Boardash: ArcaMax Gardening Daily Tips for Thursday December 31, 2009

Thursday, December 31, 2009

ArcaMax Gardening Daily Tips for Thursday December 31, 2009

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Get Healthy in 2010

Gardening Daily Tips
For You
Thursday December 31, 2009

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Q&A: Outdoor vs. Potting Soil
Q&A: Pruning Azaela and Boxwood
Tip: Gardener's New Year Resolutions
Get Healthy in 2010
Reader Photos

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Today's Featured Plant
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Read the full profile of this plant at ArcaMax.com.

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Q&A: Outdoor vs. Potting Soil

Question: What is the difference between outdoor soil and potting soil?

Answer: Some potting soils are formulated specifically to meet the needs of certain plants. For example, potting soils for cacti have excellent drainage; those for acid-loving plants have a low pH; those for starting seeds are sterile to minimize disease problems. Some potting soils also contain slow-release fertilizers. In contrast, outdoor soils vary widely in texture, drainage properties, and nutrient analysis; they may also contain insects or diseases that could affect your plants. Although in some cases regular garden soil will be adequate for container-growing, in general you will get better results using a potting soil that is formulated for excellent drainage and other beneficial characteristics. For large containers, a mix of garden loam, compost, and potting soil may be adequate.

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Q&A: Pruning Azaela and Boxwood

Question: When is the best time and what is the best way to trim azaleas and boxwoods?

Answer: Azaleas need little pruning except to remove dead wood. Overgrown plants may be thinned to reduce their size by cutting back 1/3 of their stems to the ground each year for 3 years. This rejuvenating pruning is best done when the plant is dormant in late winter or after flowering in spring. To prune individual branches back for size or shape, use hand pruners rather than hedge trimmers, individually pruning each branch. Prune back to another branch or bud, so as not to leave stubs which will eventually die and be open to disease and insects. Azaleas should always be pruned to a natural shape. Boxwood can be sheared or left natural. For a formal hedge shear the new growth to produce the maximum number of densly-growing branches. Boxwood can also be thinned and hand pruned for a more casual looking hedge or shrub. Prune in late winter while still dormant for heavy trimming. They may be clipped at anytime for neatness.

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Tip: Gardener's New Year Resolutions

With the New Year almost here try these resolutions. Order seeds early, sharpen the lawn mower blades before spring, wait until the soil is 60F to plant warm-season vegetables, and spend more time in the garden this year.

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Sincerely,
ArcaMax Editors