Feeding the Soil for Spring Planting

This weather we have been enjoying has got me in the mode for gardening! It is a perfect time to add those all important amendments and nutrients to the plant areas, raised beds and containers. The rain and warmer temps have made the soil workable.

Yesterday I have added worm casting to one of my raised beds. I will be growing leek, shallots and other cool season edibles in this spot. In about a week I will start staggering my planting in 10 to 14 day intervals. This way they won't all mature at the same time.
Cool season plants can be planted in soils temps as low as 40 degrees. Keep in mind you may have to begin a watering program, so get the hose ready.

I will also be adding 2 to 3 bags of the Kellogg's Garden Amend mixing in well. Once my plants get a chance to settle in I will begin an organic fertilizing program.
Kellogg's Garden Products has a new hose end organic fertilizer for veggies, more details to follow on this product.

Winter Watering in the High Desert

Bubblers are great for slow winter watering 

Now that winter is just around the corner and many of you have turned your water systems off it is time to talk about winter watering. 
Here you go. 

Winter watering consists of a monthly soaking to the newly planted and established trees, as well as evergreens and larger shrubs during long periods of dry cold weather. This is the best way to ensure healthy and proper plant growth. Winter watering is not just for survival, but to help your plants thrive. We see that the result of prolonged periods of dry soils in the winter months can cause injury or death to parts of the root system. Plants that have been affected can seem perfectly normal only to resume growth in the spring, but they are using their stored energy. Some plants may be weakened to the point that some or all parts will die in the late spring and summer when temperatures increase. One way to help this situation is to choose plants that are suited for our region, and have better drought tolerance abilities. How well the water moves through your soil profile is important to know for good water management. It is equally important that the plant has stored nutrients for winter use.  

Here are a few key things to remember:

      

Water wands are a great way to water effectively

·      Water when there has not been measurable precipitation  for 3 to 4 weeks

·       If possible water when the temperatures are 40° or above.

·       Try to water between mid morning, and before 2:00 pm; this way the  water can saturate into the soil before freezing.

 

Water large trees with a soaker hose, its easy.

·       Use a soaker hose for long deep watering on your large shrubs and trees.

·       Trees, large shrubs, and newly planted material are the most important to water.

·        Drain your hose when you are
through to keep it from freezing and cracking.