Louise Grabell February is a sure sign of spring! That’s right, the gardening season is about four weeks away, so sharpen your tools and start preparing for the next growing season. The last frost date is around March 20th, so get those tomato seedlings going as soon as possible. Valentine’s Day is a good day…
Louise Grabell What do gardeners do in January? Speaking only for myself, gardening is never finished. Maybe that’s because I don’t hire anyone to take care of my estate. Truth be told, I’ve been secretly harboring the notion that at my age, maybe I need some help. But here’s my problem: no one can take…
Louise Grabell I have been a Master Gardener for Pinal County (under the auspices of the University of Arizona) since 2005 and recently decided to step away from the formal program. However, I must tell you that this has been one of the more rewarding activities of my retirement years. I began writing this column…
Louise Grabell I love gardening, but sometimes it’s so frustrating. I work very hard around the house (just ask my neighbors), and it seems I have to work even harder to get stuff done. Many times have I gotten myself settled up in my flower garden (I say “up” because my flower beds are raised…
Louise Grabell I’ve had some past “mysteries” occur in my garden that I’ve shared with you. Like, where did the spider lily bulbs come from, or how did snails get into my garden? Well, I have another mystery for you – something totally unexplainable, yet wondrous in its own way. It’s all about my purple…
Louise Grabell Getting hot enough for you? I thought that since it’s too hot to spend much time in the sun, maybe we should spend some quality time in the shade planning a perennial garden. Perennials are reliable plants that bring you blossoms every year without fail. And the best part about them is that…
Louise Grabell The key to successful gardening lies in how well you take care of your plants. They’ll need your attention when it comes to fertilization. When the question is posed: “How Does Your Garden Grow?” you should have a good answer! My garden grows just fine. The flowers are happy, the citrus trees are…
Louise Grabell It’s hot and getting hotter. Don’t be one of those “complainers” I talk to so often. Complaints about winter being too cold or too wet. Now all I hear is it’s too hot. Stop complaining and remember why you moved to Shangri-la. As a gardener, I feel we are blessed with wonderful opportunities…
Louise Grabell, Pinal County Master Gardener OK, so winter was cold…and snowy. Better than the Midwest? Better than the Northeast? Alaska? Stop complaining. It’s better here! And spring is in the air, most definitely. I am busy getting my garden beds in good shape for this season’s annuals. Some of my beds have wooden bases…
Louise Grabell That was quick, winter is almost over. Yup, it’s time to get your head on straight and start to focus on the outdoors once again. There are some basic late-winter tasks that you can get a head start on now. For all you citrus owners, fertilize your trees and container-grown citrus now. Pay…