Linder's Garden Center

Gardening Checklist

June Gardening Checklist

General

Clean out and prepare your water garden now. Even if you don’t have space for a pond, you can make your own little water oasis in a container. Containerized water gardening can be fun for everyone. Linder’s still has a great selection of annuals and perennials.
Impatiens make a colorful addition to that shady spot.
Be sure with the warm dry weather that we are having that all of your plants are watered on a regular basis. They will probably need water every day. Watering in the early morning is best. Fertilize your pots once weekly.
Despite hot dry weather, weeds are growing vigorously this time of year. If you did not apply a pre-emergent weed inhibitor to your flower gardens, you will need to stay ahead of the weeds.
Now is the time to add that garden statue, birdbath or pond you have had your heart set on. Linder’s has a great selection of garden accessories for any size garden.
Stop in to pick out a great gift for Father’s Day. There are many annuals, perennials, roses, trees, shrubs, tropical plants, hanging baskets, combination planters and more to choose from at our Main Garden Center and all of our Flower Mart Locations. If plants aren’t the right gift for Dad, what about decorative garden art, statues, fountains, bird baths, books, gardening tools, gloves, bird feeders and bird food all available at our Main Garden Center in St. Paul. If you’re not sure what to get ‘Dad’, Linder’s Gift Certificates are the perfect gift! We can customize your Gift Certificate in any amount you choose and there is no expiration date allowing them to be used anytime of the year at our Main Garden Center in St. Paul, open year round, or at any one of our 50+ Flower Marts, open during the spring season.

Birding in Your Backyard

Clean your bird feeders and bird baths. Keeping them cleaned on a regular basis is important for their health.

Lawns

Your lawn also needs water in hot dry weather. Be sure lawns get around 1 inch of water per week. A good deep 1 inch soaking once a week is better than light more frequent watering.
As with your flowers, trees and shrubs, lawns should also be watered in the early morning.
Please be aware that many cities have watering restrictions with regard to lawn watering. Be sure to check with the city in which you live regarding any restrictions they may have in place.
With less frequent rains, move your mower to a higher setting (approx. 2.5 to 3 inches). Mowing less frequently and not as short, helps shade the grass and it takes less water. Never cut more than 1/3rd of the grass blade off when mowing.
Setting your lawn mower to mulch will add nutrients back to your lawn.
Keep lawn mower blades sharp so they cut the grass cleanly. Tearing grass makes it more susceptible to disease.
Apply weed and feed to your lawn when grass is moist, such as after a rain or heavy dew.

Vegetables & Annuals

Finish planting any heat-loving plants now that the soil temperature has warmed up- cucumbers, melons, pumpkins,
Add any hoops, cages, stakes to plant that are likely to need additional support throughout the summer (tomatoes, peppers, peas, etc…)
Remove dead flowers from annuals to promote continuous blooming during the summer.
For healthy tomato fruit to develop, they need to be evenly watered.
Be sure you fertilize your annuals every couple of weeks with a good bloom booster fertilizer such as Linder’s Pro Thrive fertilizer.
Mulch annuals to retain moisture and keep weeds in check.
Pull weeds when they are small- this will save time and effort later
Water and watch closely any new transplants until they become established

Trees, Shrubs, Roses, & Perennials

Shape and prune spring flowering shrubs (azaleas, rhododendrons, forsythia, lilacs, etc…) soon after flowering is finished.
Shear your hedges.
For a successful Rose program, Roses will need regular applications of a specialized rose food to ensure they reach their full size potential and produce abundant flowers. Feeding will also strengthen plants against pests, disease, and severe winter cold. Don’t forget to water your roses in the morning and at the base to reduce diseases.
Add any hoops, cages, stakes to plant that are likely to need additional support throughout the summer (peonies, delphinium, tomatoes,
Mulch perennials to retain moisture and keep weeds in check
Pull weeds when they are small- this will save time and effort later
Remove dead flowers from perennials to promote continuous blooming during the summer.
Water and watch closely any new transplants until they become established

Indoor Plants

Your houseplants definitely benefit from being outdoors during the summer months. They will need to be acclimated to the higher light levels so place them in a shady spot for a couple of weeks before moving them to their final destination. If you are not sure about the location, please check with your staff at Linder’s about your plant needs.
Be sure to fertilize every other week for optimum growth.
Now is also a good time to give them a good shower. This washes off the dust and dirt that accumulates on the foliage from the last couple of months.

Being Water Wise and Protecting Plants during Times of Drought.

Responsible watering practices entail more than just the water you use and when you use it. Here are a few items to help you conserve water and help your plants survive a dry spell.

Mulch all shrubs and trees heavily with 2 to 3 inches of mulch, this is important in conserving soil moisture and keeping roots cool to reduce the stress on the plants. Perennials quality is greatly improved by mulching as well.
Water deeply and slowly allowing time for the water to soak into the ground and applying it at a rate that produces minimal runoff.
All plants should be watered thoroughly before mulching and a slow release fertilizer added at this time would be beneficial as well.
The best time to water is in the morning. The water has the best chance of soaking into the ground and the plants can utilize the water during the heat of the day. If this is not possible, make sure to water in the evening when the sun has gone from the area.
Do not allow established, mature trees to dry out when rain has been infrequent. Even well established trees can die because they did not receive enough water. All it takes to keep them alive is one deep watering a week.

Be sure and stop in to Linder’s and pick up any items for your watering needs.

Don’t forget to occasionally sit back, grab a cold glass of lemonade and ENJOY all the beautiful color in your garden!

If you have questions or problems, our helpful customer service representatives will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We want you to be a successful gardener with less work!

May Gardening Checklist

Spring is here!!! Now is the time to plant many of your favorite plants and maybe even some new ones this year for the first time. Experiment and have fun gardening!

General

Stop in to pick out a great gift for Mother’s Day. There are many annuals, perennials, roses, trees, shrubs, tropical plants, hanging baskets, combination planters and more to choose from at our Main Garden Center and all of our Flower Mart location. If plants aren’t the right gift for Mom, what about decorative garden art, statues, fountains, bird baths, books, gardening tools, gloves, bird feeders and bird food all available at our Main Garden Center in St. Paul. If you’re not sure what to get ‘Mom’, Linder’s Gift Certificates are the perfect gift! We can customize your Gift Certificate in any amount you choose and there is no expiration date allowing them to be used anytime of the year at our Main Garden Center in St. Paul, open year round, or at any one of our 50+ Flower Marts, open during the spring season. Looking for more ideas….
Get started on that water garden you promised yourself last summer. Linder’s has all the supplies to do it yourself or our helpful landscaping staff will assist you in planning and installing it for you. Read more…
Short on space for a vegetable garden? Plant compact varieties of vegetables in large patio pots instead.

