Gardening And More

How To Compost

2012-01-16T14:28:00.000-08:00

How to Compost

As the leaves fall off your deciduous trees and shrubs with every slight breeze of the wind and gently fall to the ground that is our sign as gardeners that the fall season is here. Your deciduous leaves are an excellent choice to start composting the leaves. All the nutrients that you gave your plants during the year are harnessed in the leaves. By composting the leaves and other organic material you can make an excellent and inexpensive soil amendment, and avoid wasting natural resources. Composting is a natural form of recycling that continually occurs in nature. Studies have shown that by home composting you can divert an average of 700 pounds per household per year from the waste stream.

Beginners may ask: Where do I start? How do I begin to compost? The answer is very simple. The apple, carrot, potatoes you just peeled for lunch or dinner that is organic material that you can compost. The coffee grounds used to make your coffee in the morning make an excellent choice to compost or take the grounds and sprinkle on top of the soil of all your acid loving plants, such as Azaleas, Camellias, Rhododendrons and many others. Not a coffee connoisseur, but enjoy tea instead? The tea bag or tea leaves can be composted, too. When composting: do not include any oily fats, bones, meat or fish products as these items will attract unwanted wildlife to your compost area.

There are three components to composting: aeration of the compost, moisture, and carbon to nitrogen ratio. Aeration of the compost can be achieved by turning your compost. There are mainly two different types of composters. The compost tumblers, which you can turn by hand after adding new organic material or stationary composters when new compost is added one can use a pitch fork or compost turning fork to aerate the compost. The moisture of the compost should be between 40 to 60 percent. Natural occurring microbes and water begin the composting process. Microbes are microscopic live forms, bacteria and fungi, that break down or ingest organic material and the waste that is formed is called compost. Too much moisture slows down the composting by not allowing enough aeration or air to the microbes and compost. To little moisture the microbes and composting process slows down or becomes dormant. The microbes and compost need water to set in motion the composting process. The carbon to nitrogen ratio are the ingredients you will need to make your recipe for composting. When composting think of the process as following a recipe to make a dinner or dessert. The carbon to nitrogen ratio is 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen. The ratio simplified is 3 to 4 pounds nitrogen to 100 pounds carbon. You can think of the carbon to nitrogen ratio as this: carbon is the food and nitrogen is the digestive enzymes. Carbon to nitrogen ratio can be viewed as organic green material and brown material. Below is a list of organic material that can be used in the compost bin. Each organic material is divided into carbon or nitrogen category.

Organic material that contains CARBON:

Leaves, shrub prunings (thick woody stems will take longer to break down), straw and hay (no seeds in the hay), pine needles (very acid use moderately unless the natural soil is very alkaline), wood ash, dryer lint, corn cobs and stalks (cut before composting), dried grass, egg shells (neutral).

Organic material that contains NITROGEN:

Table scraps (no meats or bones), fruit and vegetable scraps, grass clippings, lawn and garden weeds (no weed seeds), flowers and cuttings, fresh manures: horse, chicken, rabbit, cow, coffee grounds (paper filters can be included), tea leaves (loose and bags), left over fruits and vegetables from the garden, egg shells (neutral).

This is the recipe for composting success thou the recipe does not have to be exact. Just throw everything into to the composter and stir.

Hibiscus And More has an excellent choice for a stationary composter that is hand crafted with northern white cedar. Click To Order.

©Cheryl Ann Meola

Texas Certified Nursery Professional 1282

Need A Horticulturist?

2012-01-15T18:30:00.000-08:00

Ask a Horticulturist

Horticultural Consultant

Do you want to landscape your yard, but you don't know where to start?

Are there plants in your yard which you cannot identify and have no idea what they are? Are they weeds, or worse - poisonous

Do you desire a gorgeous looking landscape, but would rather someone else do the labor?

If you can answer yes to any of these questions you may need a degreed horticulturist to assist you in all aspects of the horticultural field.

Ask a Horticulturist
Email Cheryl@hibiscusandmore.com with your question

Qualifications:

A.A. IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE - SPECIALIZING IN NATIVE PLANTS, HYDROPONIC-ORGANIC VEGETABLE & HERB GARDENS, BUTTERFLY & HUMMINGBIRD GARDENS
FORMER HORTICULTURIST TO A 240-ACRE PRIVATE ESTATE
TEXAS CERTIFIED NURSERY PROFESSIONAL

January Gardening Calendar

2012-01-15T09:32:00.000-08:00

January Gardening Calendar

Bare Root Roses will be arriving soon at local garden centers. Prepare planting beds by digging an area 4 feet wide by 12 inches deep for each rose. Soak bare root roses in a mixture of SuperThrive and water for 24 to 48 hours before planting. For more information on Rose Care.

