Thought I should give you a current tip sheet to help guide you through the fantastic time of the year……….. Lots of great things can and should be done at this time of the year. I don’t believe there is a better time to plant and I don’t believe you will find the weather any better. Warm soil, warm nights, wonderful days filled with sunshine….. Better grab the shovel and plant some spring flowering bulbs along with a little garlic, shallots, and tasty onion sets….. Now is the time…. Doug

• As garden beds are emptied of their flowers and veggies it might be a grand idea to plant a “green manure” crop of rye, oats, or peas. With this warm weather you should be able to get them established before the cold sets in….. Then you till them under in the spring just before planting.
• Fall is a great time to plant seeds for a new lawn…. Redmond Greenhouse has a local blend that should germinate in less than a week
• Fall is also a great time of the year to plant wildflower seed. We have over 10 different varieties that are well suited for our high desert area……Our Deer Resistant selection is our number one seller.
• This is the time of the year to plant fall blooming crocus as well as spring blooming varieties of tulips, daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths….. Our selection is the best ever with lots of new and exciting species….. We also have many deer resistant types as well as some deer resistant tulips….. oh yes………. All at Redmond Greenhouse.
• When you have about 80% leaf fall on your fruit trees, roses, and cane berries it would be a GREAT time to apply dormant sprays to all of them…….
• If you have not yet pruned your cane berries…… time is wasting….. remove all the canes that bore fruit (if they are done) and then leave only 5 to 7 strong vigorous canes that grew this year……… remove all others to help build STRONG berry patches….. Fertilize with 10 cups of our organic fertilizer Cold Climate and then mulch them with some of our organic compost at the rate of about 3 to 6 inches…… Ready for winter now….
• No pruning should be going on at this time of the year….. Fall pruning in cold climate zones such as ours is done in the spring and summer season only…..
• Pruning of evergreens can begin as soon as late fall lands on our calendars….
• Drenching insect vulnerable trees and shrubs with our Fertilome Insect Tree and Shrub Drench can be done at this time of the year through November….. This product works pretty darn well with boring insects in all trees……
• Its Garlic time…………… ye ha………. Our selection of garlic, shallots, and onions has never been better…………. Now is the time to allow them time to establish themselves before winter sets in………….
• If you are going to bring in any outdoor plants make sure they are free of insects and disease otherwise you risk the chance of contaminating all you other indoor plants.
• If you have a rosemary herb planted outside in your herb garden you may want to pot it up and get ready to bring it indoors……. They do so well and will bless your home with amazing blue and fragrant flowers mid winter…Wow…
• Any tree, shrub of perennial planted at this time of the year will be almost a year ahead of those planted in the spring of 2011..… grab your shovel…Happy Fall Gardening….Doug

         If there were one group of plants that consistently fill the ranks of “fragrant choices” for backyard gardens, it would have to be that of the fabled rose bush. As far as history can go back, people all over the world have been mesmerized by the scent of this huge family of plants. This intense interest still prevails; however the task is a little more involved due to the fact that many of today’s introductions have no fragrance whatsoever. With that thought in mind let’s take a look at some of old time favorites as well as some of the newer varieties that should add a wisp of fragrance and the chance of a lingering memory! I should also add that these potential choices have a reliable history in regards for toughness and hardiness for our arid cold gardening zone.            The old fashioned Rugosa as well as newer rugosa introductions are always a good choice of plants for our particular zone. They consistently offer a variety of wonderful fragrances, plus they often times add unique and dramatic winter interest in terms of twig color and rose hip/berry presence. Many gardeners have also found them to be some-what deer resistant! In addition, most are quite resistant to damaging insects and disease. In fact they react very badly to a wide variety of chemical sprays so often associated with rosebush care.            With that valuable information aside let’s take a look at some of the fabulous varieties we have to choose from in local garden centers. Starting the “fragrant rose line-up” would be one called William Baffin. This magnificent old timer will rise up to upwards of eight feet and fill the midsummer branches with fragrant pink blossoms. Next in line might include a variety called Therese Bugnett. Graced with summertime double red blooms it will also add wonderful winter interest of purple-red stems and glorious bright orange rosehips. Cuthbert Grant is another history laden variety with similar double red blossoms and intense early morning fragrance.            It might be important at this point to mention that many garden experts including myself would conclude that the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers could well reduce the fragrance of many types of fragrant plants. Old fashioned planting techniques including lots of organic debris, coffee grinds, and egg shells worked deeply into the soil could well provide the perfect growing soil! Synthetic fertilizers also have a tendency to shorten bloom time as well as disrupt valuable microbial soil activity.            Continuing our fragrant rose lineup I would have to include the antique variety called Morden Blush. This extremely winter hardy variety will please your senses with a spicy fragrance borne from double ivory blush blooms. Summer heat is not a problem thus it should provide a wonderful presence in your garden here on the high desert. A favorite of mine is one called John Cabot. This tough as nails, large (up to 8’) rose bush will present eye-catching dark double pink blooms off and on the entire summer season.            A quick look at some of the newer hybrid introductions might include some of the non-stop blooming floribunda types such as Sunsprite (vibrant yellow, w/ lemon fragrance), Purple tiger (purple white), and one called Hot Cocoa (dusky red). In the Hybrid Tea department such choices as April in Paris (classic pink), Double Delight (Red White), and Pope John Paul II (pristine white fresh citrus scent) would make great reliable selections. If you are in need of a fragrant climber look no farther than named varieties such as Fourth of July (red white), and Golden Showers (yellow).            The list is long and the fragrance will take you back to memorable childhood days. Take your time in making your selections and you will be rewarded with years of memory making scents and fragrances.       Happy Planting…………… Doug  

