A simple container does a great job adding color to your garden

If you struggle choosing plants for a container you may want to back up and go with simple and fewer plants. Make sure you keep the container’s style and color in mind when choosing plants and think less, not more.

I planted in my two square matching container only using two plants and simple colors and they look perfect.

Before

As always I used Patio Plus from the Kellogg’s Garden Products, it is amazing and a great price at all the home improvement stores. I also added fish emulsion for a great organic start for a full season of color.

Containers are easy and add so much to your patio, deck or entry. Have fun and start with the best and you will be successful.

Kellogg's Garden Products

Preparing petunias for planting

Finished, note the water and nutrients ready to keep plants healthy 

Knowing your tender plants

The one thing high desert gardeners can count on is unwelcome weather at the most inopportune times. Many gardeners just can’t help themselves and once the weather warms, and stay warm, we plant. We are the same gardeners that have the tools to cover those ‘tender’ plants when needed. A tender plant is one that can’t take temperatures lower than 38° to 40°. Of the top of my head the list includes basil, pepper, squash, impatient and marigolds.

Every newscaster in our area always mention tomatoes, but they leave out peppers, basil and squash. You will find these plants in garden centers before they should be planted, and that is okay. Just buy them and put them in a safe place until we are done with hard freezing weather. Our traditional planting time is Memorial Day Weekend here, but like many of you I was out there weeks ago planting and enjoying our lovely spring, I did plant basil and will now have to re-plant.

This photo is a tomato plant that went in May 6^th and was not ever covered, even last

night and look, she is okay.  I am NOT telling you to ignore your tomatoes; I am just making sure you know there are more tender plants in your garden that may need covering during the unsteady days of spring.

Enjoy your day in the garden

Marnie

Garden Consultations for Northern Nevada

Ever thought about having a professional garden consultation but afraid you would not be able to keep up, or you might be embarrassed how your yard looks, don’t be. My garden consultations focus on your needs and desire to have a healthy and beautiful yard ensuring it is something you can care for. 

My visit will include:

● plant ID   
● proper plant Selection   
● healthy landscape design 
● hands on gardening instruction
● solutions to landscape concerns     
● complete photo album of your landscape                            
● establish an easy edible garden 

Send me a note and let’s get you gardening!           

gardencoachinreno@gmail.com