Poinsettias water only when the soil is dry to the touch. Start fertilizing in March. Poinsettias need bright light and cool temperatures even indoors.

Deciduous Trees and Shrubs the structure of the trees can be easily seen this time of year. Prune all branches that rub or cross each other. Trees and shrubs can be planted now. Plan to plant on a warm day when the ground is not frozen. When the weather warms for a week or longer, and then the temperatures drop into the twenties, cover Camellias and Gardenias nightly until the temperatures are above freezing. The last week in January prune Pear and Apple trees, and Grape vines.

Vegetable Garden till the soil, if the ground is dry. This preventative measure helps to eliminate weeds, insects, and nematodes. Don’t have room for a vegetable garden, but would like to grow your own vegetables? All vegetables can be grown in large planters such as these, Hibiscus and More offers. In fact, that is how I grow my vegetables each season. For more information on Spring Vegetable Gardening. Click to View Hibiscus and More’s selection of cedar planter boxes.

Prune Pampas Grass and all other ornamental grasses down to about 12 inches. Prune Lantana and Cannas to about 2 to 3 inches. Shape Crepe Myrtles and Altheas and remove old seed heads.

Annuals water winter annuals like pansies, violas, ornamental cabbage and kale, after a hard freeze. This helps to rehydrate the annuals faster. Water outside container plants before a hard freeze, too.

Houseplants check for insects. Insects like mealy bugs, scale, spider mites are more likely to infest your plants during the winter months. Spray with a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, and make sure you spray underneath the leaves. Turn your houseplants a quarter to half turn once a week. This prevents leaning of your houseplants. I turn mine once a week when I water my houseplants. Click to View Hibiscus and More’s excellent selection of rare, quality Houseplants.

Need more gardening advice? Follow our BlogSpot for current sales, daily specials, and sound gardening advice. Simply click on Join This Site Link under Followers. Sign Up Is Free. View Current Blog Post Click Here.

©Cheryl Ann Meola

Texas Certified Nursery Professional #1282

December Gardening Calendar

2011-12-05T08:06:00.001-08:00

December Gardening Calendar

The Holiday Plants that you kept last year need to be placed in a dark room during the evening hours for the plants to bloom this holiday season. I remember this gardening ritual when it is time to turn back our clocks; it is time to give my holiday plants total darkness until I see buds or bracts forming. Christmas Cactus and Poinsettias are night dependent plants for them to bloom; these plants need so many hours of darkness to bloom. The cooler weather also helps in the blooming process. If you purchased new holiday plants, try to place them in the coolest area of your home.

Have you planted cool weather annuals? If not, there is still time to plant. Are your pansies already planted? Now is the time to fertilize your pansies, violas, snapdragons, ornamental cabbage and kale.

For Southern gardeners that are in zones 9 or 10 there is still time to plant your spring flowering bulbs.

Rake your leaves from your lawn by doing so; you will not have dead spots in the grass next spring. The leaves make excellent compost for the landscape beds in the spring. Need A Composter? Hibiscus and More has Hand Crafted Cedar Composter. Click To View.

Tis the season to harvest holiday decorations from your garden, Holly, Nandina, Pyracantha berries and foliage make an excellent red holiday accent for table centerpieces and hearth mantels.

Attract birds to your garden with different types of bird feeders. Bird experts recommend a selection of bird feeders that hold wild birdseed, thistle seed, and some that have suet cake holders. Bird experts recommend attracting wild birds to use black oil sunflower seed; this will attract a larger variety of wild birds. Hibiscus and More offers Thistle Bird Feeders, Bird Feeders with Suet Cake Holders, and Bird Feeders For Black Oil Sunflower Seed. View Thistle Bird Feeders. View Bird Feeders with Suet Cake(s) Holders. View Bird Feeders For Black Oil Sunflower Seed.

Need Horticulture Advice? Ask A Horticulturist. It’s Free.

Hibiscus and More now has a monthly newsletter and we just started a new feature called the deal of the week. Click To View. Join our newsletter to receive specials and more. The deal of the week is Gardening Gloves. Need a new pair of gardening gloves to complete your gardening task? Click To Order Gardening Gloves at 30% off.