     To help kick-off the summer season Redmond Greenhouse would like to offer you an Apple special! Just mention this notification to anyone of our sales staff and you will get an apple tree for half price (offer good through the month of June so hurry in) Our selection is quite fantastic if I do say so myself. All trees are semi-dwarf and grafted on very hardy rootstock. Many will bear fruit by next year. Take advantage of this special and the harvest will be yours. It is a GREAT time of the year to plant our containerized trees. Amend the soil with Black Gold Compost/Soil Conditioner and about 15 cups of our blended “Cold Climate” organic fertilizer………. Happy First days of Summer….. Doug

     Oh my, how the season engulfs my time. Seems like only yesterday we were deep in the late months of winter, and now look where we are.. Heading towards summer and all it has to offer.

     For timely tips…. (very short) look to the Redmond Greenhouse “Facebook”

     Meanwhile out in the garden and lanscape…. Deep water to encourage strong roots and healthy plants. Feed with the organic fertilizer “Cold Climate”. Healthy plants are far more resistant to insects and disease plus I do believe you will almost gain a zone of hardiness by using this type of fertilizer in conjunction with lots of organic compost…….

     If you are having problems setting out your plants…. Try using a “light” floatiing row cover to protect against sun and wind…… It realy will make a difference………

     Try to keep weeds under control as they allow many insects and disease to lurk close by your valuable plants.

     Control ants in the garden as they will contribute to spread of aphids………… There are many great organic products on the market to help control this early spring and summer pests…..

     So sorry for all you folks that lost so many plants, trees and shrubs this past winter……….. The worst loss year I have seen in the thirty some years I have been involved in this business……….. Dang!!!!!       The cause…. mild winter but DRAMATIC spikes in temperatures……. Just blew the bark right off the trees…. so to say….

      Happy Spring……… have fun planting…. and don’t forget to smile across the fence……… Feels good….. Doug

     As the month of May fills our early spring calendar the time to plant in our cold climate zone is gaining momentum.  From leaf type crops to root crops to cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Ahhhhhhhh the excitement and optimism is building. New plants coupled with the new products are also part of the driving force.

            If you are a just getting started in the fun and joy of backyard gardening keeping it small is my best advice. This practice allows you to use better products, have greater results, more manageable plots, and hopefully a better experience. Utilize local garden centers for their source of knowledge. Small raised beds (4’ wide by 4’ or more) will make your efforts much easier. Using potting soil, compost, and organic fertilizers will ratchet up your potential for successful yields. I would avoid native soils and manure. Our Cold Climate organic fertilizer, Azomite, and Soil Activator (Humic Acid) should be added to the soil. Building a wood frame over the raised beds and then wrapping them with our frost blanket should have you up and running. Applications of Earth Juice “Grow” will add a needed boost to all seedlings and early sprouts. If you run into disease problem try the organic “Serenade” or bugs “Spinosad” and all should be well! If you take the time to build a “Sturdy” wood trellis on the NORTH end of your raised bed you will be able to train and grow the ramblings of cucumber, watermelon, squash, and the likes.

            Lots of sun, drip irrigation, and a little patience and you are off and running…. Happy Gardening…. Doug

     Redmond Greenhouse, in celebration of Earth Week and Arbor day will be giving away FREE seedling Ash trees……… and don’t forget to bring in your kids……… we will share with them how to plant and how to care for them………… Happy Wednesday…………. Doug

     We will offer these trees until they are all gone………    Redmond Greenhouse…. Proudly serving local gardeners and landscapers since the 1950’s………….   Thanks for supporting this family owned business

     New ones to watch for: Sweet Pea “Villa Roma Scarlet” and Zinnia “Double Zahara Fire”. Both are Fleuroselect’s choices for 2010 Gold Medal winners. This is the first sweet pea to ever gain this recognition and we all (or should) know there is nothing like a spring blooming sweet pea. The Zinnia is a shorter growing variety but it is DISEASE RESISTANT…. Dang. Powdery mildew is always such a problem when growing this non stop summer flowering annuals.

     Redmond Greenhouse will do all it can to obtain these GREAT plants for local gardens.

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