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As
you get started with summer gardening projects, remember to survey
your gardens and containers before buying new plants. Keep soil and light
conditions in mind as you make your plant purchases--do you need species
that will thrive in sun, part-sun or shade? Will you have the time and
desire to water regularly or will you need plants that are more drought
tolerant? Our part of
Minnesota
is now considered a "Zone 5" so you will want to look for
perennials with that classification or a lesser zone number in terms of
plant hardiness.
If
you are looking for new ideas, gardening magazines and books can be
helpful for gaining new ideas for color and plant combinations. Some
gardeners enjoy mixing flowers and vegetables in their gardens and that
might be an area you want to explore. Talk to your neighbors who garden
and ask them for recommendations about the plants they prefer.
When
planting containers or garden beds, many gardeners like to provide greater
interest by planting species that grow to varying plant heights. Trailing
plants like wave petunias and verbena can also be used to hide ordinary
pots or brighten a retaining wall.
Whether
you are planting annuals or perennials, check the information on the tag
or ask the grower for tips on the best planting methods to help ensure
your garden's success.
Feed
& Water: To keep your plants looking their best, remember to fertilize
them and give them plenty of water, especially on extremely windy and hot
days.
Journaling
Keep
or start a gardener's journal, either in written or electronic form.
In addition t o jotting down notes to yourself about plantings and
blooming patterns, you can take pictures of your gardens and containers
when first planted and then again every few weeks to track progress. This
information will help you better plan next year's garden and help you keep
from repeating any less than ideal experiences.
For More Gardening Information/Tips:
Renegade Gardener
Landscape Plants of the Upper
Midwest
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