Hibiscus and More is having a 30% off sale now through December 25. For holiday gifts please allow 5 to 7 days for holiday delivery. 30% off Cedar Planters. 30% off Bird Feeders. 30% off Bird House. 30% off Wind Chimes. 30% off Rockin’ Ribbons. 30% off Solar Garden Gifts. Click on the links to view.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays From Hibiscus and More.

Texas Certified Nursery Professional #1282

Cyber Monday Deal

2011-11-28T08:59:00.000-08:00

Cyber Monday Deal

Save 25% off everything in the store plus free shipping. Shop for engraved gifts for everyone on your shopping list. Click here to save 25% on engraved gifts on Monday.

November Gardening Calendar

2011-11-08T08:25:00.000-08:00

November Gardening Calendar

Blow or rake fallen leaves from lawn areas. Don’t forget to compost the leaves. Spray each layer with water. Need a composter? Click Here To Order Your Handcrafted Cedar Composter.

Plant spring-flowering bulbs now and add bone meal to the planting hole. For more information on fall bulbs Click Here.

You can save your Elephant Ears, Dahlias, and Caladiums by digging them up now. Let the tubers dry out before storing for the winter. Store tubers in boxes layered with peat moss or vermiculite, then layer tubers on top of your choice of medium. Store boxes in a cool, dry place.

After the flowers have faded on Chrysanthemums and Asters prune to 4 inches.

Fill bird feeders with black oil sunflower seeds. Need a new bird feeder this fall season? Click To Order Your Bird Feeders.

Plant New Shrubs and Trees: Have you been thinking about replacing a few shrubs that just did not quite get established in the landscape, or planting a new shade or flowering tree that you just cannot live without in your landscape? Now, is the time to start thinking about making that purchase? The fall season is an excellent time to add new shrubs and trees to your landscape. This time of year will let your newly planted shrubs and trees get a head start by developing and establishing new root growth in the soil.

You still have time to plant your winter color such as: Chrysanthemums, Pansy, Viola, Snapdragons, Stock, Cyclamen, Dianthus, Sweet Alyssum, Flowering Cabbage and Kale provide winter color through the spring and should be still available at garden centers. For spring blooms plant Bluebonnet and Poppy seeds this fall.

Have you ever tried forcing Paperwhites for the holidays and the stems and blooms became leggy? Here is a link to an article about what to do to prevent the legginess from occurring. Click Here To Read More: http://www.hortmag.com/weekly-tips/cultivation/growing-paperwhites?et_mid=525016&rid=2111517

Cheryl Ann Meola

Certified Texas Nursery Professional #128

Business for Sale – eCommerce Website $17,000

2011-10-11T15:07:00.000-07:00

Business for Sale – eCommerce Website $17,000

Hibiscus and More website for sale. Sale includes: Domain Names, Domain Name transfer to purchaser, 6 Drop Ship vendors, and many more extras.

The web site is great for a garden hobbyist, beginning nurseries just starting their business, established nurseries that deal with tropical plants or gardening supplies.

Email Cheryl@hibiscusandmore.com with any questions.

Suet Bird Feeders

2011-09-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

Create a backyard habitat for your feathered friends with Suet Bird Feeders. Suet Bird Feeders are available in two different styles: Cardinal Suet Bird Feeder and Hummingbird Suet Bird Feeder. Both designs have Colorful, artistically designed Polyresin Body and Black Metal Suet Cage that you will enjoy for years to come. Create your backyard habitat or apartment patio and attract more birds by supplying a variety of bird foods that are both functional and unique. Dimensions: 15”L x 2”W x 8”D. Click To Order.

Herb Plants 4-Inch Sale $2.00 For 4-Inch Pots

2011-09-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Mint, Candy Mint, Peppermint, Spearmint, Ginger Mint all mints on sale for this weekend only from 9/9/2011 to 9/11/2011. Hurry supply is limited. Click To Order.

Solar Wind Chimes 50% Off Dolphin and Moon & Stars

2011-08-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

These truly unique wind chimes are not only provide music to your ears, they provide a feast for the eyes. Beautiful right out of the box, you'll marvel as they collect the sun's rays during the day and explode with multicolored light as dusk falls. Choose from four different styles: humming birds, moon and stars, dolphins or butterflies. Whatever your choice, you can't go wrong. All have multi-color LED displays which are entirely solar powered, require no electrical wiring and can be set to light automatically at dusk. Solar panel comes with clip and suction cup providing multiple easy mounting options. Chime portion approx. 20" long with an additional 6 feet of cord for hanging. Click To Order.