Birding in Your Backyard

Be sure you have your hummingbird feeders out. Ask the experts at Linders to give you their assistance in attracting these colorful gems. Read about Plants that attract hummingbirds.
Clean your birdfeeders and birdbath. Keeping them cleaned on a regular basis is important. Read more…

Lawns

Apply a pre-emergent crabgrass killer now (late April through first 2 weeks of May) to your lawn before crabgrass germinates. Check out ‘Greenview Spring Fertilizer with Weed Control and Crabgrass Preventer’ for its combined broadleaf and crabgrass control or the ‘Gro-Well Lawn Fertilizer with Pre-Emergent Weed Control’ if you are looking for an organic product for your lawn. Read more…
Aerate lawns in spring.
De-thatch lawns when thatch reaches ¾ inch

Vegetables & Annuals

Remember the average last frost date in the Twin Cities metro area is May 15th. Any tender annuals, vegetables or other plants will need to be covered if temps are going to be at or below freezing.
Don’t cut back that foliage from tulips and daffodils until they are yellow and brown. They need it to store energy for the next season.
Gradually harden off seedlings, house plants, and tropicals by bringing them outside for increasing amounts of time each day.
Direct sow warm loving plants late in May- the soil is warmer and seeds will germinate quickly (cucumbers, watermelons, cantaloupe, pumpkins, etc…)
Plant annuals between shrubs and perennials to give your landscape some color.
Annuals are a great way to add bright colors to any garden. Some great ‘tried & true’ annuals are Ageratum, Alyssum, Begonia, Celosia, Coleus, Impatiens, Lobelia, Petunia, Salvia, Verbena, Vinca, and Zinnias. However, there are lots of new annuals if you’re looking to be adventuresome this year in the garden. Why not try planting Alternatherea, Angelonia, Bacopa, Coleus (many new varieties!), Calibrachoa, Diascia, Helichrysum (Licorice Plant), Ipomea (Sweet Potato Vine), Ornamental Grasses, Wave Petunias (and many other new petunia varieties), Torenia, etc… Look through our Flowering Annuals and Specialty Annuals Plant Lists for ideas.
Remember to apply a pre-emergent weed killer and a slow release fertilizer after planting your annual gardens to save time weeding and fertilizing later in the season.

Trees, Shrubs, Roses, & Perennials

Move or divide any perennials that were too crowded last year. Read more…
Cut or break the new growth on the ends of pines (these are called “candles”) in half to encourage bushy, dense growth. Read more…
Prune and shape azaleas, rhododendrons and lilacs if needed after they are finished blooming. Read more…
Continue the spraying schedule for your fruit trees. Read more…
Control slugs now to prevent damage to your Hostas. Read more…
Fertilize your roses. Roses are heavy feeders and need to be fertilized on a regular basis. Read more…
A mixed bed of perennials, bulbs and annuals can be very beautiful and fulfilling as a gardener. Choose plants to provide a pleasing design of flower colors & shapes, foliage textures, and plant habits (spreading to very tall). Your keys to success in choosing annuals, either on your own or with the help of one of our employees, are to understand the garden environment and your goals and personal tastes. Read more…

Indoor Plants

Plants that are to go outside for the summer should be acclimated slowly. Move them outside in stages, starting with an hour or two on a cloudy day and slowly making their exposure to the elements a little longer each time. Watch the weather: most house plants and tropicals need night temperatures above 55 degrees.

April Gardening Checklist

Okay, here it is, already April and we are all craving some fresh new life, lush green leaves and colorful blossoms. In spite of the occasional days of warmth and glorious sun, though, we just know that winter is likely to hand us at least one more reminder of what changing seasons are like here in Minnesota. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy this time of year in your gardens & backyards.

General

Get a soil test as soon as the ground thaws. This is especially important for new beds but should be done about every 3 to 5 years for established beds as well. Go to U of MN Soil Testing site…
Start Spring cleanup as weather and soil conditions allow. Try to not walk on very wet soil; it is easily compacted. Damage done now can take a season or more to correct. Remove dead foliage and stems from perennials and cut ornamental grasses down to about 4 inches. Always check for any new growth before you cut. Remove last year’s stems above any new shoots to avoid damage and to provide a bit of protection against late frosts.
Add compost to your garden. Known as ‘Gardener’s Gold’, good high quality compost is a great conditioner for both sandy and clay soils. It improves water retention and drainage and adds nutrients as well. Read more…
Bring out garden tools. Clean and sharpen them if needed.
Be inspired! Stop in during our Linder’s Spring Open House and enjoy refreshments, walking tours of our Garden Center and bus tours to our Lake Elmo Growing Range!
Flower Marts will be opening soon!! Linder’s Flower Marts have been in operation since 1988. There are now over 50 Twin City locations. We carry a full line of annuals, hanging baskets, container plants, tropical plants, perennials, roses, and shrubs. To find the Flower Mart nearest you call our hotline: 651-487-8565 or visit our Flower Mart Locations page.
Watch for the first butterflies of spring. The Mourning Cloak, a three-inch butterfly with dark-chocolate colored wings bordered with black-and-iridescent-blue spots and a buttery-yellow edge, emerges on warm days in the very early spring. Unlike most butterflies, this handsome flier over winters as a dormant adult folded into crevices and under tree bark. It can sometimes be seen on the wing while there is still snow on the ground, but typically appears in late March and early April.
Let your kids plan a vegetable plot of their very own. Young people often find that veggies grown with their own effort taste much better that the ’store-bought’ kinds. Have them try short season vegetables such as radishes and lettuces for a quick ‘reward’. Or, they might be interested in a ‘Pizza Garden’ of tomatoes, peppers, basil, and oregano.

Birding in Your Backyard

Put up hummingbird and oriole feeders now. Most hummers and orioles arrive here between the last week of April and mid May but you will have better success in attracting these colorful birds if you have feeders waiting. Remember that hummingbird and oriole food spoils quickly, so put fresh nectar out every two or three days or daily if the weather is warm.

Lawns

Be patient and stay off lawns until you do not leave a footprint in the grass.
Check your lawnmower and service if needed.
Late April to early May is the time to apply your Spring Fertilizer and Crabgrass Preventer. Read more…

Vegetables & Annuals

There is an abundance of cold tolerant annuals to help to start your spring off on the right foot. Plant Pansies, Violas, Diascia, and Nemesia, Flowering Cabbage/Kale or a number of other varieties for early season color. There is still a possibility of hard frosts, so be prepared to cover your cool tolerant annuals or bring them into a porch or garage if hard frost is a threat. Read more…
Continue starting seeds for warm season crops such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplant indoors. These need thoroughly warmed soil to grow well, so transplant them outside in late May. Cucumbers, squash, pumpkins and melons also need warm soil. They resent transplanting, so start them indoors in late April in ‘plantable’ pots to avoid disturbing their roots as much as possible. Transplant pot and all outdoors in late May while the plants are still small.
Many fast-growing warm season annuals such as sunflowers, morning glories, marigolds and zinnias can be started indoors in late April too.
Plant vegetables such as peas, lettuce, spinach, beets, carrots, cabbage, cole crops and radishes beginning about mid April as soon as the soil can be worked. Cole crops include: asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, celery, garlic, globe artichoke, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, onions, parsnips, peas, potatoes, radishes, rhubarb, rutabagas, spinach, swiss chard, and turnips. Plant small plots of quickly maturing crops such as radishes, lettuce, spinach, beets and peas every week or ten days so your harvest continues as long as possible through the cool spring season. Read more…
You can also plant some of these again in late summer and early fall for one more harvest before winter makes its appearance. Purchase enough seeds to do a fall planting of these veggies now. Store them in a cool, dry, dark location to insure good viability at planting time.
Vegetables that are roots or tubers are really tolerant to frost if they are below the ground level. This includes asparagus, beets, carrots, onions, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, and turnips.
Start bulbs and tubers such as gladiolas, begonia, caladium, tender lilies, cannas, etc. in pots indoors in mid April so that they are actively growing by the time the soil warms enough for them to grow outside in late May. These delightful summer flowers need a head start on the growing season to give us the longest possible color. Asiatic and Oriental lilies and many of their new hybrids are winter hardy here and can be planted directly in the ground as soon as the soil is workable.
Experiment! Plan to add at least one new flower or vegetable to your garden this year. Part of the fun and reward of gardening is finding new plants to enjoy.

Trees, Shrubs, Roses, & Perennials

During early April, you may begin to uncover perennials and roses, but leave the covering material nearby. The days may be warm, but a cold spell is still possible. Keep mulch close by until the plants are hardened a bit and most danger of hard frost is past near the end of the month.
Plant trees, shrubs, and vines once the soil can be worked. Be sure soil has thawed and is not too wet. Soil should crumble apart after being squeezed in the palm of your hand.
Divide perennials that bloom mid-summer or fall shortly after new growth emerges. These include asters, daylilies, and sedum.

