[Vision2020] Gardening
Tony
tonytime at clearwire.net
Tue Mar 20 19:19:32 PDT 2007
Yeah, Matt's suggested seed mix is good. Also be wary of soils that
have had their PH all messed up by the likes of Walnut tree leaves, which
if not removed and hauled away, will acidify the soil and make growing grass
near imposible. A PH check and correction if necessary, proper tilled in
ammendments like course sand, (for drainage) and compost, (for moisture
retention and organic/insect activity) then rough in Matt's seed blend, and
top dress with a quarter inch of EKO or similar compost to protect seed from
drying out too readily and increase germination. Some folks spread a thin
layer of straw for the same purpose, but then ya' gotta' rake up the hay
after germination, a slight hassle. Also for a lawns long term health,
water less frequently and deeper, feed with a full spectrum food every other
month, mow a little taller in the heat of summer and keep that blade sharp.
Also good to plant enough shade trees to give the grass a break from
summer's 100 degree heat stress. But not total shade but dappled.
Happy gardening, -T
----- Original Message -----
From: "Matt Decker" <mattd2107 at hotmail.com>
To: <privatejf32 at hotmail.com>; <vision2020 at moscow.com>
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2007 3:50 PM
Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Gardening
> J,
>
> Im sure other people might have their own prefence, but I would recommend
> a
> grass seed mix. Our hydroseed mix contains about 85% Kentucky Bluegrass 8%
> Perennial rye and 7% creeping red fescue. This insures that grass will
> grow
> in shade and full sun/moist and dry conditions. That stuff you see on the
> highways on slopes is most likely a fescue. This type of seed requires
> little water and doesn't need to be mowed. Bluegrass likes water but makes
> that "perfect" lawn, great to walk on barefoot type.
>
> As in ordering on line, I myself like to see what Im getting along with a
> strong determination of supporting our local businesses. I don't know much
> about plants onnline but know that planting Strawberries in May is
> absolutely fine. Crossroads has numerous varieties in stock around mid
> April.Granted this is my dads store, but I honestly feel they have the
> most
> knowledge, experience, and variety around, hands down.
>
> What I would do J, is ask crossroads to make a 50/50 batch of compost and
> sand for you. Once at your house spread the called for areas with a
> liberal
> amount of mix(rule of thumb 1/4" for every1" needed to be amended). Till
> these areas up and sprinkle with a seed mix. After that gently rake with a
> spring rake having some of the loose soil on top of seed. Not to much but
> jsut a skiff of soil.
> This will protect the seed from the elements, increasing germination
> rates.
>
> Hope that helps and good luck
>
> Matt
>
>
>>From: "J Ford" <privatejf32 at hotmail.com>
>>To: vision2020 at moscow.com
>>Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Gardening
>>Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2007 22:12:23 -0700
>>
>>Matt;
>>
>>Thank you for your suggestions (notice - no head chewing going on!)
>>
>>Is there a grass seed that works better in this area than others? I have
>>no pines, but there are other trees in the area. Just want to fill in the
>>areas that have become very bare for whatever reason.
>>
>>Do I just till in the manure or is there a type that I sprinkle on that
>>would work?
>>
>>I have an catalog that is advertising "strawberries as large as peaches"
>>that they say will grow even in Alaska but they do not have Idaho-specific
>>directions. So you think planting them in May would work? I realize no
>>one can say what the weather will be like over the next few weeks, but I'd
>>really like to order these as early as I can if they will work here.
>>
>>I have started the toms on a window shelf and have seen an ad for ones you
>>can grown year-round in a special medium/pouch. I am tempted to try those
>>but $20 is $20 and I don't want to waste my time if they really won't work
>>because of the temps around here.
>>
>>Again, thanks for your information.
>>
>>
>>J :]
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>>From: "Matt Decker" <mattd2107 at hotmail.com>
>>>To: privatejf32 at hotmail.com, vision2020 at moscow.com
>>>Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Gardening
>>>Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2007 22:01:04 -0700
>>>
>>>J,
>>>
>>>I'm second guessing answering your question, due too your normally
>>>chewing
>>>anybodys head off that disagrees with you, but what the hay.
>>>
>>>A garden is meant to be planted around mid-late may. Depends though on
>>>the
>>>temp/rainfall,plant species,etc.
>>>
>>>Strawberries are around the same time and are quite duarable. I'm sure
>>>your aware they come back each year, but the first year, most likely they
>>>will not produce fruit, or if they do will be very limited.
>>>
>>>Toms are grown around here with great regularity. Toms like warm/humid
>>>moist conditions. A Tom "hut" or greenhouse can be very useful. If not
>>>keep inside until frost is gone. They can be very picky so it all depends
>>>on variety, water, fertilizer, weather, and soil conditions.
>>>
>>>Carrots are pretty durable, but they mostly like a good nutrient enhanced
>>>sand/loose soil condition. Medium amount of water is needed.
>>>
>>>You should always augment soil. whether it be planting a garden or lawn.
>>>Composts will add nutrients at a minimal cost and will give you
>>>satisfaction in your efforts. Most soils in Moscow are clay based so
>>>adding gypsum or lime can go a long ways. COMPOST ALWAYS HELPS.
>>>
>>>Grass seed on the other hand depends upon shade, moisture, soil, what
>>>kind
>>>of grass you want, and many more conditions. Example; if yoiu have pine
>>>trees that have a bunch of needles under it and no grass, will most
>>>likely
>>>not ever have grass. Not saying that it can't, but needles produce too
>>>much acid for most seed to succeed.
>>>
>>>If you are unsure or have more questions you would contact your local
>>>nursery. I would suggest Crossroads Nursery. They carry many types of
>>>grass seed,vegatables, and strawberries that you have mentioned.
>>>
>>>Hope that helps.
>>>Matt
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>From: "J Ford" <privatejf32 at hotmail.com>
>>>>To: vision2020 at moscow.com
>>>>Subject: [Vision2020] Gardening
>>>>Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2007 19:10:02 -0700
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Gonna change the subject just a mite right now:
>>>>
>>>>Anyone have any idea when this year is the best time to start planting
>>>>the home garden? I am looking to start a new line of strawberries (from
>>>>a local grower or one I order from) but I am not sure when I should get
>>>>them in the ground.
>>>>
>>>>Also, has anyone had any luck with growing tomatoes in Moscow? Or
>>>>carrots? Do you augment the soil or just use what's in your yard? And
>>>>how do you get grass to grow in this town? I have not had much luck
>>>>with
>>>>that - mayhap I need to get a certain seed?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>J :]
>>>>
>>>>_________________________________________________________________
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