Rockin' Ribbons Happy Thanksgiving

2011-08-25T16:28:00.001-07:00

Hibiscus and More’s Rockin’ Ribbon Wreaths will express your feelings to your special someone, whether they be friend, spouse, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, or lover. I would like to introduce our Rockin’ Ribbon Wreaths. No Matter what the occasion you are celebrating we have the Rockin’ Ribbon Wreath to make it a lasting memory. Give a gift that will last a lifetime.

Each Rockin’ Ribbon Wreath is made of 100% recycled guitar strings with your favorite holiday ribbon to represent the occasion. Each Rockin’ Ribbon Wreath is unique and no two are exactly the same. You will have an original piece of art that will last a lifetime.

There are several occasions or events to represent in Hibiscus and More’s Rockin’ Ribbon Wreaths such as: New Year’s, Valentine’s, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Graduation, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New baby, Birthday, Friendship, Sympathy, Get Well, Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, Halloween, First Day of School, Secretaries Day, Bosses Day, Thinking about You. Don’t see you’re Occasion or Holiday. Special Orders will be accepted. Just email me at: Cheryl@hibiscusandmore.com for more information. Click To Order.

Rockin' Ribbons Fall/Autumn

2011-08-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

New Products Rockin' Ribbons Halloween

2011-08-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

New Products For August Wind Chimes

2011-08-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

Curious Critters Wind Chimes by Artist McKenzie Kae produce music in the wind with the slightest breeze. Curious Critters Wind Chimes are available in four different styles: Curious Critters Owl, Curious Critters Frog, Curious Critters Cat, and Curious Critters Dog. Curious Critters Wind Chimes are Metal with glass, marble accents, these showpieces will transform your garden, deck, patio, and home into a gallery of motion and music. Each piece will easily hang and produce music with the slightest of breeze. All pieces are metal with marble, glass beads. Item Size: 20 inches Tall. Click To Order.

Herb Plants 50% Off Sale

2011-08-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

Enjoy Fresh Herbs Everyday By Buying and Growing Your Own Herbs. Herbs are easy to grow and can be grown in any container or planted in the landscape. Mint plants can be grown in a hanging baskets and with all mint plants purchased it will come with a mint tea recipe. Order Your Fresh Herbs at 50% Off Now.

Mosquito Repellent Plants at 50% Off

2011-08-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

Enjoy your patio or outdoor living space by having Mosquito Repellent Plants. Mosquito Repellent Plants can be planted in the ground or grown in containers. Order Now To Enjoy Your Patio.

Lemon Bush Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus citriodora Lemon Bush

2011-08-05T19:04:00.000-07:00

Lemon Bush Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus citriodora Lemon Bush. Type: Perennial. USDA Zones: 9 – 10. Height: 3 – 4 feet. Spacing: 18 – 24 inches apart. Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade. White blossoms in the summer. Sword-shaped gray-green, silver-gray, to light green leaves. A hint of red fall foliage color change. When brushed the leaves release a unique citrus spice fragrance. Lemon Bush Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus citriodora Lemon Bush will come in a 4-inch container and will be fully rooted. Great Plant To Repel Mosquitoes. Click Here To Order.

Lemon Basil – Ocimum basilicum citriodora

2011-08-01T20:36:00.000-07:00

Lemon Basil – Ocimum basilicum citriodora. Type: Annual. Height: 18 – 30 inches. Spacing: 12 – 18 inches apart. Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade. Blooms pink flowers in summer. Additional Uses: Leaves can be used fresh or dried in tomato dishes, pasta dishes, vegetables, and soups. Lemon Basil is excellent on Chicken and fish dishes. A companion plant that repels aphids, mites, and tomato hornworms. Lemon Basil – Ocimum basilicum citriodora will come in a 4-inch container and will be fully rooted. Click To Order.

Cape Honeysuckle – Tecomaria capensis

2011-08-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

Cape Honeysuckle – Tecomaria capensis. Type: Vine – like shrub. Height: Up to 10 feet. Spacing: 5 to 7 feet apart. Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade. Hardiness Zones: 9 – 11. Orange – red blooms from spring through fall. Attracts Hummingbirds and butterflies. Excellent plant for trellises or to plant along a fence. Cape Honeysuckle – Tecomaria capensis will come in a 4-inch container and will be fully rooted. Click To Order.