Indoor Plants

Monitor houseplants for new growth. This is a great time to pinch the tips or take cuttings to propagate new plants. Both will encourage new, bushy growth closer to the base of the plant.
Begin fertilizing now if you haven’t already; use a good balanced fertilizer at half strength the first time. Be sure to fertilize your plants more as they start to grow, slowly increasing the frequency, as the weather becomes more favorable.
If you over-wintered geraniums in a cool basement, you may be seeing the beginnings of new growth. Pot them up in a fresh, porous potting mix and water. Read more…
Repot houseplants if needed. Move into one pot size larger (1-2 inches in diameter more) and leave about 1 inch of space on top for watering.
Plants that are to go outside for the summer should be acclimated slowly. Move them outside in stages, starting with an hour or two on a cloudy day and slowly making their exposure to the elements a little longer each time. Watch the weather; most house plants and tropicals need night temperatures above 55 degrees.

March Gardening Checklist

Think Spring!

General

Prepare for the spring & summer. Clean and sharpen garden tools and lawn mower blades if needed. Get lawn furniture, grills, and other items ready for the season.
Check your local Garden Center, bookstores and library for the latest garden ideas and newest plant varieties along with regional reviews of last year’s plants.
Start planning now for that new water garden for next summer. A trickling waterfall or pot of water plants with a bubbling fountain are cool and soothing on a hot summer’s day.
You can force spring flowering tree and shrub branches for indoor color and fragrance indoors now. Try Forsythia, Pussy Willow, Eastern Redbud, Magnolia, Crabapple, Fothergilla, Birch, Maple and various Cherry branches. Use branches less than ½ inch in diameter, giving them a fresh cut underwater, just as you would cut flowers. Place the stems in warm water, use a floral preservative, and replace the water every few days. You should have lovely spring blossoms in about 3 weeks.
Brighten your table and desk with cheerful pots of spring flowers. Fragrant Hyacinths, Primroses, Tulips, Narcissus, Cyclamen, Azaleas and Cinerarias in jewel colors are arriving at Linder’s now!
Start thinking Landscaping: Let Linder’s create the landscape of your dreams and our professional installation team will make it a reality. Linder’s provides a full range of landscaping services. Whether you need some expert advice, a design that you can install yourself, or complete design and installation, we will tailor our services to fit your needs. Learn more by visiting “Linder’s Landscape” website.
Take a break from the snow and ice. Visit Linder’s to relax in the tropical warmth of our greenhouses. Let your senses feast on the color and fragrance of lush green growing plants and flowers galore!
Invest in a new and interesting plant to add to your collection or replace the one that didn’t survive an indoor Minnesota winter.

Lawns

Now that you can see the shape and scope of your lawn without the distraction of other leafy plants, make plans for any changes in spring. Will you be adding a veggie garden this year? Are the traffic patterns in the best places? Do you need more or less space for children to play?
As snow cover melts and exposes lawn, watch for signs of animal or rodent damage and erosion. Any areas where piles of snow linger can indicate places prone to disease such as snow mold. All these will need attention when soil thaws in spring.
Keep walks and driveways shoveled and try to avoid driving on the lawn even if it is frozen. Use sand for traction or minimal amounts of plant-friendly de-icer to avoid damage to lawn edges.

Annuals, Vegetables & Herbs

Start a mini-herb garden in a brightly lit window. Include parsley, chives, mint, oregano or many other flavorful herbs to keep the flavor of summer going this winter.

Trees & Shrubs

Remember, appropriate pruning done in the proper season is important to the health of your trees and shrubs. As a general rule, prune trees & shrubs during their dormancy period, when temperatures are reliably below freezing. Once temperatures are routinely above freezing in the daytime, trees are at serious risk of disease introduced through open wounds, so all tree pruning should be complete by the first week in March. The Arbor Day Foundation has a great Tree Pruning Guide. To learn more, click on this link to go to their website.
Shrubs can be pruned now, but remember that pruning spring-flowering shrubs at this time will reduce flowering. This includes lilacs, forsythia, magnolia, rhododendron, azalea, weigela, and some varieties of spiraea. If in doubt, wait until flowering is done before pruning.
Any branches that you must prune though, can often be forced into bloom in the house and used as cut flowers. When you prune shrubs, look for the same problem areas as you would with trees.
If dormant oil is to be used, it must be applied before bud break.
Check lower tree trunks and shrub stems as they emerge from the melting snow for signs of rodent damage. Most wounds will heal on their own, but be sure to prevent further damage by using repellents and a physical barrier such as small-mesh metal fencing.

Roses

Monitor covering materials after any windy weather and add or replace if needed.
If you are using rose cones, be sure to vent them in warm sunny weather or anytime the temperature approaches or goes above the freezing mark to prevent disease problems.

Perennials

If we have a spell of warm weather, check your perennial beds to be sure any covering materials are still in place. Remember that the reason for covering is to protect plant crowns from the freeze-thaw cycles so common in the very early spring. You may still add marsh hay or straw right on top of snow if needed.

Birding in Your Backyard

Watch and listen for birds returning from their winter vacation in the tropics. Bluebirds and Wood Ducks begin arriving in Minnesota in early March so fresh, clean houses for them should be up well before then. You may also see or hear robins, many native sparrows including the tree, chipping, song and white-throated varieties, juncos and red-winged blackbirds, waterfowl and Great Blue Herons. Grackles and crows are appearing now as well. Feed these in ground feeders to keep them from monopolizing feeders for your more colorful bird migrants.
Hang cleaned and new birdhouses out now. Many birds will be scouting for nesting territories soon. Others use these as night shelters to conserve body heat. Be sure to position the houses out of reach of predators.
Natural foods may be in increasingly short supply in late winter. Continue to keep bird feeders clean and full to attract more birds including early migrants. Offer high-energy foods such as oil-rich sunflower seeds and suet especially in late cold snaps.
Adding mealworms, either dried or fresh, to your feeders will provide protein for insect-eating birds until natural supplies become more available. Small pieces of fruit such as cherries, apples and berries will be welcomed too.
Monitor your birdbath more frequently as the weather warms. Make sure the heater is still working. Clean the bath and change the water often to avoid algae growth and disease. Birds will eat snow as a water source, but doing so costs them body heat.
You may notice more birds bathing as days get longer and brighter. Many birds ‘molt’ in spring, growing new, more brightly colored feathers in preparation for mating season. (Watch for the Goldfinches’ change from olive-drab back to yellow!) Frequent bathing helps this process. It also means your birdbath will need cleaning more often.
Use pruned tree and shrub branches to make a ‘brush pile’ or stand the branches upright teepee-fashion to provide protection from late winter wind and snow. Your backyard birds and other creatures will appreciate the shelter!
Watch for the first butterflies of spring. The Mourning Cloak, a three-inch butterfly with dark-chocolate colored wings bordered with black-and-iridescent-blue spots and a buttery-yellow edge, emerges on warm days in the very early spring. Unlike most butterflies, this handsome flier over-winters as a dormant adult folded into crevices and under tree bark. It can sometimes be seen on the wing while there is still snow on the ground, but typically appears in late March and early April.

Interested in learning more about birding? Check out these two links:

Cornell Lab of Ornithology – www.birds.cornell.edu
‘Project Feeder Watch’ from Cornell lab of Ornithology – www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/

Indoor Plants

Flowering tropical plants brought indoors from summer patios, holiday plants or familiar house plants provide an oasis of color during our long winter and remind us that spring is only weeks away. A few simple guidelines can help keep those plants in good condition.

