Felco Pruners and The AeroGarden

Santa (a.k.a. The World's Sweetest Fiance) was good to me this year and brought me my first pair of Felco pruners. I have been drooling over these for awhile now. Unfortunately, I won't be able to test out their world famous, smooth, tight action, or awesome cutting power and precision just yet. Well, I suppose I could whittle some marshmallow-roasting sticks. But, I think I can contain myself until spring. I love that they will last forever with a little bit of care. You can order replacement parts should you ever need them, they are easy to repair, and they can be sharpened without taking them apart. Just in case you would like to check them out for yourself, here is the website: http://www.felcostore.com/index.jsp

We are plant-sitting an AeroGarden for Blake's sister, Ren. I had heard about these before, but had never seen one, and certainly never bothered to research them. Ren had visited a store which was going out of business and had them for sale at half price. I would be highly tempted if I were to find such a deal. They are not cheap. This indoor garden is extremely easy to use, and you can grow anything from herbs and flowers to tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce greens. The AeroGarden is computerized, and tells you when to add water or nutrients, and it automatically turns the light on/off. How much simpler could it possibly be? It also gets bonus points for looking really cute sitting on top of my counter.

Winter Rye, Wilt Pruf, And The Last Of A Lovely Little Veggie Crop

Yesterday I attended a class called "Putting Your Garden To Bed" which was offered at Gardener's Supply Company in Burlington. Two things I learned:
1.) A cover crop such as winter rye helps to put nutrients back into the soil. In the spring, you can turn over the grass which will add some organic matter. Cover crops also help to prevent soil compaction and erosion. Dirt which has been the home of heavy feeders such as corn, cabbage, lettuce, onions, potatoes, and tomatoes will also benefit from the addition of compost.
2.) I learned about a product called Wilt Pruf, which will help protect evergreens such as rhodies, azaleas, cypress, junipers, and boxwoods from windburn and winter kill. It helps by keeping moisture in the leaves. Best of all, it is totally organic and biodegradable. It is best to apply this product after the first hard frost, when moisture has retreated to the plant's root system. Otherwise, you could have some seriously unhappy plants.
I collected the last of the Corola potatoes today. These were super delicious, easy to grow, and probably Blake's most favorite vegetable to grow. There are a few peppers and tomatoes left on the plants, but they are done for the most part. I have tried several varieties of tomatoes, and still like the Green Zebras the best. Unfortunately, our vegetable garden was feeling a bit neglected this year due to my focus on the front mixed gardens. But, even with a fair amount of neglect, we still did quite well. Now that everything has been cleaned out, the empty dirt makes me feel a little sad. I love the times when you're cooking dinner and can run outside for a fresh pepper or tomato. On the other hand, the empty dirt makes me think about next year: the improvements I'll make and the asparagus bed that will be ready for it's first harvest.

September Garden Chores...(think Spring!!)

As many of the perennials in my garden are winding down for the season, I have found pleasure in choosing my spring bulbs, and planning on just where to plant them. This year I chose: three varieties of allium (schubertii, atropurpureum, and purple sensation), two varieties of tulips (black parrot, and the fringed blue heron), and a flaming yellow foxtail lily. I am so looking forward to seeing them in the spring. One aspect of gardening that I have a very difficult time with: patience. If anyone has some extra, please send it my way.

In my bulb-planting research, I have found that it is beneficial at the time of planting to add some bulb-booster (fertilizer) which also contains some crushed shells which will help (hopefully!) in protecting them from hungry critters. This is my first spring-bulb planting experience, so we'll see how it goes. If anyone has any tips, I would be happy to hear of them.

Other than bulbs, there are a few other to-do's for this month:

• For your perennials and shrubs, give them one more application of fertilizer and give them a good drink of water - this will help them through the winter months.
  
• Dig up any tender bulbs such as cannas, gladiolus, and dahlias so that they can be stored for the winter.
  
• Allow hips to form on your rose bushes.
• Leaving seed heads on the rudbeckia and echinacea provides food for the birds. Also, waiting until spring to cut back some of those perennials and ornamental grasses provides some shelter for those feathered friends. This can also help achieve some winter interest in your garden.
• Perennials that you are cutting back for winter should be cut down after several killing frosts. And, plants should be cut back to within 2-3 inches of the ground.
• This is also a great time to divide and move perennials.
  
• Bring houseplants back indoors.
• Plant trees and shrubs.
• Watch out for frost, and cover those tender plants if necessary.
• Give that compost bin one last turn.