Chocolate Mint – Mentha x piperita ‘Chocolate’ Sale

2011-08-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Mint – Mentha x piperita ‘Chocolate’. Type: Perennial. Height: 18 – 24 inches. Spacing: 18 – 24 inches apart. Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade. Blooms purple flowers in summer. Chocolate Mint smells and taste like an after dinner mint or a chocolate peppermint candy. Additional Uses: Add to iced or hot teas, bread recipes, desserts, coffee. To add extra flavor to coffee and hot chocolate. Chocolate Mint – Mentha x piperita ‘Chocolate’ will come in a 4-inch container and will be fully rooted. Click To Order.

Hibiscus Plant Care

2011-07-26T17:16:00.001-07:00

Hibiscus Plant Care

Hibiscus Plant Care Instructions and Gardening Tips
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is in the Malvaceae family and all family names end with "aceae". For identification each plant species are placed into a family. To be categorized within a family, each plant species must have technical characteristics. Plants are classified into families based on several criteria, but mainly the flower is the main classifying feature. The scientific community has devised a naming system for plants, a latinized binomial system. The first word is the genus name, the second word is the specific epithet, and together the words form the species name. For example, the scientific name for the plant commonly called southern magnolia is Magnolia grandiflora; the genus is Magnolia, the specific epithet grandiflora. Scientific names are universal and there will be no confusion when one uses the names. Several plants have numerous common names and the one drawback to using common names is that they change from state to state and from county to county. Some common plant names even include part or the entire scientific name. Hibiscus rosa-senensis has more than a few common names: Chinese Hibiscus, Tropical Hibiscus, and Hibiscus. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is native to southern China and is only winter hardy in tropical regions of the world. Hibiscus' are hardy from USDA zones 9-11 and can be planted in the garden. For gardeners north of zone 9 you may grow Hibiscus' in containers and can winterize the plant in the fall. Following are care instructions and gardening tips to maintain your new Hibiscus.

The key to a plant's success is appropriate soil, light, water, and fertilizer. An appropriately watered and fertilized plant will tolerate more stress than a plant that is not properly cared for. When a plant is under stress that is when the plant is more susceptible to insect and/or disease infestations. The less stress a plant endures the healthier the plant is. Several stress factors that a plant endures can be prevented by proper care.

Immediate Hibiscus Care Upon Arrival For 4" Pots: First, remove the plant(s) from the box and plant sleeves from around the pot. Our Hibiscus plants are shipped on the dry side. Place the plant(s) in a saucer and water the plant until the water starts to collect in the saucer, while the plant is absorbing the water in the saucer, mist the plant(s) with water. This procedure helps the plant gain back some of the water it lost during the shipping process. Do not put your plant in direct sunlight for two weeks because your Hibiscus needs to acclimate to a new growing environment. After your plant is refreshed from their journey you may want to repot your Hibiscus to a larger container, it is recommended to go no larger than 4 inches from the original pot size; an 8-inch azalea type pot will be perfect. First, remove the plastic pot, and fill ¼ of the container with your potting soil. I have had good luck with Scotts Potting Soil or MiracleGro Potting Soil; both soils will provide the drainage that is perfect for growing your Hibiscus. Next, place the 4" root ball in the container, and while holding the root ball in an upright position, fill the container with soil. Water the soil. Hibiscuses are heavy feeders. A Hibiscus fertilizer should have a low phosphorous [P], which is the middle number and a higher analysis of potassium [K], which is the last number. The recommended fertilizers for the Hibiscus are 10-4-12, 9-3-12, or 12-4-18. Osmocote 17-6-10 + minors or Osmocote 18-6-12 is also recommended for Hibiscus and is a time-release fertilizer. Follow the application and frequency rates recommended by the fertilizer company.

Soil: For container-grown Hibiscus use a well-drained soil mixture containing compost and perlite. For Hibiscus to be planted in the landscape use this method: All plants should be evenly moist before planting. Position plants in the area to be planted. While placing the plants be sure the best side or front of the plant is in the area that is most viewed. After the plants are in position take a couple of steps back and view the area from a distance, at different angles of vision, and view the area from inside the house. These steps help to determine if the plant is in the proper place. Turn the pot back and forth several times to make an indentation in the soil with the container. This marks the ground and also helps indicate how wide to dig the planting hole.

The planting hole should be less than the height of the root ball and twice as wide. Use organic compost or soil conditioner and mix it 50-50 with the soil from the planting hole; soil amendments should always be thoroughly mixed with the soil from the planting hole. Apply at a rate of one part soil amendment(s) to two parts planting hole soil. This procedure will help the roots to eventually spread beyond the original planting hole. Do not make the original planting hole too rich with soil amendments because the roots of the plant will never spread out from the original planting hole to the existing soil. Use the container from the plant as a measure and a wheelbarrow to mix any soil amendments with the existing soil.