Avoid drafts, from both furnace ducts and from windows or open doors, but do keep good air circulation to avoid fungal problems.
Try to keep humidity levels at 30% or more. Grouping plants together or using humidity trays can help. Purchase humidity trays at Linder’s Garden Center or make one using a shallow tray filled with pebbles and a small amount of water. Set your plant in a saucer on the pebbles so that the bottom of the pot does not sit in the water.
As daylight hours increase and temperatures moderate, most houseplants begin showing signs of more active growth. Begin to fertilize more often using a diluted, balanced plant food.
Watch water needs very carefully. If your plant is showing new growth it may need water more frequently. How often a plant needs water depends on many factors such as available light, humidity, temperature, how large the plant is in relation to its pot size as well as the season. Always go by touch! Remember that a plant’s roots are in the lower half of the pot; just because the soil surface is dry may not mean the plant roots are dry. Improper watering is probably the most frequent cause of houseplant failure. We tend to love our plants to death!
Inspect regularly and carefully for insect problems. Many problem insects are very tiny and hide in leaf axils (the point where the leaf attaches to the main stem) and on the back sides of leaves. Treat with a good insecticide at the first sign of trouble.
Keep house plants clean by rinsing them periodically in the sink or shower. Be sure to rinse the back sides of the leaves as well as the upper surface. Clean leaves help plants use available light and humidity more effectively, and discourage insect pests.
Turn your plants a quarter-turn every week or two to keep them growing evenly.
Pinch and prune selectively to keep plants bushy and promote new growth.
Cuttings of many plants root easily now. Visit Linder’s for advice and supplies.
Re-pot your houseplants. As the hours of sunlight increase, your plants may need a larger home. Linder’s has a great supply of interesting and decorative pots as well as potting mixes for all your needs.

Seed Starting

Get a jump start on your garden by seeding indoors. Linder’s carries all the supplies you need to start your seedlings. You will find an extensive selection of seeds including organic and heirloom, seed starting mixes, containers, grow-lights, heat mats, labels and other needs on our shelves.
The Average Last Frost Date in our area is about May 10. Your garden may vary a week earlier or later depending on your location. You may also consider getting a jump on the season by using season-extending devices such as cloches, water tubes or pre-warming the soil by temporarily laying down a sheet of black plastic in your garden.
Start ‘Cole’ crops such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower as well as onions and leeks indoors early this month. These cold-tolerent vegetables can be planted out even before danger of frost is past.
‘Warm season’ plants such as peppers, eggplants and tomatoes need ‘warm’ soil (at least 60 degrees) to grow, so plant them indoors in mid to late March and wait to transplant outdoors until mid to late May.

Read more on “Starting Seeds Indoors”…

February Gardening Checklist

General

Treat your Valentine to something special! Linder’s offers many beautiful varieties of rose bouquets that are available for metro wide delivery. Enchant your Valentine with fresh cut flowers …wrapped in tissue or a bouquet!
Get inspired! Check out Linder’s great selection of gardening books.
Check bulbs & tubers stored inside. If they’ve started sprouting, plant them up and place in a bright sunny window
You can force spring flowering tree and shrub branches for indoor color and fragrance indoors now. Try forsythia, pussy willow, Eastern redbud, magnolia, crabapple, fothergilla, birch, maple and various cherry branches. Use branches less than ½” in diameter, giving them a fresh cut underwater, just as you would cut flowers. Place the stems in warm water, use a floral preservative, and replace the water every few days. You should have lovely spring blossoms in about 3 weeks.
Visit us at the local Home and Garden Shows: St. Paul Home & Patio Show, Minneapolis Home & Garden Show, and Roseville Home & Garden Fair. Read more…
Brighten your winter days with a colorful, easy to grow orchid or a vividly green houseplant from our greenhouse.
Begin thinking about next year’s garden: your goals, dreams, last year’s results, solving problem areas. Visit your Garden Center and library, read gardening magazines and seed catalogs for fresh ideas.
Brighten your table and desk with cheerful pots of spring flowers. Fragrant hyacinths, primroses, tulips, and narcissus in jewel colors are arriving at Linder’s now!
Start thinking Landscaping: Let Linder’s create the landscape of your dreams and our professional installation team will make it a reality. Linder’s provides a full range of landscape services. Whether you need some expert advice, a design that you can install yourself, or complete design and installation, we will tailor our services to fit your needs.
Take a break from the cold and ice. Stop into Linder’s to relax in the tropical warmth & humidity of the greenhouses. Let your eyes feast on lush green and bright flowering plants. A visit to Linder’s greenhouses can be a great cure for the winter blahs!

Lawns

Now that you can see the shape and scope of your lawn without the distraction of other leafy plants, make plans for any changes in spring. Will you be adding a veggie garden this year? Are the traffic patterns in the best places? Do you need more or less space for children to play?
As snow cover melts and exposes the lawn, watch for signs of animal or rodent damage and erosion. Any areas where piles of snow linger can indicate places prone to disease such as snow mold. All these will need attention when soil thaws in spring.
Keep walks and driveways shoveled and try to avoid driving on the lawn even if it is frozen. Use sand for traction or minimal amounts of plant-friendly de-icer to avoid damage to lawn edges.

Annuals, Vegetables & Herbs

Start a mini-herb garden in a brightly lit window. Include parsley, chives, mint, oregano or many other flavorful herbs to keep the flavor of summer going this winter.

Trees & Shrubs

Remember, appropriate pruning done in the proper season is important to the health of your trees and shrubs. Many trees & shrubs benefit from pruning during their dormancy period; sometime before early March is usually best. The Arbor Day Foundation has a great Tree Pruning Guide. To learn more, click on this link to go to their website.

Prune trees while they are still dormant. Take out any branches that you marked last fall. Look for branches that are weak, those that cross or rub other branches, any that are weather damaged and any that show signs of insect or disease problems. Cuts should be made leaving the branch collar intact on the tree. Strive to make the wound as clean and small as possible. If you need to prune maple and birch trees do so in winter before sap rise (usually in mid to late February here in Minnesota). If pruned later, considerable sap bleeding may occur. This will not permanently damage the tree, but can be unsightly.
Shrubs can be pruned now too, but remember that pruning spring-flowering shrubs now will reduce flowering. This includes lilacs, forsythia, magnolia, rhododendron, and azalea. Any branches that you must prune now though, can often be forced into bloom in the house and used as cut flowers. When you prune shrubs, look for the same problem areas as you would with trees.
Any pruning needed for ornamental fruits such as mountain ash, crabapples and ornamental cherries should be done before early March. Doing so allows the wound to seal over before warm, damp conditions activate fungal spores. This greatly reduces the risk of fire blight and other diseases.
Fruit trees such as apples can generally be pruned about mid March here in Minnesota. The tree should be starting its most active growth period then so healing will occur quickly. Dormant oil can be applied immediately following pruning but must be applied before bud break.

Roses

Monitor covering materials after any windy weather and add or replace if needed.
If you are using rose cones, be sure to vent them in warm sunny weather or anytime the temperature approaches the freezing mark to prevent disease problems.

Perennials

If we have a spell of warm weather, check your perennial beds to be sure any covering materials are still in place. Remember that the reason for covering is to protect plant crowns from the freeze-thaw cycles so common in the very early spring. You may still add marsh hay or straw right on top of snow if needed.

