We know not everyone has a green thumb but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your hands in the garden this summer!
Here are some tips from the team that keeps our Park blooming all season long.
So many times, people ask about a newly planted perennial that doesn’t seem to be doing anything in the garden. My response is always give them time!
Most perennials require about 3 years to fully establish, and it can be even longer if the plant was stressed or planted late in the season (like those ½ price deals you get late in the season at garden centers!). Remember “Sleep, Creep, Leap”. In year one the tops “sleep” while the roots establish. In year two the roots are still establishing but more leaves are starting to “creep” out providing the plants with more energy. Year three roots are now fully developed, and the plants seem to “leap” into their full glory.
Rhonda Halliday - Indoor Horticulture Supervisor
If you are planting trees, remember they require more water than flowers and vegetable gardens and that they also require more frequent water. Also, be sure to untangle and tease the root ball before planting.
Sean Thomas - Forestry Supervisor
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Before choosing a plant location in your yard ensure you know the duration of light it receives. Full-sun plants usually need at least 6hrs of sun.
A great place to start is investing in soil health. Testing your soil can help you determine the pH level and nutrient content of your soil, allowing you to adjust as needed to ensure optimal plant growth. * When adding compost make sure it's fully decomposed.
When buying your plants consider the growing zones but remember Canadian growing zones (Winnipeg is a Zone 3) are slightly different compared to our USA neighbours.
Avoid over-watering! If plants are watered too often then roots will stay shallow and avoid going deep into the soil. A good general rule is to push a finger an inch down into the soil. If it's dry, then it's time to water.
Consider the time of day you get to enjoy your garden. If you're only home in the evening, then look at planting flowers and silver or variegated foliage that can be seen in the reflected light from the moon.
Beverly Drysdale-Coutts - Gardener at The Leaf
Companion planting crops for attracting beneficial insects or predators is a great way to keep bug pressure down on your crops, reduce chemical sprays and get the best harvest possible!
If you want to attract lacewings both whose larval and adult forms are highly beneficial to gardens you could plant fennel, dill, Prairie sunflower and yarrow.
If you want to attract ladybugs you could also plant dill, marigolds, and sweet alyssum. Aster, daisies, borage and echinacea are also great plants for attracting beneficial insects to the garden as well.
Mitchell Kosowan - Gardener at The Leaf
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Explore the Park's many gardens this summer, and be inspired as they come to life!
