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Edible Gardens

Along with other trends like great color, no chemical use, and slow growing, by far the greatest trend in recent years is being able to eat what you plant.  According to the National Gardening Association, edible garden growing has increased nearly 20% over the past year.  In fact, publications nationwide from Home and Garden to the Wall Street Journal have taken to the veggieharvesttrend and are reporting on the various benefits of growing a garden.

First-time gardeners having various reasons and motives for cultivating an edible garden.  Some are looking to help the environment – growing your own food actually helps to reduce our contributions to climate change and has been shown to be more water efficient than broadscale agriculture.  Others are trying to practice healthier eating habits, as homegrown foods are typically far more nutritious than their grocery-store counterparts.  Still some people are just trying to save a few dollars – $500 and more per year for a typical family with an average-sized garden.

In order to start your own edible garden, it’s first beneficial to know what grows well and fairly easily in your region and climate – click this link for a full list of edibles that grow in Florida.  Just as important as knowing what to plant is knowing when to plant it.  Flower, plant, and crop planting times should be spaced out accordingly for successful growth.  Onions, peas, zucchini squash, and beets are easy growing crops and can be planted early in the growing season.  Crops like tomatoes and peppers need more planning and may be more delicate.  Ideally, you should plant your tomatoes, squash, beans and watermelon, after any possible frost has passed.  Other commonly grown crops and herbs include: leaf lettuce, eggplant, cucumbers, cilantro, basil, mint, and tricolor sage.  Fruits are also fun to include in to your edible garden – berries are common and only take one season to produce fruit, versus many tree fruits that can take several years to produce.

Not content with the usual fruits and vegetables?  Add a twist to your garden with edible flowers.  Flowers like Calendula, also known as Marigolds are great flowers that range in taste.  Some are spicy while others are a bit tangy.  Carnations on the other hand are sweet and can be used as cake decorations or mixed in to salads.  Other edible flowers include: Cornflowers, Dandelions, Day Lilies, Banana Blossoms, and many others.  Keep in mind to never consume flowers from florists, nurseries, or garden centers as the might contain pesticides.

Pig, Pilsner & Panua

Palmer’s is hosting the second annual Pigs + Pilsner @ Palmer’s.

check here for more info….http://pigpilsnerpalmer.org/

Creating a Butterfly Garden

butterflyWith summer quickly approaching, what could add a better touch to your home garden than a yard full of butterflies?  Growing a butterfly garden adds a creative flair to your own backyard, as well as provides a safe habitat for these delicate, beautiful creatures to grow and prosper.

To help you get started, follow these simple steps:

Step One: Conduct Your Research

First, it’s important to find what butterflies are native to your area, and make a list of all the different kinds you would like to attract.  From there, determine which plants and flowers the butterflies lay their eggs on, and on which their larvae (caterpillars) feed.  It is important to include host plants for the caterpillars’ homes, and nectar plants for the butterflies to feed.  For example, the Painted Lady butterfly larvae prefer sunflowers as the host plants, and the butterfly bush as their source of nectar.  Note that butterflies tend to look for sources of food by color, size, shape and fragrance – all important when choosing your flowers.

Step Two: Choose Your Location

Do not get discouraged if you lack a garden of your own, or even a backyard.  A butterfly garden can be any size ranging from a small window box to an area of your property.  Here are a few necessary tips in choosing your site:

1)  Choose a large, open, sunny area.  Butterflies tend to be more active in the sun!

2)  Make sure the area is protected from the wind.  If this is impossible, determine which direction the wind generally comes from and plant windbreakers such as shrubby nectar and food plants.  Other examples include small fences and even large rocks.

3)  Keep in mind the estimated full growth of your plants.  The area should be large enough, and also allow the plants to receive enough light and water.

All of this could require some planning on paper, but get creative!

Step Three: Cultivate Your Soil

Once you have designed your layout and purchased the seeds necessary to start your garden, the next step is to plant them.  Constructing the garden will vary, depending on how much work needs to be completed before preparing your fresh plot of soil.  Make sure the soil is loose enough to softly crumble in your hands, then rake it lightly, and scatter the seeds evenly throughout.  If necessary, eliminate any weeds from the area, and always remember to water the area daily until the seeds germinate and the plants are well established.

Step Four: Create Mud Puddle Areas

Since butterflies can’t drink from open water, permanent puddles are also an important addition to your garden.  One way to create these is to bury a bucket to the rim and fill it with gravel or sand.  Then, pour liquids such as stale beer, sweet drinks, or even water inside.  Finally add some twigs or rocks on top for perches.  If your area is too small for this, a small pan filled with mud will do just fine.

Additional Tips:

1)  Add some garden accessories, such as a butterfly house, which has slots to keep birds out, and also protects the butterflies from the wind.

2)  Offer additional sources of nectar to supplement your flowers.

3)  Avoid the use of pesticides – this one’s a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many gardeners overlook this simple step.

With the right conditions and care, butterfly gardens are fairly easy to grow, but be patient.  It usually takes a few weeks for the butterflies to appear.

