Watering Is Key

We are asked on a daily basis...."How often do I water?" Unfortunately, there is no perfect answer because everyone's conditions are different. As a rule, the hotter it gets, the more you will have to water. In hotter weather, increase your watering time, not the frequency of watering. The amount of water that your garden will require depends on weather conditions. The primary rule of summer watering is to water thoroughly and deeply each time and to allow the soil dry out between waterings. Deep watering will allow the plant's roots to grow deeper. They are less likely to dry out, and have the added benefit of anchoring the plant into the ground better. Light surface watering actually wastes water, because the water never actually reaches the root zone, and the moisture rapidly evaporates from the top inch of soil.
The best way to tell if your plants are receiving enough water is to take a trowel or shovel and dig down a few inches. The soil should be moist 2 or 3 inches deep to insure that the water is reaching the root zone of the plants. Of course, if you planted drought resistant plants, you won't have to water as often; but the principal of deep watering still applies. As the weather dries out, your container plants may need daily watering, especially if the pots are exposed to the drying sunlight or wind. Push your finger into the soil in your container plantings at least once a day (more often on hot, dry days) to feel for moisture and be certain that plants are getting enough water. Apply water until it runs out the drainage holes.

Butterfly Gardening

Butterflies are some of the most beautiful and interesting creatures on Earth. By planting a butterfly garden with all of the right kinds of plants and flowers that butterflies love to feed on and lay eggs on, you will certainly have a yard full of butterflies throughout the growing season. Butterfly gardens can be any size - a window box, part of your landscaped yard, or even a wild untended area on your property.

Butterflies are attracted to numerous annuals and perennials. With a little time spent to creating a list and designing your butterfly garden, it will bring you years of joy watching all the different species you can attract!

Once you have designed and started your butterfly garden, you can be proud that you have made a habitat for butterflies in your own yard, which helps with the conservation of the many species of quickly disappearing butterflies today. You will certainly want to place your favorite outdoor furniture near so that you can enjoy all of your visitors day after day.

During your next visit to Meadow View, be sure to pick up our printed hand out on butterfly attractors at the information desk!

The Kitchen Garden

The words "kitchen garden" are fast becoming popular again. A common phrase in Victorian times to describe the garden the household ate from now describes the home vegetable and herb garden once again. A kitchen garden merely refers to a garden that consists almost exclusively of plants to be eaten or used in recipes. Although one might put decorative plants around the edges of such gardens, the vast majority is intended for food. How do you choose what to plant in your garden? plant things you enjoy to eat! Vegetable and herb gardening is also a wonderful way to be frugal with your dollars. During a time that money is being spent wisely, a single tomato plant can save you plenty. One 'Big Boy' tomato plant can produce up to 100 pounds of fruit! The real investment is a little bit of time....or as I think of it..."inexpensive therapy". Weeding is a necessary task, as is keeping in eye out for pests and disease. A kitchen garden is a cost saving activity that can quickly become a hobby as you research different varieties and techniques that suit your needs. Now go plant some herbs and veggies and enjoy the fruits of your labor!!

Pictured is a 3'x3' vegetable garden that can easily sustain a family of four.