ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, June 2, 1996 TAG: 9606040012
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: D-1 EDITION: METRO
The key to an easy care garden is to combine time-honored gardening practices with new products and technology that save time and trouble in the garden, according to gardening expert Todd Steadman.
"I like to call it smart gardening," says Steadman, editor of Garden Gate magazine, which specializes in practical gardening tips, ideas and advice. "You put in your time, research and effort up-front in order to save yourself problems down the road.
"Begin with the basics-good soil, the right plants, food and water. These are the fundamentals of a healthy, trouble-free garden," says Steadman. He offers the following tips:
Prepare the soil. Good loamy soil that drains well is essential to a successful garden. To achieve this it is advisable to add organic matter such as compost or peat moss. Work the organic matter into the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches. By adding enough organic matter to build the soil up a few inches above the surrounding area, you can create a "raised bed," which is ideal for improving drainage and keeping the soil loose and workable.
Choose the right plants. Not all plants are equal. Some are easier to care for than others. A local nursery or garden center is a good source of information on trouble-free plants. Often species that are native to your area, and thus adapted to local conditions, are a good choice. Plus, there are new patented varieties that are bred to be resistant to disease. One example is the new Flower Carpet groundcover rose which flowers prolifically yet is naturally resistant to common rose diseases such as black spot and mildew.
Use timed-release fertilizers. Just like people, plants need a balanced diet to stay healthy. However, traditional water soluble fertilizers need to be reapplied every week or ten days. Plus they are messy and difficult to handle. New coated timed-release fertilizers act like the timed-release capsules in cold pills. They release their nutrients gradually, over time. With these types of fertilizers it is only necessary to feed every two to six months, depending on the mix.
Water regularly. Water is the one non-negotiable ingredient required for your garden's growth. Plants need about one good, thorough watering per week. If nature doesn't provide sufficient rain, it's up to you to supplement. The key to watering is thoroughness. A light sprinkling only wets the surface of the soil, which encourages shallow root growth. It's important to give a minimum of one inch of water each watering. This gives a deep soaking and encourages deep, strong root systems. To measure how long or much you need to water, turn the sprinkler on to the pressure necessary to reach the greatest possible expanse of yard. Put out three empty tuna cans or margarine tubs, evenly spaced from right next to the sprinkler head to the furthest reach of the spray. Check the time, then leave the sprinkler on until you have collected at least one-inch of water in each container. Check the time again, and this will tell you how long you need to water at that faucet setting. It's best to water in the very early morning hours, even pre-dawn. An automatic water timer that turns the water on and off at a pre-set time is helpful.
Build in low-maintenance options Other tips for an easy care yard include ways to discourage weed growth and reduce the amount of area you need to maintain.
"Mulch is both attractive and helpful," explains Steadman. "It makes a garden bed look neat and professional and it discourages weed growth.
"One way to reduce your garden maintenance tasks," says Steadman, who by training is a landscape architect, "is to reduce the amount of your garden that will need attention. Consider a smaller lawn area to reduce mowing needs. And permanent garden structures like deck and patio areas not only reduce your maintenance needs, but give you a place to enjoy your garden."
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