Birding in Your Backyard

Be sure to keep bird feeders full and clean to attract more birds. Offer high-energy foods such as oil-rich sunflower seeds and suet especially in very cold weather.
Add a heater to your birdbath to attract more birds to your yard. Clean the bath and change the water often to avoid disease. Birds will eat snow as a water source, but doing so costs them body heat.
‘Decorate’ your trees and shrubs with home-made bird treats. You can use pine cones, dried bread cut into star shapes or make ‘wreaths’ from day-old bagel or donut slices. Melt suet and add an equal amount of peanut butter and a bit of cornmeal or a few hulled sunflower chips. When this mix has cooled a bit, use it to ‘butter’ the star toasts, bagel wreaths and pine cones and then roll in bird seed. Add a few dried cherries or cranberries to the seed mix for color and extra nutrition for fruit-loving birds.
Use pruned tree and shrub branches to make a ‘brush pile’ or stand the branches upright teepee-fashion to provide shelter from winter wind and snow. Your backyard birds and other creatures will appreciate it!
Hang clean birdhouses or winter roost boxes out too. Many birds will use these as night shelters to conserve body heat. Be sure to position the boxes out of reach of predators.
Watch and listen for birds returning from their winter vacation in the tropics. Bluebirds begin arriving in Minnesota in early March so fresh, clean houses for them should be up well before then.
In late winter, natural food supplies become increasingly scarce so keep bird feeders clean and filled. Your feeders also entice tired migrant birds to visit your backyard for your viewing pleasure.

Interested in learning more about birding? Check out these two links:

Cornell lab of Ornithology- www.birds.cornell.edu
‘Project Feeder Watch’ from Cornell lab of Ornithology- www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/

Indoor Plants

Indoor plants can be a wonderful haven from the bleak days of winter. Flowering tropical plants brought indoors from summer patios, holiday plants or familiar house plants provide an oasis of color during our frozen midwinter and a reminder that spring will come again. A few simple guidelines can help keep those plants in good condition.

Avoid drafts, from both furnace ducts and from windows or open doors, but do keep good air circulation to avoid fungus problems.
Try to keep humidity levels at 30% or more. Grouping plants together or using humidity trays can help. Purchase humidity trays at Linder’s Garden Center or make one using a shallow tray filled with pebbles and a small amount of water. Set your plant in a saucer on the pebbles so that the bottom of the pot does not sit in the water.
With our short daylight hours and cooler temperatures, most houseplants are not growing actively now so fertilize less often and use a diluted, balanced plant food.
Watch water needs very carefully. How often a plant needs water depends on many factors such as available light, humidity, temperature and how large the plant is in relation to its pot size. Always go by touch! Remember that a plant’s roots are in the lower half of the pot; just because the soil surface is dry may not mean the plant roots are dry. Improper watering is probably the most frequent cause of houseplant failure. We tend to love our plants to death!
Inspect regularly and carefully for insect problems. Many problem insects are very tiny and hide in leaf axils (the point where the leaf attaches to the main stem) and on the back sides of leaves. Treat with a good insecticide at the first sign of trouble.
Keep house plants clean by rinsing them periodically in the sink or shower. Be sure to rinse the back sides of the leaves as well as the upper surface. Clean leaves help plants use available light and humidity more effectively, and discourage insect pests.
Turn your plants a quarter-turn every week or two to keep them growing evenly.
Pinch and prune selectively to keep plants bushy and promote new growth.

Seed Starting

It’s early to start most seeds yet, but it is a great time to take a look at your seed starting needs. One place to learn more about when to start your seeds is at the Weekend Gardener’s Grow Guide. To learn more, click this link to go their website.

Clean pots and trays with hot soapy water, rinse well and sanitize with a 10% bleach solution. Clean your potting bench while you’re at it.
Put new light bulbs in any light fixtures. Most bulbs used for growing plants should be replaced annually. You may not notice the difference, but your plants and seedlings will!
Look at your garden plans for the coming season and decide which plants you want to start from seed and which are more practically purchased at your favorite Garden Center.
Choose and purchase seeds for early starting. Read the back of each seed packet for germination information and maturity date. Long-season plants such as onions, leeks, impatiens, petunias and some perennials will need to be started as early as February.
Linder’s Garden Center is a great source for an excellent selection of interesting flower and vegetable seeds including many organic and heirloom varieties. However, some very rare varieties may need to be ordered from a seed supplier by mail. Plan ahead so that you have seeds in hand at planting time. Be sure to store seeds in a cool, dry location until you are ready to plant.
Were you fortunate enough to receive a Gift Certificate for your favorite Garden Center? Perhaps you could use it for domed seeding trays or a new plant light or another seed-starting heat mat or a new trowel. Good, well-maintained equipment is a gardener’s best friend!

Bulbs

Check stored bulbs for condition. Any bulbs in storage for the winter should feel firm to the touch and not show signs of sprouting or any mold.

If you find sprouted bulbs, your storage conditions may be too warm. Move them to a cooler, but not freezing, location. Otherwise, pot them up and enjoy as a forced bulb.
If you find signs of mold or rot, your storage conditions may be too wet. Discard any bulbs that are damaged and spread the rest out in a shallow layer to air dry for a day or two, stirring several times. Repack into fresh storage medium (peat moss or perlite for instance) in a breathable box or bag.
Shriveled bulbs may mean storage conditions are too dry. Spread them out and lightly mist both storage medium and bulbs. Repack and check again in a few days.
Attention to stored bulbs’ condition now and through the winter will result in firm healthy bulbs primed to leap into glorious color again in your spring garden.

Water Gardening

Fish-containing ponds being maintained with heaters or aerators should be monitored daily to be sure equipment is performing properly. If the water surface does freeze over completely, thaw an air vent or two by placing a container of very hot water on the ice. Do not crack the ice by breaking it with a hammer or ax; the shock of the sharp sound in the water can injure the fish.
Dormant ponds need no special attention at this time.
Do not resume feeding fish until water temperature rises above 50 degrees.

January Gardening Checklist

General

Add a heater to your bird bath to attract more birds to your yard.
Brighten your winter days with a colorful, easy to grow orchid or a vividly green houseplant from our greenhouse.
Begin thinking about next year’s garden: your goals, dreams, last year’s results, solving problem areas. Visit your Garden Center and library, read gardening magazines and seed catalogs for fresh ideas.
Continue to plant Amaryllis and Narcissus for winter color and fragrance. These bulbs don’t need to be cooled to bloom so you should have flowers in 6 to 12 weeks. If you plant several pots of them a week or two apart, you can have a succession of flowers all winter long!
Start thinking Landscaping: Let Linder’s create the landscape of your dreams. Whether you need some expert advice, a design that you can install yourself, or complete design and installation, we will tailor our services to fit your needs. Linder’s provides a full range of landscape services while our professional installation team makes it a reality.
Take a break from the cold and ice. Stop into Linder’s to relax in the tropical warmth & humidity of the greenhouses. Let your eyes feast on lush green and bright flowering plants. A visit to Linder’s greenhouses can be a great cure for the January blahs!

Lawns

Now that you can see the shape and scope of your lawn without the distraction of other leafy plants, make plans for any changes in spring. Will you be adding a veggie garden this year? Are the traffic patterns in the best places? Do you need more or less space for children to play?
As snow cover melts and exposes lawn, watch for signs of animal or rodent damage and erosion. Any areas where piles of snow linger can indicate places prone to disease such as snow mold. All these will need attention when soil thaws in spring.
Keep walks and driveways shoveled and try to avoid driving on the lawn even if it is frozen. Use sand for traction or minimal amounts of plant-friendly de-icers to avoid damage to lawn edges.

Annuals, Vegetables & Herbs

Start a mini-herb garden in a brightly lit window. Include parsley, chives, mint, oregano or many other flavorful herbs to keep the flavor of summer going this winter.

Trees & Shrubs

Remember, appropriate pruning done in the proper season is important to the health of your trees and shrubs. Many trees & shrubs benefit from pruning during their dormancy period; sometime before early March is usually best. The Arbor Day Foundation has a great Tree Pruning Guide. To learn more, click on this link to go to their website.

