The five P's of Preparation
"Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance." - James Baker
Although not originally intended specifically for the gardening community, this quote rings true when creating a successful garden or landscape.
If you haven't already, now is the time to plan and prepare for the upcoming season. Many measures can and should be taken in early spring so that the growing season will start smoothly and produce abundantly.
Water
If you haven't watered your trees, shrubs, lawn, or perennials over the winter, do it NOW! If you are planning a vegetable garden, water the area. Once you get to planting, the vegetables, flowers, trees, or shrubs will greatly appreciate any extra amount of water that is already in the soil.
Clean
It's time to get out those rakes, pruners, and wheelbarrows... clean up debris, and dead foliage, and do a general garden clean-up.
Apply Herbicide
Pre-emergent herbicide prevents weed seeds from germinating, so apply it before those seeds begin to grow! If weeds are already beginning to sprout, it's easier to kill them when they are young. An herbicide like KillzAll (glyphosate) will be effective at removing weeds before they take over the area. Organic herbicides are available but may not always be as effective. You may need to be extra diligent when keeping the weeds in check if using Organic options. Always read and follow the instructions and wear PPE when applying herbicide or insecticide.
Fertilize
Established trees and shrubs, and the lawn should be fertilized before new buds begin to form. Follow the application rates for the best results!
Prune
Shrubs and trees should be pruned before new buds begin to form. Roses, fruit trees, boxwoods, and berries are all good examples. Do not prune early-flowering shrubs such as forsythia, lilac, or weigela.
Test Soil
The most important aspect of growing a successful garden is good soil! Take the time to complete a full-range, professional soil test. The OSU Extension Office in Guymon will be more than happy to help you. These soil tests are completed by professionals at OSU and only cost $10. Contact the Extension Office at (580) 338-7300 or (580) 338-8627 or stop by in person at 301 N Main St, Guymon, OK 73942.
Amend Soil
Once you have the results of your soil test it is time to amend the soil. The soil test will tell you exactly what nutrients your garden has in abundance and what nutrients your garden needs. The soil test will also tell you if your soil is alkaline or acidic. You can purchase a variety of composts, fertilizers, and amendments to give your soil exactly what it needs.
Service Tools & Equipment
There is nothing worse than heading out to plant your garden only to realize a crucial tool or piece of equipment has seen better days and should have been replaced or repaired. Take the time now to look over your inventory and make the necessary repairs or replacements.
Plant Grass Seed
Cool season grasses such as fescue and bluegrass should be sown early in the spring.
Plant Trees & Shrubs
It's no secret that we experience harsh summers in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Plant trees and shrubs while it's cool outside; they will not experience as much transplant shock if planted in the early spring and they will have more time to become established before winter.
What's been going on at the Garden Shop? We continue to clean and organize our merchandise, making room for new arrivals. Last week we received a shipment of pottery from Ceramo and a shipment of macrame hangers. We hope to see many of you at the Garden Shop next Saturday; the weather is forecasted to be sunny, 71 degrees, and calm.
We are expecting a shipment of trees and shrubs from Greenleaf nursery this week, so be on the lookout for the next newsletter which will include a list of new arrivals.
The greenhouses in Goodwell keep filling up and are starting to overflow! We've moved frost-hardy vegetables and flowers outside to make room for the newest shipment of roses and perennials. The container-grown zucchini are putting forth a substantial amount of fresh zucchini, and the cucumber hanging baskets have tiny cucumbers. Be on the lookout for these items which may soon be available in Guymon!
For more information, give us a call at (580) 338-5020 or email us at helmsnursery@gmail.com
You can also leave a comment directly on this post!
We are open at 124 North Quinn Street from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday.
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Happy Gardening!