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Gardening

Try compost: Plants thrive in richer soil

Fill up your flower beds with it and watch the results bloom in your yard and garden.

By MARY COLLISTER
Published April 22, 2005

I didn't plan on running a scientific experiment when I planted portulaca in my yard, but I noted some interesting results nonetheless.

Most of the plants are in my front beds since they add such a splash of color and are so easy to care for throughout the summer. I planted two containers with portulaca on the back lanai also and these 12 plants have exploded while the plants in the front slowly grow.

The main difference is the soil. I used a good, bagged potting soil in the containers, while the soil in the front beds is not as fertile. The plants in the back received less water, which I would have thought would slow down their progress, but it hasn't.

I take these results as a good reason to keep adding organic material to my beds. I have the opportunity to pick up some free compost from a friend and have been putting it off.

But now this "experiment" has given me the motivation to grab my shovel and fill up my husband's truck with compost. When I remove my petunias from the front, I'll mix in compost before replanting the area with begonias for the summer.

The petunias still look wonderful and with the cooler weather we have had lately, I am hoping they will last into May before having to be removed.

I have already added a few begonias (248 to be exact) to my yard. I ran across a deal I couldn't pass up, so I spent two evenings last week tucking the small plants here and there in my yard. We had rain the next day so they are off to a good start.

In a day or two I will give them a water soluble fertilizer at half strength. If the slugs stay away from them, I should have a grand showing this summer.

I'm chasing squirrels from my peach trees by adding more computers disks to the branches. I also laid foil on the ground around the trunks and weighted them down with rocks. I hope the reflection scares the little rodents off.

My blueberries are progressing nicely. I have had a few ripe ones and I'm anxious for the rest to ripen. I still can't figure out, although I'm happy about it, why the squirrels eat the peaches but leave the blueberries. Both are on the same side of the house.

My newly planted cherry, plum and pear trees are all doing well. I have had to add a little supplemental water, but they have all leaved out and look quite healthy. I won't have any fruit on them this year but hope to see a few next year.

If you have plants that are overgrown, now is the best time to cut them a bit. Those that need severe pruning will quickly recover during the growing season.

If your azaleas are finished blooming, prune them before the end of June. After that, you risk pruning off the buds of next season's flowers. I plan on giving mine a little heavier pruning this year and then feeding them with nitrogen a couple of times during the season.

The foliage has been a little sparse and I will try to thicken it. About early winter I will fertilize with a bloom-booster and then with the same formulation after the buds swell.

You may have received a flowering plant for Easter and with the proper care you can have a healthy plant for years. A few of the more traditional flowering gifts include:

Belgian Indica azaleas: The bright green leaves of this azalea make a great background for the large colorful blooms. Medium light is required and keep the soil evenly moist. Start feeding with an acid-type of plant food when the flower petals start to drop.

It requires high humidity and a cool temperature to be at its best. Remove faded flowers and pinch back new growth to encourage branching. After enjoying this plant indoors, plant outdoors in a shady location.

Easter lily: This popular Easter plant holds its large white, trumpet-shaped flowers atop single stems. Keep it moist and in medium light. Use an all-purpose fertilizer such as a 20-20-20 or 15-30-25. An average to cool temperature and moderate humidity will keep it happy. Plant it outdoors in a sunny location. Plant the bulb 2-3 inches deeper than it was planted in the pot.

Gardenia: This plant is popular both indoors and out because of its glossy green leaves and fragrant, creamy to pure white flowers. It needs medium to high light and must be kept moist.

An all-purpose fertilizer such as 20-20-20 or 15-30-15 will keep it growing along with high humidity and an average temperature. Flower buds drop if humidity is too low. Gardenia prefers full sun to partial shade. They are also susceptible to aphids so be on the lookout for those tiny insects.

If you haven't done so already, move the plants outdoors to an appropriate location. All of the above plants will do much better outside.

If you haven't been to the Epcot International Flower and Garden Show, now is a great time to visit. This is the 12th year they have hosted this event, and it gives you a chance to see wonderful planting beds and magnificent topiaries.

I try to go every year or two and will make the trip this month. Take the trip through the greenhouses and spend hours wandering through the park. This is something that Disney does well.

Festival highlights include the Flower Power Concert Series featuring music from the 1960s and 1970s, and appearances by gardening experts who cover a variety of subjects. For more information go to www.epcot.com After completing the chores in your yard, this is a good reward.

[Last modified April 21, 2005, 08:33:10]