Prune trees while they are still dormant. Take out any branches that you marked last fall. Look for branches that are weak, those that cross or rub other branches, any that are weather damaged and any that show signs of insect or disease problems. Cuts should be made leaving the branch collar intact on the tree. Strive to make the wound as clean and small as possible. If you need to prune maple and birch trees do so in winter before sap rise (usually in mid to late February here in Minnesota). If pruned later, considerable sap bleeding may occur. This will not permanently damage the tree, but can be unsightly.
Shrubs can be pruned now too, but remember that pruning spring-flowering shrubs now will reduce flowering. This includes lilacs, forsythia, magnolia, rhododendron, and azalea . Any branches that you must prune now though, can often be forced into bloom in the house and used as cut flowers. When you prune shrubs, look for the same problem areas as you would with trees.
Any pruning needed for ornamental fruits such as mountain ash, crabapples and ornamental cherries should be done before early March. Doing so allows the wound to seal over before warm, damp conditions activate fungal spores. This greatly reduces the risk of fire blight and other diseases.
Fruit trees such as apples can generally be pruned about mid March here in Minnesota. The tree should be starting its most active growth period then so healing will occur quickly. Dormant oil can be applied immediately following pruning but must be applied before bud break.

Roses

Monitor covering materials after any windy weather and add or replace if needed.
If you are using rose cones, be sure to vent them in warm sunny weather or anytime the temperature approaches the freezing mark to prevent disease problems.

Perennials

If we have a spell of warm weather, check your perennial beds to be sure any covering materials are still in place. Remember that the reason for covering is to protect plant crowns from the freeze-thaw cycles so common in the very early spring. You may still add marsh hay or straw right on top of snow if needed.

Birding in Your Backyard

Be sure to keep bird feeders full and clean to attract more birds. Offer high-energy foods such as oil-rich sunflower seeds and suet especially in very cold weather.
Add a heater to your birdbath to attract more birds to your yard. Clean the bath and change the water often to avoid disease. Birds will eat snow as a water source, but doing so costs them body heat.
After the Holidays, plunge the trunk of your discarded Christmas Tree into a pile of snow to hold it upright. ‘Decorate’ it with home-made bird treats. You can use pine cones, dried bread cut into star shapes or make ‘wreaths’ from day-old bagel or donut slices. Melt suet and add an equal amount of peanut butter and a bit of cornmeal or a few hulled sunflower chips. When this mix has cooled a bit, use it to ‘butter’ the star toasts, bagel wreaths and pine cones and then roll in bird seed. Add a few dried cherries or cranberries to the seed mix for color and extra nutrition for fruit-loving birds.
Cut up your used Christmas Tree and make a ‘brush pile’ or stand the branches upright teepee-fashion to provide shelter from winter wind and snow. Your backyard birds and other creatures will appreciate it!
Hang clean birdhouses or winter roost boxes out too. Many birds will use these as night shelters to conserve body heat. Be sure to position the boxes out of reach of predators.

Indoor Plants

Avoid drafts, from both furnace ducts and from windows or open doors, but do keep good air circulation to avoid fungus problems.
Try to keep humidity levels at 30% or more. Grouping plants together or using humidity trays can help. Purchase humidity trays at Linder’s Garden Center or make one using a shallow tray filled with pebbles and a small amount of water. Set your plant in a saucer on the pebbles so that the bottom of the pot does not sit in the water.
With our short daylight hours and cooler temperatures, most houseplants are not growing actively now so fertilize less often and use a diluted, balanced plant food.
Watch water needs very carefully. How often a plant needs water depends on many factors such as available light, humidity, temperature and how large the plant is in relation to its pot size. Always go by touch! Remember that a plant’s roots are in the lower half of the pot; just because the soil surface is dry may not mean the plant roots are dry. Improper watering is probably the most frequent cause of houseplant failure. We tend to love our plants to death!
Inspect regularly and carefully for insect problems. Many problem insects are very tiny and hide in leaf axils (the point where the leaf attaches to the main stem) and on the back sides of leaves. Treat with a good insecticide at the first sign of trouble.
Keep house plants clean by rinsing them periodically in the sink or shower. Be sure to rinse the back sides of the leaves as well as the upper surface. Clean leaves help plants use available light and humidity more effectively, and discourage insect pests.
Turn your plants a quarter-turn every week or two to keep them growing evenly.
Pinch and prune selectively to keep plants bushy and promote new growth.

Seed Starting

It’s too early to start seeds yet, but it is a great time to take a look at your seed starting needs. One place to learn more about when to start your seeds is at the Weekend Gardener’s Grow Guide. To learn more, click this link to go their website.

Clean pots and trays with hot soapy water, rinse well and sanitize with a 10% bleach solution. Clean your potting bench while you’re at it.
Put new light bulbs in any light fixtures. Most bulbs used for growing plants should be replaced annually. You may not notice the difference, but your plants and seedlings will!
Look at your garden plans for the coming season and decide which plants you want to start from seed and which are more practically purchased at your favorite Garden Center. Beware! Most of us have bigger eyes than we do garden space!
Choose and purchase seeds for early starting. Read the back of each seed packet for germination information and maturity date. Long-season plants such as onions, impatiens, petunias and some perennials will need to be started as early as February.
Linder’s Garden Center is a great source for an excellent selection of interesting flower and vegetable seeds including many organic and heirloom varieties. However, some very rare varieties may need to be ordered from a seed supplier by mail. Plan ahead so that you have seeds in hand at planting time. Be sure to store seeds in a cool, dry location until you are ready to plant.
Were you fortunate enough to receive a Gift Certificate for your favorite Garden Center? Perhaps you could use it for domed seeding trays or a new plant light or another seed-starting heat mat or a new trowel. Good, well-maintained equipment is a gardener’s best friend!

Bulbs

Check stored bulbs for condition. Any bulbs in storage for the winter should feel firm to the touch and not show signs of sprouting or any mold.

If you find sprouted bulbs, your conditions may be too warm. Move them to a cooler, but not freezing, location. Otherwise, pot them up and enjoy as a forced bulb.
If you find signs of mold or rot, your conditions may be too wet. Discard any bulbs that are damaged and spread the rest out in a shallow layer to air dry for a day or two, stirring several times. Repack into fresh storage medium (peat moss or perlite for instance) in a breathable box or bag.
Shriveled bulbs may mean your conditions are too dry. Spread them out and lightly mist both storage medium and bulbs. Repack and check again in a few days.
Attention to stored bulbs’ condition now and through the winter will result in firm healthy bulbs primed to leap into glorious color again in your spring garden.

The snows of January hold no threat through the green lace of an indoor garden!

December Gardening Checklist

Celebrate the Season!

Still time to plant a few spruce tops outside for some holiday cheer
If you haven’t protected your roses yet, then put on a winter cones to protect it during winter months.
Melted snow is great for watering house plants by providing minerals and conserving water. Be sure to warm it to room temperature.
Check shrubs and trees for needed pruning. Mark them now for later pruning.
Remember birds need food, shelter, and water to survive these cold months.
Start a mini-herb garden in a brightly lit window- include parsley, chives, mint, oregano or many other flavorful herbs to keep the flavor of summer going this winter.
Be sure to check and fill the water on your Christmas Tree daily. Read more…
Keep poinsettias away from heat sources and cold drafts. Read more…
Linder’s has a great selection of gifts for the gardener, including great books. Linder’s Gift Cards make great last minute gifts
Remember Linder’s After Christmas Sale

3 Tips For Selecting The Perfect Poinsettia

Pick a plant with green foliage as close to the soil line as possible
Healthy poinsettias should have large bracts (petals) that extend over the lower green foliage
Look for plants with small tight green button-like flower parts in the center of the bracts

October Gardening Checklist

General

Pumpkins, gourds, and corn stalks make great fall decorations.
Rake, mulch, and compost leaves.
Winterize garden beds. Don’t forget to clean off all powdery mildew. If any of your plants are infected, the disease can withstand winter creating new infections next year. Rake dead leaves from around your rose bushes & perennials. Decaying leaves can harbor unwanted fungus and insects that will destroy next year’s flowers and foliage. Any diseased material should go in your trash; everything else can be placed in the compost pile.
If you haven’t already done so, make notes about your garden. Did you try new vegetables and did some do better than others? Which varieties did you like and why? Make notes about your perennials and annuals too.
Many four legged critters are looking for extra food to eat and store for winter now. Repellents are helpful; there are odor and taste types available. Be prepared to try more than one type and to alternate several kinds since animals can get used to a constant odor or taste and learn to ignore it.
Join us during our Fall Fest Event with games, food, fun, hayrides and more for the whole family.
Put up holiday lights before the impending cold weather hits. Check them before putting them up.
You can keep adding organic material such as mulched leaves to new beds right up to freeze up. Such materials will decompose through the winter and will be ready to turn under at spring planting time. If you aren’t sure of the pH or fertility of your new garden, there is still time to get the soil tested.

