Hudson - Litchfield News
The 60-degree factor: What to do when the
temperature tells you it’s time to get out in the lawn and garden
Like an alarm
clock for our senses and our gardens, the thermometer swelling to 60 degrees awakens us in the spring. We all get the irresistible urge to get outside, birds are chirping, animals come out from hibernation and plants start unfurling their leaves and flowers to color our world ‘The 60 degree factor’ signals us that the end of large fluctuations between day and night temperatures is approaching. This allows the soil to warm up, which is necessary for seeds to germinate and young plants to take root, grow healthy and start the season out right. It also gets us interested in outside activities again— and inevitably we begin gardening. As strong as the urge is to get outside and get started, it’s best to take a measured approach for the best growing experience and a beautiful lawn and garden this season.
Start by making a list of projects and
working through each, one by one.
* Check your tools
Before hitting the outdoors, make a stop in your garage or shed. Go through all of the tools you’ll need in the lawn and garden. Is everything in working order and ready to be used again? Are the tines on your rake all there and sturdy? Check your hand tools to make sure none are corroded or coming loose from the handles. Sharpen your shovels, pruning shears and edgers. See if you have the gas and oil needed for power tools. Most importantly, take your lawn mower in for a good blade sharpening to ensure the best results on your lawn this season.
* Assess what plants survived the winter
Next head for the outdoors to evaluate
what is still there. Clean out your beds, give the lawn a good raking, and look over your perennials and shrubs. If you’ve just come through a tough winter, check for signs of distress. Do you have plants that have received too much moisture, sun-light, or exposure to the elements? Are plants over-crowded or have you lost some all together?
Take notes on what plants may need to be moved around, replaced or purchased and what questions to ask the experts at the garden center.
* Amend your
soil
Plants
need the proper
foundation of soil to flourish. When the ground is ready to be worked, start tilling and be sure
to add amendments—nutrients. Regardless of soil type (sand, clay or something in between) amendments boost the health of your soil. Miracle-Gro Garden Soil improves your existing earth to build strong roots and gives your garden a jump start. Don’t overlook your pots or other containers either. Start with fresh potting soil like Miracle-Gro Potting Mix each growing season. Once your plants are in the ground or containers, all will need to be fed periodically for maximum results so stock up on good all-purpose plant food. To get ahead of weeds and feed plants try a combination product such as Miracle- Gro Shake ‘n Feed All Purpose Plant Food plus Weed Preventer.
continued on page 12 - The
60-degree
April 30, 2010 - Home Improvement 9
www.tatebros.com
Residential - Commercial
Hudson, NH 603.882.0527
Tate Bros. Paving
TATE
1969
Y40
ears
2009
PAVING CO. Fax: 603-598-6786
Guaranteed Quality Work for over 40 years!
DRIVEWAYS - PARKING LOTS
Excavation - Grading - Screener Rental
Great Service at “YOUR” Convenience, Not Ours!
WARM WEATHER HAS ARRIVED!
SURCHARGES NO FUEL
Toll Free 1-866-99-DEPOT
AND SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE
SERVING THE GREATER MANCHESTER, BEDFORD AND AUBURN AREA
SERVING NORTHERN MASS
Log On To
DumpsterDepot.com
������������� ��������������������� ������������������ ������������ ���������������� ������
����������������� ������������������
Additional charges may apply for excess weight and/or rental days.
$295
���� ������� ������
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28