Latest Articles
Fall Garden Chores, Part 2
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
One of the most neglected fall chores is watering...once the weather cools, we often forget that our plants still need water. In areas that freeze hard in the winter, late season watering is especially critical because roots will be unable to take in moisture when the soil is frozen. Continue reading →
Soil Fertility and Plant Food
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
The most important major nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Plants require these nutrients in relatively large amounts, and these are the nutrients most likely to be deficient for plant growth. Other major nutrients are calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). Continue reading →
Winterizing Fish Ponds
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
Since the pump runs 24/7/365, the area under the falls will stay free of ice until it gets *real* cold - like below 0 deg. F. I added a small bubbler pump near the skimmer to keep that area open also. When we had several days below zero, I tried these to keep an even larger hole open. Continue reading →
Fallacy of a Green Thumb
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
Some of our clients have expressed a desire to grow their own vegetable or flower gardens, but believe they do not have a green thumb. This is nonsense - a green thumb is learned, just like other skills in life. The beginner's learning process may produce a few failures, but each new lesson builds knowledge. Continue reading →
Grading Landscapes - Part 1 (equipment)
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
A tool that is useful in almost all landscaping is the rototiller for grading your yard. This tool is used for cultivating planting areas and mixing soil amendments with the native soil. If at all possible, rent or borrow a tiller with the tines in the rear of the machine. Continue reading →
Grading Landscapes - Part 2 (raised beds)
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
If you're creating planting beds and lawns on a sloped site, or if you want to create more vertical interest with raised or mounded beds, careful planning and choice of materials is vital. Understand that soil is extremely heavy, especially when wet. The forces of gravity will work to tear down any structures installed to retain soil, so these structures must be built with great care and careful planning. Continue reading →
Grading Landscapes - Part 3
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
Healthy soil is not an inert, lifeless substance - it's full of microscopic life forms which are essential for the development of plant life. Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides not only do not add to this microbial life, in many cases they destroy it. Continue reading →
Fall Planting and Gardens
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
This time of year nurseries and garden centers are reminding us that fall is for planting....depending on your region, fall may offer a good window for plant establishment. In zone 5, late August and early September offer cooler daytime air temperatures and continued warm soil temperatures...this is ideal for transplanting. Continue reading →
Fall Planting and Gardens - Part 2
by Guest Post on Apr 30, 2012
Fall and Winter gardening, although an old practice, is an excellent solution for keeping the tilth and fertility of your garden's soil at its peak levels. At the same time, it yields crops of delicious vegetables throughout the fall and winter that cost a fraction of products purchased in the supermarket. Continue reading →
The Importance of Drainage in the Landscape
by Guest Post on Apr 30, 2012
Drainage problems can be caused by seasonally high water tables, ponding of surface water, poor soil permeability or a combination of these conditions. At some homesites, the high water table may exist for long periods - this will require good subsurface drains around the outside foundation walls to keep the house dry. Consult with local professionals and codes for specifics. Continue reading →
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