Lawns

If you haven’t applied a fall fertilizer, there’s still time. This will give your lawn that early spring green-up.
Your lawn also needs water at this time of year. Good winter preparation includes a good suppy of water. Be sure lawns get around 1 inch of water per week.

Vegetables & Annuals

Pick green tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, etc… before our first frost. Let the tomatoes ripen indoors.
Remove rotting fruit and leaf debris promptly from all gardens, especially your vegetable garden, to prevent disease and insect problems, and avoid attracting foraging ‘critters’.
Continue to remove dead flowers and seed heads from annuals to promote continuous blooming as long as the season permits.

Indoor Plants

Continue to inspect closely for insects and treat if necessary. Catching a small pest problem early can eliminate an infestation during the winter. This is especially important if your house plants ‘vacation’ outdoors for the summer.
This would also be a good time to give them a good shower to wash off the dust and dirt that accumulated on the foliage from the last couple of months.
Be sure to reduce your fertilizing to every 2-4 weeks since the plants’ growth slows down during the fall and winter months.

Trees & Shrubs

Now that most trees and shrubs have dropped their leaves their branch structure is much more visible. You can use nice fall days to check them for possible problems. Look for damaged or diseased areas and weak or crossing branches.
Mark any branches to be removed with colored string, yarn or ribbon. Most pruning should be left to do in late winter or very early spring, but it is much more pleasant noting future pruning on a warm fall day than it is in January at below 0 temperatures!
Do not fertilize trees, shrubs, and perennials. Nitrogen promotes vegetative growth and soon our plants are storing energy for next years growth. At this time of year we do not want to force new growth.
Keep watering trees, shrubs, and perennials until the ground freezes, especially if they were planted this year. Provide protection from snow loads and dripping eaves if needed.
Shrubs and trees herald cooler nights by putting on fall colors as they begin to store food for the winter’s rest. Walk your neighborhood parks and note those that appeal to you. Gardening can be a year round adventure if you take some time to explore and appreciate all of the wonderful possibilities out there.

Roses

Protect your tender roses for winter by using the Minnesota “tip” method. Click this link, for more information.
Begin thinking about protecting your roses for the winter. Check out our care sheets on-line explaining the different methods for winter care of Roses: ‘Winter Care for Hybrid Teas, Floribunda, & Grandiflora’ and ‘Winter Care for Other Roses’.

Perennials

With colder weather upon us, be sure that all of your plants are watered on a regular basis. Before the ground freezes, your perennials, shrubs, and trees will still need a good supply of water heading into the long winter dormant period.
Leave spent flowers of perennials and roses to set seed now. This helps plants begin the slowdown needed for their winterizing process. Many seed heads can be left for interest and texture in the coming winter garden. They also provide winter food for birds.
Use the nice late fall days to tidy up the garden. If you are not leaving them for the birds or winter interest, perennials can be cut down and removed from the garden.
After the ground freezes to a depth of 1/2 inch or so, cover their roots with several inches of straw or marsh hay. Linder’s will have a good supply of both.
Consider saving and drying attractive seed heads, pods, berries and interesting branches to add to winter arrangements or wreaths.
Even “weeds” can add form and texture to an arrangement. If their natural color doesn’t appeal to you, remember that dried materials can be bleached, painted, dyed, and glittered in endless combinations. Experiment!

Birding in Your Backyard

Watch for migrating bird species
Most migrating Hummingbirds have left this area by the first week of October, but you may leave your hummer feeders up until the nights routinely get down to freezing. This will provide laggard birds with an energy supply to help them get to their wintering area in Central America. Leaving feeders up will not prevent these flying jewels from going south. The migration is triggered by daylight length and instinct, as well as cooler temperatures.

Bulbs

Dig tender bulbs and store inside. Read more…
There is still time to plant spring bulbs in pots and force them for February and March blooms. Remember that most bulbs need 12 to 14 weeks of cooling at 40 degrees to flower. Plant in succession so you may enjoy an extended blooming time during the cold winter months. Narcissus and amaryllis, though, can be potted now and will likely be in bloom for the Holidays.

If you have questions or problems, our helpful customer service representatives will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We want you to be a successful gardener with less work!

September Gardening Checklist

General

Fall is an excellent time for planting trees and shrubs (mid-August to mid-October).
Enjoy those big juicy tomatoes you dreamed of in January!
Make notes about your garden. Did you try new vegetables and did some do better than others? Which varieties did you like and why? Make notes about your perennials and annuals too.
Start cleaning up the debris from your lawn and garden. Any diseased material should go in your trash; everything else can be placed in the compost pile.
Continue to turn your compost pile. Moisten if needed.
Keep a sharp eye out for garden pests and treat immediately. Use insecticides wisely. Apply the proper product just when and where needed and use dosages according to the package directions. Our knowledgeable staff can assist in determining the problem and the most effective treatment.
Many four legged critters are looking for extra food to eat and store for winter now. Repellents are helpful; there are odor and taste types available. Be prepared to try more than one type and to alternate several kinds since animals can get used to a constant odor or taste and learn to ignore it.
Garden Mums, Rudbeckia, Butterfly Weed, Pansies, and Flowering Cabbage and Kale and many other fall plants are available to add some great fall color to your yard.

Plant Spring Flowering Bulbs in the Fall

When planting spring flowering bulbs, if you are unsure as to which end should go up, plant the bulb on its side. The shoots will always grow up towards the surface.
Fertilize spring flowering bulbs with bone meal or a good bulb fertilizer

Birding in Your Backyard

Clean your bird feeders and bird bath. Keeping them cleaned on a regular basis is important for birds’ health
Watch for early fall migrant birds. You may see the first south-bound hummingbirds in August.

Lawns

Fall is the most important time to fertilize your lawn. Fertilize now and then again around Halloween.
Apply weed and feed to your lawn when grass is moist, such as after a rain or heavy dew.
Aerate your lawn before seeding this fall. Aerating allows water and air to reach the roots, reduces compaction, and improves your lawns’ overall health.
Seed or sod bare spots in your lawn. The cooler temperatures and more rain make it a good time.

Vegetables & Annuals

Check out the great fall plants available at the Garden Center, including a wide selection of Garden Mums, several varieties of Flowering Cabbage and Kale, Rudbeckia, Asclepias, Coreopsis, Pennisetum and second season Pansies. Replacing tired annuals with fresh vibrant frost tolerant annuals now will ensure great color right through late fall and early winter.
Remove rotting fruit and leaf debris promptly from all gardens, especially your vegetable garden, to prevent disease and insect problems, and avoid attracting foraging ‘critters’.
Continue to remove dead flowers and seed heads from annuals to promote continuous blooming as long as the season permits.
Keep watering and fertilizing annuals. All container plants need to be watered on a regular basis.
Pull weeds when they are small- this will save time and effort later. Small weeds are a great addition to your compost bin as a great source of moisture, Nitrogen and trace minerals.

