Garden expert offers help for struggling gardens, advice for next year
10:49 a.m. Monday, August 18, 2008
It's been a wet, cool year, but some people's gardens still may be struggling.
49's garden expert Dave Jackson suggests testing your soil. Extensive soil tests can be purchased at K-State Research and Extension of Shawnee County, 1700 Western Ave. Those tests detail numerous issues that may be detrimental to your soil.
If you don't want to spend a lot, a ph test can provide some piece of mind.
"Ph is most important. That's of prime importance because if it gets out of range, below 6 or above, say, 7.2," Jackson said. "The roots system cannot absorb the nutrients that are in the soil."
Got a question?
As we continue our coverage of gardens and planting issues, we want to know what's on your mind. Submit your issue or question to our garden expert here.
Gardeners can receive a free ph test at Jackson's Greenhouse, 1933 NW Lower Silver Lake Road. All you have to do is bring in a coffee cup full of soil.
Proper weeding can also help your garden flourish, he said.
"As you're pulling the weeds, keep those for compost so that will be ready to add to the soil next spring when you work your soil in," Jackson said.
So, how much compost can one add. Jackson said if your roto-tiller is up to the job, feel free to put down a couple inches of compost and work it into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. He suggests adding compost after the first killing frost.
While gardeners continue harvesting the fruits of their labor, they may not know they can begin planting a fall garden. Turnips and radishes grow particularly well this time of year, he said.
And, in late February, you can start planting peas. Come early March, it's okay to plant hardy radishes and onions.
Gardening Advice
See other interviews with a representative from Jackson's Greenhouse for more advice on gardening.
- Gardening Tip 24: Arrival of fall means more yard maintenance (October 27, 2008)
- Gardening Tip 23: Attack broadleaf weeds before it's too late (October 20, 2008)
- Gardening Tip 22: Next spring's weeds are making plans for your yard (October 13, 2008)
- Gardening Tip 21: Put your green thumbs to use in October (October 6, 2008)
- Gardening Tip 20: Don't assume flower growing season is over (Sept. 29, 2008)
- Gardening Tip 19: Lawn beautification starts with a simple test (Sept. 22, 2008)
- Gardening Tip 18: Some pure seed bags are not that innocent (Sept. 15, 2008)
- Gardening Tip 17: Got rotting tomatoes? The problem may be more than meets the eye (Sept. 8, 2008)
- Gardening Tip 16: Don't waste your money on crab grass killer (Aug. 25, 2008)
- Gardening Tip 15: Protecting your tomatoes (July 21, 2008)
- Gardening Tip 14: Weeding out grass look-a-likes (July 14, 2008)
- Gardening Tip 13: Combating plant-damaging beetles, bugs (July 7, 2008)
- Gardening Tip 12: Freeze threat over; check for soggy ground before planting (May 10, 2007)
- Gardening Tip 11: Don't get too anxious to start gardening (March 9, 2007)
- Gardening Tip 10: Start caring for your plants before weather warms up (February 8, 2007)
- Gardening Tip 9: Bring outdoors inside during cold weather (Nov. 20, 2006)
- Gardening Tip 8: To preserve your blooms, cover perennials at night (Oct. 12, 2006)
- Gardening Tip 7: Put down lawn seed by second week in October (Sept. 14, 2006)
- Gardening Tip 6: Moisture, fertilizer critical to beautiful lawns (Aug. 24, 2006)
- Gardening Tip 5: Soak your plants weekly (July 13, 2006)
- Gardening Tip 4: Water, fertilizer crucial during summer months (June 9, 2006)
- Gardening Tip 3: Hold off on planting fruits (May 11, 2006)
- Gardening Tip 2: Sow your seeds on Mother's Day (April 13, 2006)
- Spring time is almost here; get your greenthumb out (March 9, 2006)
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)