Archive for March, 2010

And hereeeeeeeeeeeeeeee comees spring

I do believe it is time to plant onions, leaf crops, cabbage, broccoli, peas, and other hardy root crops. Make sure to soak peas for a few hours before sowing……….. Treat with legume inoculants for improved yields! If you have problems with root maggots in the past you my want to try Hi-Yield’s Garden dust………… It is the only product that I know of that has a label listing for that nasty garden pest.

            There is still time to spray Copper spray on you peaches, lilacs, and pears. Reports have been good if you have had disease problems…….. Sure helps with poor performing lilac buds and blooms.

            If you are in need of a little early spring color we have lots of pansies, violas, and other hardy flowering perennials. Our selection of summer flowering bulbs will be in next week. We will as in past years be offering some of the “Biltmore Estate” collection….. Some real dandies!

            Speaking of dandies this crop of Walla Walla onions has been the best I have seen in some years. Make sure to plant in raised beds for best results. Working in additional manure free compost plus an application of our “Cold Climate” blended organic fertilizer will be an additional plus. The microbes and mycorrhizae we have added to both our garden/landscape, as well as our lawn fertilizer should aid in optimum results. And speaking of results (if I may brag on our lawn fertilizer) my son Luke’s lawn really shows the difference between organic and chemical fertilizers. His lawn abuts his neighbors and there is a DISTINCT line between the two… It is amazing! I will try to get a pic and post it for all to see.

            If you are looking to add more greatness to you garden beds may I suggest you take a look at “Humic Acid” as a soil amendment. I have talked to and read more about this amazing product and I think it is very exciting………… Tomato growers you may have another organic product to add into your soil….. Keep me posted on your results.

            I suppose I better not let this go on to long………… we only have so many hours in a day. Just like to keep in touch…… Hope all is well as you prepare for another GREAT growing season…………. Happy Tilling…………. Doug

Tracking the footsteps of this spring is certainly a winding trail. I don’t remember such a mild approach in the past thirty years I have live in the High Desert. I do know that an incredible number of gardeners are overflowing into the plot as they sow seeds of lettuce, onions, peas, and more. Starts of cabbage and broccoli are also finding their way into local garden soils. My oh my must we remind ourselves it is still March and our last approx frost date is the end of June!!!! Oh well me must do what we do…….. be enthusiastic and over the top optimistic….. Smile and Believe!

            If you are planting asparagus make sure to take a look at some of the hybrid varieties of “all male” and gourmet selections such as “Gourmet Purple”. Work into the soil at least 12” of organic compost in combination with our organic blended “ Cold Climate” fertilizer. Possible light harvest next spring if all goes well! As you plant your strawberries MAKE SURE TO PLANT THEM IN RAISED BEDS! This practice will allow for good drainage and higher yields. Mix and match your selections for longer season harvests. Add our product “Azomite” for an additional boost of goodness. Keep all runners off the new plants and mulch with additional compost.

            Over in the pond and water-feature area you may want to add a shot of Microbe Lifts “Spring” starter package. Follow up with some PL and possible “Sludge Buster” for getting rid of that bottom pond YUK. If you need a GOOD algaecide try the Microbe Lift version. Gets rid of green water and NASTY STRING AGLEA!

            Happy Early Spring….. Ready to go Veggie Starts and a ton of GREAT seed….. Doug

     Redmond Greenhouse has joined the ranks on Facebook……….. I shall see how that goes………. Wish me well …………… Happy Early Spring … Doug

     As you sow your seeds outside remember to cover them ever so slightly with a special “Seed Starting” soil, washed river sand, or a fine milled garden compost. This practice will make a HUGE difference in your germination rate..

     If you are starting seeds inside your home try using a heat mat, plastic humidily dome, and special seed starting soil versus regular potting soil. As soon as they germinate move them to bright light and cool temperatures. Brush your hand over the seedlings daily to help strengthen the main stem. A GOOD grow light will make all the difference in the world…….. At Redmond Greenhouse you will find the new energy efficient LED lights….. Happy Early Spring Gardening….. Doug

     What a wonderful pick for the herb of the year. The many uses of this herb is as extensive as your culinary imagination…. Easy to grow in a sunny location this fantastic plant should find its way into you life and into your garden. Best grown in a garden bed it offers a wonderful backdrop due to its height. In the salad or in the dressing this lacy herb will add great zippiness to your crunch salad. The mainstay in many pickle recipes as well as countless other dishes the herb “Dill” is a dandy. Redmond greenhouse will make sure we have ample seed and garden starts to satisfy local gardeners………… happy March…… Doug

      The season is warming and the days are getting longer…………. That said if you have fruit trees, roses, cane berries, or other leafy plants that have had insect problems in the past season it is time to spray an organic spray of “Dormant Spray”. This application will “help” prevent pesky insect infestations as the spring season turns to the warmer days of summer. No guarantees but better than doing nothing. Combine that with a spray of Spinosad at 80% flower petal fall and you should be looking pretty darn good, See Redmond Greenhouse for additional details.

     In regards to pond care…………… the Algae bloom in on it’s way.  Our Microbe Lift Algae 5.4 is a great tool. Make sure to get your barley bales, pellets, or liquid in the pond at the same time to help prevent a burst of “green”. If you are wanting to help reduce the amount of sludge in the bottom of you pond you might want to try our “Sludge Buster” application. The targeted microb will help with this problem.

     If you are interested in early starts of heirloom tomatoes and peppers, plus other hardened off veggies…………… Now is the time. We have lots of organic starts to get your garden into the growing season……………… Happy planting… Doug