Marty's tips to keep spring weeds at bay!

Hello, again!

I've said this before... but good advice bears repeating. Just like getting our ferti-lome For All Seasons applied soon, there are some other timely projects to get accomplished soon that will pay dividends all season long. A timely application of weed and grass preventer is a great tool for keeping unwanted grassy and broadleaf weeds out of turf areas, and controlling weeds in a flower garden or landscape bed will not only make the area look better, but will also help the desirable plants perform better. I hear some people comment occasionally that they don’t care what grows, as long as it’s green. I’ll guarantee you that once a homeowner has a vigorous stand of crabgrass in their turf, they’ll never delay the preventative application again. Take my word for it.

A few tips for getting our landscape beds ready for the season: First thing is removal of debris from last year's growing season. Maybe it’s leaves that have blown in from your neighbor’s yard, annuals from last year or perennial plant parts from last year. It all needs to go. A leaf blower, leaf rake and pruners all help. Looking for fall germinated weeds is next.

Physical removal is good, or for stubborn weeds try Hi-Yield Killzall Quick Weed & Grass Killer Spray in a ready to use spray container. It is rainproof in 10 minutes, and reaches the roots in 1 to 2 hours with visible results in as little as 3 hours. Kilzall may be applied when temperatures are as low as 50 degrees. Because all Killzall is a non-selective weed control, it's important to keep it off desirable plants, grasses, and vegetation.

To prevent weeds in flower and landscape beds, use Hi-Yield Turf & Ornamental Weed & Grass Stopper. Hi-Yield controls crabgrass and other broadleaf weeds for up to 4 months after application. It works best when applied before most weeds emerge, but it will help control crabgrass for up to 4 weeks after germination.

Mulch applied to all landscape areas will not only enhance the appearance of the beds, but also aids in prevention of weed germination and retains valuable moisture. Grade-A Cedar Mulch is expertly designed for the job and much more. This all-bark mulch is made of western red cedar. It provides a thick protective layer that's resistant to floating or blowing away. It smells great, is attractive, and holds color well. Use it in the garden, landscape, and around newly planted trees and shrubs.

We have many options for fertilizer for the landscape, from Gardener’s Special, our favorite flower and vegetable plant food for decades, to Tree & Shrub Food, my favorite fertilizer for trees and shrubs.

Be sure to save the dates of April 19-23 for our annual Fill-A-Flat sale. Many customers are ordering their plants on our website now to make sure they are able to get the varieties they are wanting. See you soon!

Your friend in the garden,

Marty Johnson
Owner - Johnson's Garden Center

P.S. - Spring in Kansas is always a rollercoaster. It's a good time to pay attention to our overnight lows and cover anything tender, like annuals or tomato plants.