Happy Gardening!

Caring for Poinsettias

Poinsettias are beautiful flowers brought to the United States from Mexico, by Joel Poinsett in the early 1800′s.  Botanically, the plant is known as Euphorbia Pulcherrima, and they are most popular during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season.  With the proper care, however, these plants can last well into the summer season!  Here are a few tips that will help your poinsettias last:

  • Where you place your Poinsettia in your home is crucial.  These flowers need at least 6 hours of indirect natural sunlight daily.  Place them in front of a window, and if direct sun is unavoidable, use a shade.  Do not plant under a heat or air vent, as the plant will quickly dry out.  In mild climates like Florida, the plant can be placed outside (preferably in an enclosed area), as long as temperatures do not fall below 40°F.  Keep in mind that the more sunlight and heat they receive, the more water they need to thrive.  Poinsettias should not be taken out of the containers they are grown in.  If you desire them to be planted, plant the container in the ground with the plant whenever possible.  Be sure to bring the plants indoors during high winds, as they can break.
  • Keep the soil moderately moist.  If the soil feels dry when touched, remove the Poinsettia from its decorative pot, and use enough water to completely saturate the soil.  Be careful not to over-water, and do not let the plant sit in water!  Remember to water poinsettias at the soil not through the leaves.  This will ensure the water does not spot the leaves.  Keep in mind that the poinsettias will require much more water outside.  Fertilization is not necessary when the flower is already in bloom.
  • After the holidays, proper care for the plant is still needed.  Around late March or early April, the branches begin to loose their luster and should be cut back to about 8 inches in height.  New growth will occur by May, and the Poinsettia should be pruned during the summer months up to the beginning of September.  Continue to water and maintain proper sunlight and temperature throughout the months.

Fall Decorating Ideas

It’s that time of the year when the mornings are a little cooler, the air is a little crisper and the outdoor living is full of moments and memories.   So give those moments some color and fun!  As we create this years color and themes at Palmer’s Garden & Goods, we thought we would share a few ideas to help you along the way.

Did you know that if you lacquer your pumpkins it will protect them from the exterior elements and will last longer?  It will also give it a nice polished look.

Pumpkin Topiary: this is the greatest idea since, well, the topiary.  It’s the decor that last through the holidays and gives a fresh update to your decorations.  Come by the garden center and get one or make one yourself.

All you need are three pumpkins (small, medium, large), a pvc pipe, and an accent of your choice.  After cutting off the stem, hammer the pvc pipe down the center starting with the large pumpkin.  You can use whatever size pvc is on sale, but I like a 3/8”-1/2” pvc pipe. Make sure to hammer in straight because you just using it for stability.  And whatever accent/garnish you like such as moss or lights.

You can also create a nice Fall Display that will last for only $59.99 (15% savings).
2 straw bundles
1 hand-tied corn stalk
1 large pumpkin
1 small pumpkin
1, 8” mum

Did you know that using 2 bails of hay is an easy way to create a stair step for your decor, giving height, dimension, and appeal?

 

Come by Palmer’s and check out a few of our favorite different types of pumpkins and gourds.  Maybe you’ll find some new favorites for your table decor or something fun for the office!

 

Fall Vegetable Gardening Tips

Fall Gardening Tips
With the summer heat still with us in Florida, it’s hard to think about your fall garden.  But now is the time to start planning for those fall vegetables and herbs and we at Palmer’s have found many ways of guaranteed success.  The first step is knowing which plants to grow during each season. Living in Florida we have the benefits of having multiple gardening seasons throughout the year.  They are typically divided into two categories- cool and warm seasons.  The University of Florida has a great, summary of what to plant in cool and warm seasons. Just click on the at the bottom of this blog.
Also, Palmer’s square foot gardening program, Sprout, helps guide you as well.  Our Fall Harvest Garden includes sweet, succulent lettuces and greens, and the flourishing dill, cilantro, parsley, carrots, and cherry tomatoes. These plants enjoy this time as long as you space them out and water them appropriately.  Spacing them out appropriately will allow them to grow to their full potential and prevent spreading disease.  Also, if you water too much it could cause rot and disease.  An easy way to measure it to put a clean tuna can out to make sure your irrigation is giving the plants 1” of water.
So, start planning your Fall Harvest Garden and the wonderful bounty it will provide with very little care.  Call us today if you have any questions.
Link to University of Florida’s Seasonal Vegetable Guide:

Sip ‘n’ See

NEXT EVENT….

3rd Anual “Sip n SEE”

Come see our selection for fall decorating ideas.

October 5, 2012 from 6-8pm

Palmer’s Garden Featured in “Today’s Garden Center” Magazine

This month’s issue of Today’s Garden Center Magazine features an article about creating a better pottery department.  The article presents pictures of different techniques taken from garden centers across the country.  A picture of Palmer’s Garden and Goods’ pottery section was included.  Click here to link to the picture.

