This page is designed to help gardeners plant and take care of their plants with simple tricks we have come up with over the years that work really well for us. Hopefully you find something on the list that works for you. Remember when using chemicals to use common sense, protective clothing and always follow the directions on the label for that particular product.  Job's Nursery is not responsible for any abusive usage of the products recommended on this site. 
 

1. Use Aluminum Sulphate to turn Blue Hydrangeas a bright blue (use as directed on label).

2. Remember to plant trees half their estimated diameters away from houses i.e. Sweetgum get 25 feet wide so plant at least 12.5 feet away.

3. When planting Emerald Arborvitae for hedges, space 3 to 4 feet on center for a nice hedge look.

4. Remember trees require more water than the lawn so try to give them extra water in the summer.

5. Use steer & bark compost to enrich the soil when planting. In sand use a ratio of 1 part compost to 4 parts soil. Mix thoroughly so that it’s evenly distributed in the hole.

6. Plant potted trees and shrubs September to June. Try to avoid planting in July and August because of extreme heat.

7. If a plant or tree is wilting or defoliating, dig down 12 inches to check moisture before the next time of watering. Soil should lightly clump in your hand and be moist, not muddy or powder dry.

8. When researching plants in books, magazines or online make sure they are hardy to a USDA zone of 6 or if using the Western Garden Book, 3A.

9. If having plant problems take pictures or bring leaf and branch samples to your local nursery or county extension agent for easier identification of the problem.

10. When landscaping under power lines, restrict plant’s mature height to no more than 25 feet, the power company will appreciate it.

11. When pruning flowering shrubs remember to do it after they are done blooming. If done before the flower buds will be pruned off.

12. Our soil is very poor so trees and shrubs need yearly feedings. A well balanced fertilizer with trace elements is best. Call your local nursery or follow directions on label.

13. When planning you flower beds it is best to make them at least 3 feet wide because there are very few plants that stay under 3 feet wide.

14. When planting a rose garden plant in full sun and space roses 4 to 5 feet apart to reduce likely hood for powdery mildew.

15. When planting annuals it is best to wait at least until the first of May when there is less likelihood of a frost.

16. If you need to move a plant from one spot in your yard to another, it is best to do so when the plant is dormant (December through February).

17. If your fertilizing attempts aren’t successful, have your soil tested it may be too alkaline. Look in the yellow pages under soil test.

18. To ensure a fabulous red fall color on red maples (acer rubrum), try Hi-Yield Iron Plus® in spring and summer (use as directed on label) Because it could be iron deficient.

19. NEVER HIT A TREE OR SHRUB with lawn mower or weed whacker. It can kill the plant.

20. To help maximize the effectiveness of spray herbicides, insecticides and fungicides us spreader sticker (use as directed on label).

21. When spraying plants it is best to do so in the morning when it is cool and there is no wind.

22. When planting Rhododendrons and Japanese Maples remember to plant in afternoon shade (11 am to 5 pm).

23. Remember palm trees need winter protection in the Tri-Cities. They need to be wrapped up for winter or brought inside.

24. Make sure you are planting plants in the correct exposures. Ask your local independent nursery for planting information.

26. When staking plants use Sturdy Stretch Tie to tie the plant to the stake or trellis.

27. If you have unwanted grass growing in with your shrubs use ferti·lome Over The Top® grass killer (use as directed on label).

28. To stop the germination of unwanted weeds in your flower beds use American Brand Weed and Grass Stopper® (use as directed on label).

29. To systemically control black spot and powdery mildew use Bayer Advanced Garden Disease Control (use as directed on label).

30. Always use separate sprayers for herbicides and insecticides.

31. When planning a flower bed or yard remember to mix things up to give color and texture throughout the seasons.

32. When staking trees be sure to use an older garden hose or drip tube to protect the trunk from the string.

33. When pruning plants be sure to spray your pruners with a disinfectant spray to prevent the spread of disease.

34. To attract butterflies to the yard plant butterfly bush, hummingbird mint, bee balm, honeysuckle, trumpet vine, Spiraea, Weigela and more!

35. Have a filter on your drip system and periodically check the emitters to ensure that they are no plugged.

36. To control aphids, mites and white flies naturally release a group of lady bugs or praying mantis in spring. They love eating aphids!

37. When applying your fall feeding to your plants it is best to do it around Labor Day.

38. When planting your newly purchased trees and shrubs you do not want to plant them too deeply. It is best to plant them at the same level that they are in the container.

39. When digging the hole to plant your tree or shrub dig the hole twice as wide and 2 to 3 inches deeper.

40. If you are going to divide perennials it is best to do so in the fall or spring when they are not actively growing.

41. If you want to attract birds plant Viburnum, spruce, cotoneaster, red twig dogwoods, flowering quince, or serviceberry.

42. As evergreens mature, the inner needles of the plant will shed because they are not getting sunlight or any airflow.

43. In the fall evergreens like pine and arborvitae will shed some of their inner needles due to the change in weather.