Place the plant in the hole. The top of the root ball should be 2 inches above normal ground. Fill the planting hole with the soil mixture and add mulch as a top dressing. Next, water the root ball of the plant, planting hole and a small area outside the planting hole thoroughly. After watering, apply a root stimulator on a weekly basis for two months. There are several on the market today to choose from.

Light: Correct light helps to ensure proper growth and health of the plant. Given too little light the plant grows spindly and leggy. When given too much light the plant gets sunburned. Hibiscus needs a minimum of 5 - 6 hours of full sun. When growing your plant indoors give a southern or western exposure. The more hours of sun your Hibiscus receives the happier and healthier it will be. During the warm spring and summer months it is recommended to enjoy your Hibiscus outdoors.

Water: Watering plants on a regular time schedule helps to keep your Hibiscus plant healthy. Keep your Hibiscus evenly moist, but not soggy wet. Let the water run out through the drainage holes at the bottom of the container. Avoid letting the water stand for longer than 24 hours in a saucer. While the Hibiscus is actively growing you may have to water more frequently.

Fertilizer: Fertilizers are the vitamins or the essential elements that a plant needs. The soil, atmosphere, and water usually provide the plant with these essential nutrients. There are times when the soil is generally nutrient deficient and in this case a fertilizer is essential. There are sixteen essential elements to plant nutrition. These elements are separated into two categories, macronutrients and micronutrients. The macronutrients are: oxygen [O], carbon [C], hydrogen [H], nitrogen [N], phosphorus [P], potassium [K], Calcium [Ca], magnesium [Mg], sulfur [S] and are required by the plant in large amounts. Oxygen, carbon and hydrogen are provided to the plant by the atmosphere and water. Required by the plant in small amounts the micronutrients are: iron [Fe], manganese [Mn], zinc [Zn], baron [B], copper [Cu], molybdenum [Mo], and chlorine [Cl]. These elements are the building blocks to plant nutrition.

Using a complete fertilizer can prevent deficiency symptoms. Fertilizers are sold in a wide variety of types such as granular, spikes, cartridges, liquid, water-soluble, and slow-release. Each has advantages depending on what type of plant the gardener is fertilizing. Granular is generally used for lawns, shrubs, and trees. On lawn usage a spreader is required for even distribution. When applying a granular fertilizer, for shrubs, spread the fertilizer around the root zone, and for trees spread evenly under the tree's branch circumference. Apply at the rates recommended by the fertilizer manufacturer. Because granular fertilizer may cause burning, it should not come in contact with a plant's leaves or stems. After applying a granular fertilizer, water thoroughly. Spikes are inserted into the soil at specific locations recommended by the fertilizer manufacture and are usually used for large trees and shrubs. The fertilizer is slowly released when water is applied and will last for a specific amount of time. Cartridges require a cartridge holder that is attached to a garden hose where the water slowly dissolves the fertilizer. A depth of 6 to 10 inches is sufficient. Liquid and water-soluble fertilizers are quickly available to the plant. The liquid or water-soluble products are mixed with water and are applied to container plants or can be poured directly into the soil. Fertilizer companies have made hose-end sprayers to use with their products and can be used at every watering. Time-release is a fertilizer coated with a special material, which allows a small release of nutrients when it is exposed to water. These fertilizers are formulated to last from 3 to 12 months. Temperature is also a factor in the release of the nutrients. Hibiscuses are heavy feeders. A Hibiscus fertilizer should have a low phosphorous [P], which is the middle number and a higher analysis of potassium [K], which is the last number. The recommended fertilizers for the Hibiscus are 10-4-12, 9-3-12, or 12-4-18. Osmocote 17-6-10 + minors or Osmocote 18-6-12 is also recommended for Hibiscus and is a time-release fertilizer. Try our Nutri Star Hibiscus Food 10-4-12 on your Hibiscus that you purchase from Hibiscus and More. Click Here For Purchase.

Winterizing Your Hibiscus: Start getting your Hibiscus ready to bring indoors when Daylight Saving Time ends. The temperature slowly starts to drop in the evening leading to cooler nights. Place the Hibiscus in a shady location for two weeks to begin acclimatizing it for interior residence. During this time check your plant for any insects and spray with the appropriate insecticide. Place the Hibiscus in a southern or western exposure. Your Hibiscus may experience yellowing of the leaves and leaf drop. Your plant is just adjusting to their new surroundings. During the winter months it is recommended to use a humidity saucer for your Hibiscus. You can easily make this by getting a saucer and lining the bottom of the saucer with small gravel or pebbles and filling the saucer with water to the level of the stones.

