Melinda's Garden Moment Radio Tips
Melinda Myers
Nationally known gardening expert, TV/Radio host, author & columnist with over 30 years of horticulture experience and tons of gardening information to share! www.melindamyers.comMelinda's Garden Moment videos will help you create that beautiful landscape you’ve always wanted. Each week throughout the growing season, a new gardening video will be added right here, so be sure to stop back. You can also watch Melinda’s Garden Moments on your local network TV station affiliate.
Look for ways to reduce maintenance and still have a beautiful perennial garden.
Spring and fall clean ups reduce the on-going maintenance in your perennial garden. Horticulturist Janet Macunovich recommends dividing maintenance into Must Do’s, Should Do’s and Might Do’s. This is a great way to reduce what may seem like an overwhelming project into manageable tasks.
The Must do’s are tasks that insure your plants will survive -- watering as needed, weed control, including edging and managing plant-threatening pests.
Should Do tasks include mulching, fertilizing and winterizing as needed and can be done after you take care of the Must do’s. These could wait a year but should be addressed in the near future. I find doing the Should Do’s eventually reduces time spent on the Must Do’s.
Might Do’s are those tasks like deadheading and staking that just boost the beauty factor.
A bit more information: If the Must Do’s are difficult for you to accomplish, consider asking for help. Hire a professional to help with spring and fall clean up. Or ask a friend or newbie gardener. I find gardeners with limited space or those with limited experience like to help gardeners with room to grow and knowledge to share.