Things are quiet in the garden right now, so it's a good time to reflect on making some resolutions for becoming a better gardener.
- A great place to start is leaving the chemicals behind and going organic.
- Try IPM (Integrated Pest Management), which is understanding what you have, plant-wise, so you know when and where to look for trouble.
- Plant natives as often as possible. They're hardy and make gardening easier by withstanding the elements well. Coral berry shrubs, black gum, wild bergamot are great choices that mix well together.
- Tilling—just knock it off. When you till you bring to the surface weed seeds that are glad to see the light of day. Tilling can have a negative impact on soil structure if you time it wrong. Till too soon in the season and you do it damage. Unthawed soil should not be tilled.
- Not tilling keeps water from being released form the soil.
- Try black matting to block weeds.
GLT's Grow is your source for sage gardening advice and down-to-earth tips. Host Patrick Murphy and co-host Laura Kennedy are ready to take on all your gardening questions, so submit yours today.
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