There is quite a bit of difference between the fertilizer preferences of our garden plants. Flowering plants do best with a formula that is higher in phosphorus. A few plants, such as tropical hibiscus, tuberous begonias and Wave petunias not only need higher phosphorus, they also need more frequent feedings to keep up their show stopping appearances. Bachman’s Mighty
Bloom™ fertilizer can help you provide for maximum
flowering this summer. Its 10-54-10 water-soluble formula is
perfect for flowers and on fruiting vegetables, too. (Be sure to
try it on your tomato plants.)
Other plants don’t need as much phosphorus. Grass needs
a fertilizer higher in nitrogen. Herbs, nasturtiums and most
succulents, on the other hand, need almost no fertilizer at
all. Plants grown mostly for their foliage, such as hostas, do
best with Bachman’s Excel-Gro™ 15-35-15 formula or an
all purpose formula such as 10-10-10 or Bachman’s Garden
Food 10-20-10. If you have questions about fertilizers, ask a
Bachman’s horticulturist.
Bulbs after the bloom
As soon as spring-flowering bulbs–tulips, daffodils and
hyacinth–finish their blooming cycle, the flower stem
should be removed just below the
spent flower.
This prevents the bulb
from producing seed. Otherwise, the
bulb will put lots of energy into seed
production and less into building
itself up for next season. Allow the
green growth to turn yellow and
die back naturally. Right after the
blooms fade, apply some bulb food.
A spring fertilization gives bulbs
the energy they need to come back
strong next spring.
Peat moss
Peat moss is a natural organic soil conditioner that
regulates moisture and helps open the soil to allow air circulation
around plant roots. Most peat moss is harvested from
bogs around ancient lakebeds in Canada. The material is then
dried, baled and shipped to
garden centers to be used in a
wide variety of
gardening tasks. Peat moss
loosens heavy clay soil and
helps retain moisture in sandy
soils. It’s good in the garden,
on lawns and in the compost
bin.
One 3.8 cubic foot bale
of peat moss covers about 65
square feet, approximately 2” deep. Be generous when you
incorporate peat moss into the existing soil. The more,
the better.
Tropical plants
and night temperatures
Most tropical plants love to be outside
for the summer, but keep an eye on
the weather. Night temperatures need
to be above 55° to keep these plants
happy. Since the average last frost
date in the Twin Cities is May 10th,
you need to be able to move tropical
plants into the house or garage
during a cold spell.
Tomato Tip
Tomatoes do best when night
temperatures are in the mid
60°s, but it’s okay to plant
them now if you use Wall O
Water, a plant protection device
that shields the plants from
cool night temperature.
Flowers and gifts from Bachman’s make any day a special one. When you order your flowers or gifts online, you know you’ll be getting a beautiful fresh floral arrangement from a trusted florist known for outstanding floral design, plus quality and service.
If you’re sending flowers or gifts out of town, you can rely on us to choose the best florist from either the FTD or Teleflora nationwide flower network. Florists who can be counted on to deliver the best fresh floral arrangements and gifts, even when doing a same day delivery.
