We Keep
You Growing!
With Tips from On-Staff Experts
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“Pansies are a great addition to your garden if you want to add color for fall and spring. They are cold hardy and their bright faces can bloom all winter long or at the least they will wait out the cold to bloom again when it begins to warm up. The most important thing to remember is to make sure they have enough time to establish their root system (about 3 weeks) before the first freeze. This will help them to better endure our winter weather. Also, add composted manure to the soil when you begin to plant.”
- Melinda Pariza, Ohio Certified Garden Center Technician, Greenhouse Department Head
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“Stop fertilizing and deadheading roses five weeks before the first frost. Start to mulch your roses for winter protection when the temperatures begin to stay below freezing. Mulch roses with materials such as leaves, soil or bark mulch to a height of 8 to 12 inches around the base of the rose plant. Do not use pine bark mulch. You can also use rose cones and rose collars. Prune your roses to a height of 18 to 24 inches to keep them out of the winter winds.” - David Farr, Master Ohio Certified Nursery Technician, Nursery Staff |
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“Now is the perfect time to get your bird feeders ready for fall and winter feeding. To ensure the health of your bird visitors it is very important to clean your feeders regularly. Use a brush to loosen old seed and debris and then disinfect the feeder with a solution of one part household bleach to nine parts warm water. Make enough solution to immerse the feeder completely for two or three minutes. Spray to rinse and then let air dry.” - Tracy Stier, Master Ohio Certified Nursery Technician, Garden Staff
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“Following a cool wet spring was a not much drier summer. Planting landscape materials was quite a challenge while dodging the rain. With the cooler temperatures during the fall months, the opportunity for successful planting is prime! While the temperature of the surrounding air is steadily dropping, the ground temperature remains relatively constant providing a perfect growth medium for the root systems of your trees and shrubs.” - Rick Miralia, Master Ohio Certified Nursery Technician, Nursery Department Head.
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“Now is the time to apply Miracle-Gro Garden Weed Preventer for season long weed prevention in your garden. For spring flowers, plant hyacinths, narcissus, muscari and scilla bulbs now. These varieties are deer and rodent resistant.” - Rick Zoller, Ohio Certified Garden Center Technician, Lawn & Garden Department Head |