Trees, Shrubs, Roses, & Perennials

Now is a good time to divide many of your perennials
Stop fertilizing Trees, Shrubs, Roses and Perennials. They need ample time to slow their growth and harden off for winter. Feeding in the fall, especially with high Nitrogen fertilizers, promotes new vegetative growth which is more vulnerable to winter die-back. The plant is also less able to store carbohydrates needed for energy in spring.
Fall is still a good time to plant. Choose fresh, healthy plants and provide them with adequate deep watering. Newly planted trees and shrubs should be watered deeply two to three times a week, more if necessary. A two inch layer of wood chip mulch beneath plants will keep soil temperature and moisture levels more even and promote better root growth. Keep the mulch one or two inches away from the plant stems to avoid insect and disease problems; extend it beyond the width of the plant’s drip line.
Begin to leave spent flowers of perennials and roses to set seed now. This helps plants begin the slowdown needed for their winterizing process. Many seed heads can be left for interest and texture in the coming winter garden. They also provide winter food for birds.
Shrubs and trees herald cooler nights by putting on fall colors as they begin to store food for the winter’s rest. Walk your neighborhood parks and note those that appeal to you. Gardening can be a year round adventure if you take some time to explore and appreciate all of the wonderful possibilities out there.

Indoor Plants

Now that the nights are getting cooler, it is time to bring your indoor plants that have been out all season back inside the house.
Inspect closely for insects and treat if necessary. Catching a small pest problem early can eliminate an infestation during the winter. This is especially important if your house plants ‘vacation’ outdoors for the summer.
This would also be a good time to give them a good shower to wash off the dust and dirt that accumulated on the foliage from the last couple of months.
Be sure to reduce your fertilizing to every 2-4 weeks since the plants’ growth slows down during the fall and winter months.

If you have questions or problems, our helpful customer service representatives will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We want you to be a successful gardener with less work!

August Gardening Checklist

General

Enjoy those big juicy tomatoes you dreamed of in January!
Make notes about your garden. Did you try new vegetables and did some do better than others? Which varieties did you like and why? Make notes about your perennials and annuals too.
Keep a sharp eye out for garden pests and treat immediately. Use insecticides wisely. Apply the proper product just when and where needed and use dosages according to the package directions. Our knowledgeable staff can assist in determining the problem and the most effective treatment.
Many four legged critters are looking for extra food to eat and store for winter now. Repellents are helpful; there are odor and taste types available. Be prepared to try more than one type and to alternate several kinds since animals can get used to a constant odor or taste and learn to ignore it.
Be sure with the warm, dry weather that all of your plants are watered on a regular basis, especially those in pots. They will probably need water every day. Watering in the early morning is best. Continue to fertilize your pots regularly according to the fertilizer package directions.
Starting around mid-August, garden mums and other fall plants will be ready to add some great fall color to your yard.
Keep an eye on your compost bin. Compost in progress should be just barely moist. You may need to moisten the bin contents in dry weather to aid the breakdown of compost materials. Keeping it too wet excludes air and may promote odor, but compost materials will not break down if the pile is too dry.

Don’t forget to occasionally sit back, grab a cold glass of lemonade and ENJOY all the beautiful color in your garden!

Birding in Your Backyard

Clean your bird feeders and bird bath. Keeping them cleaned on a regular basis is important for birds’ health
Watch for early fall migrant birds. You may see the first south-bound hummingbirds in August.

Lawns

Aerate your lawn before seeding this fall. Aerating allows water and air to reach the roots, reduces compaction, and improves your lawns’ overall health.
Lawns also need water in hot dry weather. Be sure lawns get around 1 inch of water per week. A good deep 1 inch soaking once a week is better than light more frequent watering.
As with your flowers, trees and shrubs, lawns should be watered in the early morning.
Please be aware that many cities have watering restrictions with regard to lawn watering. Be sure to check with the city in which you live regarding any restrictions in place.
With less frequent rains, set your mower blade to a higher cutting height (approx. 2.5 to 3 inches). Mowing less frequently and not as short helps shade the grass roots, reducing the need for water. Never cut more than 1/3rd of the grass blade when mowing.
Setting your lawn mower to mulch will add nutrients back to your lawn.
Keep lawn mower blades sharp so they cut the grass cleanly. Tearing grass makes it more susceptible to disease.

Vegetables & Annuals

Remove rotting fruit and leaf debris promptly from all gardens, especially your vegetable garden, to prevent disease and insect problems, and avoid attracting foraging ‘critters’.
Continue to remove dead flowers and seed heads from annuals to promote continuous blooming as long as the season permits.
Check out the great fall plants available at the Garden Center, including a wide selection of Garden Mums, several varieties of Flowering Cabbage and Kale, Rudbeckia, Asclepias, Coreopsis, Pennisetum and second season Pansies. Replacing tired annuals with fresh vibrant frost tolerant annuals now will ensure great color right through late fall and early winter.
Keep watering and fertilizing annuals. All container plants need to be watered on a regular basis, probably every day for most containers.
Water hanging annual baskets frequently in warm windy weather.
Water your vegetable garden deeply and regularly. For healthy tomato fruit to develop and avoid Blossom End Rot, tomato plants need to be evenly watered.
Pull weeds when they are small- this will save time and effort later. Small weeds are a great addition to your compost bin as a great source of moisture, Nitrogen and trace minerals.

Trees, Shrubs, Roses, & Perennials

Stop fertilizing Trees, Shrubs, Roses and Perennials. They need ample time to slow their growth and harden off for winter. Feeding in the fall, especially with high Nitrogen fertilizers, promotes new vegetative growth which is more vulnerable to winter die-back. The plant is also less able to store carbohydrates needed for energy in spring.
Fall is still a good time to plant. Choose fresh, healthy plants and provide them with adequate deep watering. Newly planted trees and shrubs should be watered deeply two to three times a week, more if necessary. A two inch layer of wood chip mulch beneath plants will keep soil temperature and moisture levels more even and promote better root growth. Keep the mulch one or two inches away from the plant stems to avoid insect and disease problems; extend it beyond the width of the plant’s drip line.
Begin to leave spent flowers of perennials and roses to set seed now. This helps plants begin the slowdown needed for their winterizing process. Many seed heads can be left for interest and texture in the coming winter garden. They also provide winter food for birds.

Indoor Plants

Be sure to fertilize every other week for optimum growth.
Now is also a good time to give them a good shower. This washes off the dust and dirt that accumulates on the foliage from the last couple of months.
Inspect closely for insects and treat if necessary. Catching a small pest problem early can eliminate an infestation during the winter. This is especially important if your house plants ‘vacation’ outdoors for the summer.

Being Water Wise and Protecting Plants during Times of Drought

Responsible watering practices entail more than just the water you use and when you use it. Here are a few items to help you conserve water and help your plants survive a dry spell.

Mulch all shrubs and trees heavily with 2 to 3 inches of mulch. This is important in conserving soil moisture and keeping roots cool to reduce the stress on the plants. Perennial health is greatly improved by mulching as well. Keep the mulch an inch or two away from the plant stems to minimize disease problems at the plant crown.
Water deeply and slowly allowing time for the water to soak into the ground. Apply it at a rate that produces minimal runoff.
All plants should be watered thoroughly before mulching.
The best time to water is in the morning. The water has the best chance of soaking into the ground and the plants can utilize the water during the heat of the day. If this is not possible, make sure to water early enough in the evening so that plant leaves can dry before sundown.
Do not allow established, mature trees to dry out when rain has been infrequent. Even well established trees can die because they did not receive enough water. All it takes to keep them alive is one deep watering a week.
Remember that plants stressed by lack of moisture are much more vulnerable to insect and disease problems. The best defense against such problems is a healthy plant.
Be sure and stop in to Linder’s and pick up any items for your watering needs.

If you have questions or problems, our helpful customer service representatives will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We want you to be a successful gardener with less work!