Time to revive: Favorite gardening tip

This is a link to the first one: http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/385522/

See what you can add to it.

~* Robin

I keep thinking that I'm going to go read the other thread before posting to make sure I'm not repeating anyone's "tip", but I haven't had time and can't believe that NO ONE has posted! So here goes....

I remember when it's time to prune my roses by using Valentine's Day. Roses... Valentine's... get it? Once Valentine's Day has passed, I go out and prune them all and it seems to be JUST the right time for mine here in z7!

Gail
Here's my 'First Prize' I've had for almost 10 years... wedding gift from my great aunt, Leota!

*edited for typo

This message was edited Oct 29, 2005 9:22 PM

Oh boy. On Valentine's day my roses would be under 2 feet of snow. LOL

Ann

I guess so! lol That tip wouldn't work for just anybody, now would it? I guess I should have thought of that before I posted! Silly me! Well... it works for zone 7!
Gail

Today I finally found out what paper clips are really for: I cut them in half to form small garden pins for items in flower pots. I pinned down several long pieces of my oregano back into the hanging pot so it could root it in more places.

Whenever I cut a stem down to use for cooking, I always leave enough of the stem attached to the plant - then with that attached part of the stem - I stick it back into the soil to reroot. It works for thyme, mints, rosemary and tarragon too.

I've also been using paper clips to hold name/ plastic tags on stems of plants and pots outside and inside. I buy the paper clips that are colored & covered in plastic anyway at the dollar store (they're easier to see when they fall on the floor.) Even with the plastic tags I make myself. Just pry them open a little like for thick paper and bend them back into shape after you've got them on the plants' stems.

I use a belt hole maker, or a paper hole maker to make holes in the tags depending on the thickness of the plastic I'm using.

I learned (3 weeks ago; *eek*) to put clear Laminate over the names on the plant tags I make to keep them from fading in the sun. 2 sheets (9x12 inches, each) for $2.00 at my local cvs drug store.

~* Robin

Do you have a problem with cats using your garden as a litter box? Throw down some thorny rose or ras/blackberry clippings in there. No more problems. Remove them when plants are established.
Andy P

I have a tendancy to overdo everything. The best garden I ever had was the smallest one - one where I was able to look at (and talk to) every plant at least every other day. I like to think my words of encouragement were good for them, but I suspect the fact that I saw them so often was really the helpful thing - in a small garden I was able to catch problems before they got huge, and became in tune with their peculiarities and daily needs (this one likes she needs a little more water today, this one wants to be dead-headed...). I'm afraid to see what trouble I'm going to get into with acreage this year, but I'm starting small. ...at least, that's the Plan!

ahhh yes - the Plan!

Here's an obvious one (or so I thought before I helped a friend plant bulbs):

When you're planting bulbs, lay them out in the area you plan to put them in so
the spacing and layout is right and then dig the holes, put 'em in but don't bury
them til you are done with that section. If you are doing multiple types of bulbs
in that area, this is really a big help in avoiding hitting a bulb you just planted!

I helped my friend put in three types of bulbs in her garden. She was really
excited to see how I did it so I'm sharing in case any newbies read this.

Tam