TIME RELEASE    This pelletized fertilizer is a one-shot deal. Mixing it in your containers before your plant or poking holes with a pencil into already planted baskets or containers and pouring some into the holes will slowly feed your plants all summer long.  One application lasts about 6 months. Now what can be easier than that? This is a perfect choice for those of you 'on the go' or with bad memories who keep forgetting to fertilize (like me!) Here at Gemmell's we highly recommend this type of slow release feeding to be used in combination with a water soluble.

 

WATER SOLUBLE  This is the fertilizer that most of us have had experience with......blue crystals with the little measuring scoop that you pour into your watering can or hose end sprayer and just add water. The great thing about this type of feeding is that it is available to the plant immediately, so you get results faster. As previously mentioned, the time release combined with the water soluble is how we get such huge flowering baskets here at the garden centre. The frequency of fertilizing with water soluble is entirely dependent on your life style. Once a week at a half rate is usually what Liz recommends but you can feed every two weeks or once a month if that is what fits in with your summer plans.  Although many gardeners are keen on Miracle Gro, which is a good product and well marketed, we at Gemmell's prefer Fafard's 20-20-20 All Purpose with micro nutrients which we feel is a more balanced fertilizer(and a great price at only $5.99!) Regardless of what brand you choose the main goal is to keep feeding your plants.

 

GRANULAR    

STAKES    These are generally used for trees, shrubs, evergreens or fruit trees and are pounded into the ground around the drip line of the trees to slowly break down and feed. The number of stakes used is determined by the caliper of the tree. The rule of thumb is 3 spikes for every 2 inches (5 cm) diameter of the tree trunk measured at chest height.

LAWNS    Now more than ever feeding your lawn regularly is a vital maintenance practice. Last year's ban of pesticides such as Grub Out and Killex, have left many home owners lawns vulnerable to attack by weeds and pests. We cannot stress enough the importance of regular feeding, deep watering and over seeding to build a strong and healthy lawn. Feeding your lawn three times a year is the general rule of thumb Spring, summer and fall. Now is a great time to apply the summer fertilizer. Here at Gemmell's we carry a great natural based summer fertilizer 19-0-11 which is a progressive release that promotes continued growth all summer long. It is phosphate free which is eco friendly for our lakes and rivers while still providing high nitrogen and potassium for strong grass. We also carry another all purpose lawn fertilizer that is completely pesticide free.

What ever you choose, the most important thing to remember is to continue to feed all plants, annuals, vegetables, trees, roses and lawns as they are living organisms that benefit greatly and become less susceptible to disease and pests when they are strong.

Hostas are on sale this week for 30% off!  Great addition to any garden with so many colours, textures. They are drought tolerant gorgeous accent plants.

Here are some of our favorite picks for this season;

Fire & Ice

Crisply variegated leaves with deep green margins brighten the shaded garden. Attractive planted between rocks or tree roots or at garden's edge. Lovely accent to white-flowered plants or ferns.

Absolutely stunning variegation, deep green margins with a creamy-yellow center that turns white in summer. Foliage and flowers are lovely in bouquets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Stained Glass