gold Compost will enrich the soil with organic matter and nutrients to get your vegetables off to a fast start. It’s excellent for use in all outdoor flower and vegetable gardens.
2. This is a great time to plant many bulbs such as Canna, Caladium, Gladiolus, and Elephant Ears. These will give us bright color throughout the warm months ahead. Add some Hi-Yield Bone Meal (sku: 7296825) and Hi-Yield Blood Meal (sku: 7299001) when planting for great results.
3. Spring flowering shrubs need pruning after they finish blooming. This is also a good time to add fertilizer to encourage vigorous new growth. Fertilome Gardener’s Special (sku: 7297104) is an excellent all purpose plant food that contains both fast and slow release nitrogen.
4. Fertilize your lawn with a good slow release fertilizer ACE Lawn Fertilizer (sku: 7475379) builds strong roots and is formulated for quick greening. Most lawns benefit from one inch of water per week. Apply a good lawn insecticide to prevent Ants, Chinch Bugs, and Fleas. Hi-Yield Bug Blaster (sku: 7298177) is a good control for problem insect pests. It’s also a great product to control ticks in your lawn!
5. April is a good month to start summer flowering annuals. Coleus, Geraniums, Salvia, Marigolds, and Zinnias will bring a lot of color to your garden! Fertilize weekly with Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food (sku: 70688). It feeds instantly for bigger, more beautiful plants and flowers!
6. Short on space? Consider growing your flowers and vegetables in a raised bed. Black Gold Raised Bed and Potting Mix (sku: 7006237) is a great soil mix to keep those flowers and vegetables looking amazing! It is ready to use in your container garden or raised bed and it’s all natural & organic!
Have a great Spring! Time spend outdoors is time well spent! I hope you enjoyed this months gardening tips and keep following for more! See you soon!

March

March is a month of transition. Winter is still in control and doesn’t want to give up, but as always Spring will win in the end! We all get a case of Spring fever! A good cure is to get outdoors and start planning & planting!

1. Dianthus, Snapdragons, and other cold season flowers should flourish this month. Keep the faded flowers pruned for continuing flowers!

2. March is a good month to plant bulbs for summer color. Dahlias, Cannas, and Iris will provide color during the warmer days ahead! Add some Hi-Yield Dutch Bulb Food (sku: 7297088) to provide nutrients necessary for good root development and big beautiful flowers!

3. March starts the growing season for our trees & shrubs and other ornamental plants. Fertilize with a good slow-release fertilizer. Ace of Gray can help you find the right fertilizer for your plants! Azaleas, Camellias, Gardenias and other Acid loving plants require a special fertilizer to create an acid growing condition that will allow them to thrive and grow! Fertilome Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Food (sku: 7296965) supplies the proper nutrients as well as helps control soil acidity.

4. It’s a great month to plant cool season vegetables, like lettuce, cabbage, collards, potatoes, onions, broccoli, & kale. They all thrive in the cool early spring weather. Once the danger of frost has passed, it’s time to plant warm season tender vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers. The end of the month is also a good time to plant beans, squash, and corn! Bonide Root and Grow (sku: 700001) is great for starting seedlings or transplanting small flower & vegetable plants. Root and Grow will stimulate early root growth and help reduce transplant shock. This will get the plants off to a fast & healthy start!

5. March is a good month to put down mulch in garden beds to conserve water and control weeds. Ace of Gray carries black, brown, red, and cypress mulch to get your garden beds looking beautiful & to help maintain your garden beds!

6. After the danger of frost has clearly passed, its time to fertilize your lawn. Ace of Gray has many great lawn fertilizers to choose from and we are happy to help you find the right one for your lawn! At the beginning of the month there is still time to apply a pre-emergence herbicide to help control annuals weeds. Hi-Yield Crabgrass Control (sku: 7299399) works great to control crabgrass and other annual weed grasses & Hi-Yield Crabgrass control is safe for all turf grass types.

Thank you for coming to Kellys’ Korner & we hope you enjoyed this months gardening tips! Happy March!

February

Kelly’s Korner Gardening Tips
Our minds turn toward spring when February arrives. We have had a great winter so far; cold night temperatures and mild days. Our fruit trees and flowering shrubs should be spectacular this upcoming spring season! I hope you enjoy this months gardening tips!

1. February is a good month to add compost to hard packed clay soils and also to help sandy soils to retain moisture.

2. Apply a pre-emergent this month to prevent weeds this summer. Hi-Yield Crabgrass Control ($9.99 sku: 7299399) is a great product, sterilizing weed seeds so your lawn can be thick and lush this summer!

3. Hardy Vegetables can be planted later this month such as: cabbage, collards, mustard, turnips, onions, and carrots!

4. February is a good month to plant dormant fruit and shade trees. A good soil amendment to use is Black Gold Garden Compost ($7.99 sku: 7264930). This will help retain moisture during the hot summer months and give a quick startup in the spring!

5. Test your garden Soil for it’s PH Levels. Apply Lime or Sulfur according to the test results. Ace of Gray has a great selection of soil test kits!

6. Now is a great time to plant spring bulbs like daffodils, tulips, crocus, and hyacinths. Add some bone meal (4LB $4.59 sku: 7296825) when planting for extra strong root growth!

7. You can start seeds of warm season vegetables and flowers this month to have transplants ready for spring! Be sure to give plenty of sunlight! For good germination and fast growth we recommend Black Gold Seedling Mix (1.5cuft $14.99 sku: 7264898 or 8qt $4.99 sku: 7312408).

8. To control scale on fruit trees apply Ferti-lome Dormant Oil Spray ($9.99 sku: 7309834). Now is a good time to prune dormant trees if needed!

Come see us at Ace of Gray for all your lawn and garden needs! We’re looking forward to a great Spring! I hope you have enjoyed this months gardening tips by Kelly!

 

If you have any questions about Gardening Kelly is your go-to guy! Come visit him today or give him a call at (478)986-9200!