Palmer’s Tips for Summer Lawn and Garden Maintenance

We know it’s tough to beat the heat of the summer – especially when it comes to keeping your lawn and garden green and pest-free.  Here’s a few tips from our garden to yours!

June:

1. Fruits and Citrus

Watch for pests, mainly whitefly and aphids. If infected, you can treat with a malathion oil and follow the directions on the label.  It’s VERY IMPORTANT to make sure you apply this product at dusk or out of a direct sun exposure because the oil will burn the leaves.  Fertilize with a slow release that contains the three macroelements (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) as well as the microelements.

2. Ornamentals

You can fertilize all your ornamental plants during this month.  We recommend using a general Plant Tone or feel free to use a Palm Tone that will contain more of the micro-elements which plants do need from time to time.  Watch for any pests – it is summer and they are out there, so treat as necessary.  Prune when needed.

3. Lawn

Apply a “summer fertilizer” to the lawn at this time – anything with a slow release nitrogen will work.  Just be cautious of products with a weed control because of the heat.  The overall temperature in the summer can be too hot for those kinds of chemicals.  However, you can use fertilizers with a pesticide or treat with a Bug Blaster separate from the fertilizer application.  Feel free to bump your watering schedule to three times a week on the lawn.  Be mindful of the rainfall totals, too much water equals rot!

4. Palms

Now is a good time to fertilize with a Palm Tone.  All palms should have flushed out new fronds, even if they were affected by a cold snap or frost.  Feel free to remove any discolored fronds.

July:

1. Fruits and Citrus

Just prune when needed and keep an eye out for any pests.  Treat as needed.

2. Ornamentals

If you missed the chance to fertilize in June, you are more than welcome to do so during July.  If any pruning is done, go light, nothing too heavy.

3. Lawn

Summer has really set in by now, so it is hot and humid which equals disease and pests.  Get out there weekly if you can and just take a look around the yard and see if you can find anything that may look like a disease or pest issue.  If so, treat as needed.  A good tip to help reduce some fungal issues is to be sure your mower blades are kept sharp.  Dull blades don’t cut grass, but tear and shred it instead.

4. Palms

Simply keep up with any necessary pruning.

August

1. Fruits and Citrus

Keep an eye out for any nutrient deficiencies, which you can easily solve with a fertilization.  Also watch for any pest issues, particularly sucking pests.  You can treat with an organic systemic insecticide – follow the directions on the label.

2. Ornamentals

Check weekly for any pests in the landscape and treat only as needed.  If you do see some yellowing in leaves, it is alright.  It’s summer, so a lot of rain, heat and humidity can do that to plants.

3. Lawn

Make sure you keep on top of a regular watering schedule of two to three times a week and sharpened mower blades. A lawn in poor condition can increase your chance of disease and pest problems.  You can fertilize if you want, but if it isn’t necessary, you’re best not to.  Fertilizer will simply make your lawn grow even quicker and need to be cut every few days.

4. Palms

You can do another fertilization if you desire.  Use a Palm Tone to ensure you are getting the micro-nutrients necessary for the palm to remain healthy.  One common problem in Florida with palms is a magnesium deficiency.  It will start in the older leaves and will progress to the newer growth through time.  The leaf margins will yellow, while the centers will remain destinctly green.  Fortunately, this is an easy treatment – simply apply an epsom salt once per month until all leaves appear normal once again.

Hurricane Season is Here Again

hurricaneYou know it’s that time of year again – when the muggy heat is unbearable and afternoon showers are as predictable as sweat stains.  Yes, summer is here and hurricane season is upon us once more.  While personal safety during hurricanes should always take priority, there are a few things to be considered that can save your yard, too!  Starting early is key as some yard preparation tips can be rather time consuming.  Here are a few to get you started:

Tip 1: Clear your yard.
It is important to reduce the amount of outside objects that could potentially fly around and cause damage. This includes any lawn ornaments, flags, toys, and anything else lying around unsecured. Once you’ve removed those items you can now focus on preparing your plants, flowers, and trees.

Tip 2: Check your trees.
To avoid wind damage, trim any loose, broken, or weak branches from trees. It would be more beneficial to trim trees down to standing sticks that stay rooted, than to keep fuller trees that are more likely to be uprooted by the wind.

Tip 3: Bring plants indoors.
Bring any plants you can indoors to protect them from wind damage. If you are unable to move plants indoors due to size, try to move your plants as close to the house as possible.

Tip 4: Wrap certain trees in blankets or landscape clothes.
The idea is to avoid an uprooted plant, regardless if some minor damage such as broken limbs occurs. Remember not to use plastic in doing so and collect cuttings from unremovable plants.

Tip 5: Provide your yard with adequate drainage.
Obviously heavy rains accompany the winds, and flooding is as much of a problem as wind damage.  In order to avoid flooding, it may be necessary to provide a dry ditch (possibly filled with rocks) to collect the excess water.

If you follow these easy tips, it can save you the time, money, and hassle of dealing with problems later.  Remember, for all your prevention and maintenance products, visit Palmer’s Garden!