Time to Go Outdoors: Once the weather warms up, to 40 - 50 degrees, you can start acclimatizing your Hibiscus by placing it in the shade outdoors and then slowly move the plant to partial shade and finally to full sun. Now would be a good time to fertilize and prune your Hibiscus. Follow the recommended fertilizer rates listed on the label. Pruning encourages a bushier plant.

Pruning: Is an art but it is also a science. Along the plant's stem are nodes, which are dormant until a cut is made just above that node. The nodes are growing points along the plant's stem. When the plant's stem is cut this stimulates chemical and/or hormonal reactions in the plant. It is these reactions that stimulate the dormant bud to grow. When pruning the dormant buds should face along the outside of the plant's stem, the buds will grow to the outside of the plant. Envision the path the future growing bud will take. This will help prevent future headaches, such as branches growing into each other and rubbing against each other. The best time to prune is in the spring or just before new growth begins to appear.

PRUNING GUIDE LINES:

Remove branches that cross or rub one another, and dead or diseased wood on the Hibiscus.
The pruning cut for all branches less than two inches in diameter should be made at a 45-degree angle from the growing bud.
The growing bud should be pointing toward the outside of the plant. One wants the plant to grow outwards not inwards or on vertical lines.
The cutting edge of the pruning shears should be on top of the part of the plant to be cut; the hook will be underneath. When done in reverse order a stub will result. The blade should be held as close to the plant as possible.
All pruning tools should be kept sharp and clean. When pruning diseased plant material always sterilize the tools afterwards.

Pest and Disease Management: There are several ways to prevent insects and/or diseases in your interior plants or garden. Most important: start with healthy, disease free plants. Proper light, water, and soil requirements usually insure a happy, healthy plant. Incorrect light can either cause the plant to have sunburned leaves, or cause the plant to become leggy and spindly. Both these conditions will weaken the plant causing more susceptibility to insect and/or disease infestations. Incorrect watering will lead to disease infestations. In your garden, do not apply overhead irrigation in the evening hours; this sometimes can lead to diseases. For established gardens and newly transplanted gardens there are preventative measures that can be taken. Tour your garden on a weekly or daily basis looking for signs of ill health or insects, on new growth, on top and underneath the leaves, and for holes in the plant's leaf surface. Here are some clues or symptoms to look for. A caterpillar usually makes holes that start on the edge of the leaf and chews toward the center of the leaf. Some caterpillars work at night. If you suspect a caterpillar and can't see one check the soil underneath the plant; most likely he is hiding in the soil. Holes that start in the middle of the leaf are usually the work of a slug or snail and the plant can disappear quite rapidly. Brown circles on the leaf that enlarge in circumference are usually fungi.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is becoming more popular. The concept is to prevent chemical spraying or to cut down the use of chemical spraying, to monitor the plants for insects or disease, to use biological controls whenever possible, and to use alternative methods of controlling the pest at hand. Some alternative methods of controlling insects include using insecticidal soaps, dormant or summer oils, and biological controls. Some biological controls include: predators that consume other insects such as, Ladybugs just love aphids and the parasite Encarsia formosa, love whitefly that plague poinsettia. Scientists are researching more and more biological controls for the grower and the homeowner.

Prevention is the best cure. Tour the garden looking for signs of damage by insects or disease. Identify the problem, and choose the appropriate action. Spray only the plant or plants that have the problem. Several gardeners have reported good results with insecticidal soaps and the oils; it is better for you, the environment, and the plant.

Happy Gardening From Hibiscus...and More!!!
Cheryl Ann Meola Texas Certified Nursery Professional #1282
© 2005 Cheryl Ann Meola

August Gardening Calendar 2011

2011-07-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

August Gardening Calendar

Prune Tropical Hibiscus you plan to bring indoors for the winter. Plan to place your plant in the sunniest window during the winter months. Trim back enough to fit your location indoors and bring your Hibiscus inside around December or before first frost. After pruning check your Hibiscus for insects and spray with appropriate insecticide. Now is a good time to fertilize your Hibiscus. Hibiscuses are heavy feeders and should be fertilized monthly. Click To Order Hibiscus Fertilizer. Click To Order Hibiscus Plants.

