Tips for Busy Gardeners

Host: Gary Bachman, Ornamental Horticulture Specialist

Transcription:

Who is that guy who said great looking gardens could be maintenance free? Here are tips for busy gardeners today on Southern Gardening.

Southern Gardening with Gary Bachman is produced by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

No matter the height, a great looking garden is a lot of work. And with our busy lives, knowing a few shortcuts can help you work more efficiently in the landscape.

Like a scout, always be prepared for the season. You know the items you’re going to need in the garden this year. Buy them early. Don’t wait to make garden center runs every time you’re going to need that garden twine, slow released fertilizer, stakes, and the like. Now is a great time of the year for end of the season clearance sales. You’ll be prepared for next year and save yourself some money.

You need to learn how to play in the rain. Go to your favorite garden center when it is raining so you don’t waste good garden time in the checkout line. There will be fewer people, shorter lines, and staff will be able to answer your questions. And after the rain stops, those pesky weeds will be much easier to pull.

Also, pay attention when driving around town. This tip will help you visualize plant combinations. Observe how other gardeners have used plant combinations. There will be quite a variety once you start looking. If you see ones you like, make a note of it, and take it to the garden center. And talk to your gardening neighbors. Everyone has time saving tips to keep the garden more enjoyable. And that is the goal of gardening: to be able to enjoy the sweat equity you have invested.

I am horticulturist Gary Bachman for Southern Gardening.

Southern Gardening with Gary Bachman is produced by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.