Remove faded blooms and seedpods on your Crepe Myrtles. You may be rewarded with more blooms before first frost. The recommended fertilizer formulation for Crepe Myrtles is 10-15-9 or a similar combination. Don’t forget to fertilize your Crepe Myrtles.

Roses prune out dead canes, and weak, bushy growth. Cut back tall, vigorous bushes by 1/3 the original plant height. Fertilize roses on a monthly basis until October. After pruning you should see new blooms coming in about 6 weeks.

Azaleas Lace bugs on your Azaleas increase rapidly in summer. Check your Azaleas for insects. The damaged caused by these sucking insects looks like tiny white dots and the entire leaf is almost completely white. Spray with appropriate insecticide labeled for Azalea Lace Bugs.

Lawns check your grass for insects, especially for chinch bugs and white grubs. These insects are most active in the summer months. The signs for chinch bugs are irregular circles, and the grass is thin, and then dies. For white grubs, the signs are irregular circles, and the grass is loosely rooted. Check the soil underneath the loosely rooted grass by digging up the soil, the grubs should be about an inch down in the soil, if you have them. Apply the appropriate insecticide and follow the package directions carefully. Lawn Mower Blades should be sharpened once each summer. A sharpened lawn mower blade prevents shredding the grass, and giving your lawn a nice, clean cut.

Mulch check all shrub beds and trees for mulch thickness. We are experiencing extreme heat this summer and shrubs and trees that have 2 to 3 inches of mulch keeps the roots cool and helps the soil retain moisture.

Fruits and Vegetables Start planning your fall vegetable garden this August. Till the soil and add Gypsum and Composted Cottonseed hull. The additives lowers the alkalinity and helps the soil stay loose. Tomatoes, Peppers, and Beans should planted by August 1^st. Starter plants usually are available by August 15^th. Pick the varieties of tomatoes that mature in 65-70 days. Cool season vegetables, broccoli, carrots, lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, swiss chard, collards, kale, and snow peas are planted in September. Blackberry and Raspberry plants at this time of year have a tendency to trail along the ground. Take the trailing canes or runners and tie them back to their arbor.

Seeds sow cool season seeds of snapdragons, dianthus, pansies, calendulas, and sweet alyssum to be planted in mid to late fall. Sow seeds of bluebonnets and other Texas spring wildflowers this month to be planted in the garden. The wildflowers will establish a root system during the fall for spring blooms.

Tropical Foliage Plants Check plants that are spending the summer outdoors for insects. Use an insecticidal soap, if needed. Your houseplants can be fertilized biweekly with a water soluble plant food. Hibiscus and More has a wonderful selection of houseplants. Click To Order Houseplants.

Garden Gloves Need a new pair of gardening gloves to complete your gardening task for August? Click To Order Gardening Gloves at 30% off.

Need more gardening advice? Ask the Texas Certified Nursery Professional/Horticulturist. Click Here To Ask Your Question.

Cheryl Ann Meola

Certified Texas Nursery Professional #1282

Cedar Pet Food Storage Containers 30% Off

2011-07-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

Maine Bucket quality handcrafted cedar half-barrel storage containers are great space savers constructed of sturdy white cedar. White cedar naturally repels insects and rodents. Your choice of sign is included with each barrel: Pet Food, Dog Food, Cat Food, or Bird Seed. Please specify your choice of sign.

950X – Jumbo, holds 50-60 pounds of pet food or 75 pounds of birdseed. 24”W x 29”H x 12.5”D.

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951S – Small, holds 20 pounds of pet food or 25 pounds of birdseed. 20”W x 15.5”H x 10.5”D. Maine Bucket Planters and Boxes can be left outside in all temperature extremes. Click To Order.

Wind Spinners 30% Off

2011-07-24T15:51:00.001-07:00

Cosmix™ spin in the wind with the slightest breeze. Handcrafted copper plated metal with glass accents, these showpieces will transform your garden, deck, patio, and home into a gallery of motion and beauty. Each piece includes a S-hook swivel for easy hanging and smooth spinning with the slightest of breeze. All pieces are handcrafted of copper plated metal. Order Online. Click To Order.

Garden Decorative Flags

2011-07-23T17:12:00.000-07:00

Garden Flags for Every Occasion. Easy Care 100% Polyester Flags that are Pretreated For Color Fastness and are Water Repellent. All Flags can be spot-cleaned and Pressed with a dry iron. All Flags are Readable From Both Sides Unless Otherwise Noted. Appliqué Design. Click To Order Garden Flags.