February in the High Desert, a month for Garden LOVE

Task of the Month

By Cindy Poore

Ok, it’s finally chilly outside and who wants to go out there and work in the garden? But there are always tasks to do even when it is chilly and hopefully wet. Oh yeah, don’t forget the wind. There is always the wind. And the task of the month is Prevention. It’s worth a pound of cure. One of the biggest prevention jobs we love to do is to help you keep your trees, lawns and plants in top shape.

If you have problems with some highly valued trees and shrubs, now is the time to apply the pre-spring insect prevention.  This is not a foliar spray after the insects have landed. This is a “from the root area application” that gets absorbed into the tree’s vascular system and protects your trees and shrubs from the inside out from unwanted invaders.

Although you can apply anytime the plant is growing, from now until mid spring is the best time to apply as the plants vascular system is starting to move after a sluggish winter season and most plants are getting ready to send out new growth. An application now is perfect for your high value trees and shrubs that typically are under attack during the growing season year after year. Even roses.

This will work for most insects that suck or chew on leaves or branches because the insecticide will move throughout the plant. It takes time for the insecticide to move through the plant though, so that is why we apply late winter so that the new green growth of spring is protected.

This is where the love comes in….  you gotta love your garden all months of the year. Yeah, it needs attention when you don’t necessarily want to go out there. It’s sort of like a baby you have to get up in the night to feed. Your body tells you no, no but your garden tells you yes, yes. You will reap the benefits come this spring. And if you really just can’t face it yourself, well then….

Call us! We LOVE to help! (760) 868-6104

Get Ready! The weeds are coming.

If you have not already, give us a call to help you with your weeds. Pre-emergent applications WITH weed killer will be the norm for the next few months since the little guys are starting to show up now. And they won’t be little forever.

You can prevent more from showing up with the pre-emergent application with your weed spraying. Do all your property, or just your problem areas. Pre-emergent spraying is safe for all your plants and will not harm them, however, we do not apply on or under edible plants.

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“Start where you are, Do what you can, Use what you have”

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Garden tasks February 2014

• There is still time for pruning roses for  lush and beautiful spring blooms.
• We are still applying  dormant oil treatments after pruning for spring pest control this month IF your tree has not bloomed or leafed out , so call us and we can do it for you. If you wait until March, they likely will be all leafed out and too late to spray dormant oil.
• Plot out your veggie garden. It could just be a few pots on the patio, or a corner of your yard. Raised beds make it more accessible and controllable. You get to choose the soil! (instead of the soil you were dealt). It doesn’t take much space to grow something fun and healthy. Order your seeds. A seed catalogue is just porn for gardeners.! Start your seeds  indoors before the end of February and by April you will be ready to put them outdoors (with protection).
• Buy bare-root plants now for the best bargains.
• Cut stems of early blooming trees and shrubs now and bring them inside and place them in water. The warmth of the indoor environment will bring them to bloom for you to enjoy inside!

Garden Coaching?  

What is Garden Coaching?  Well, it is that little push you need to have the outdoor landscape you want at prices you can afford.  We work with clients who have a need for professional guidance in  transforming or maintaining their landscape. Some need to know WHAT to do. Some need to know HOW to do it. And some need all that AND to be held accountable for getting it done!

Planning ahead is key. We will coach on a one-time, occasional, quarterly or monthly basis. Whatever fits your need and budget. We can help you get your game plan going.

We can walk your garden and do an inventory of what you have and how to take care of it. We can also tell you what you might add and where to put it. We can show you how and when to prune and fertilize your plants and how to make the most of what you’ve got.

When you are ready, we can coach you, or we can do it all for you. Whatever you need. Give us a call to get your game plan going!

We can do all these services for you if you need help! Call us at (760) 868-6104

My Favorite Recipes  

I have wonderful clients! You all have told me you enjoy my recipes and I love sharing. This one is from a fantastic lady and friend, Deanna Carlson. Try it. It’s so easy and likely you have all the ingredients on hand. My hubby LOVES spicy so I added some salsa to ours and he RAVED over this recipe. Unfortunately, it’s not Diet or low cal. Oh well, you can’t have everything.

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

4    skinless boneless chicken breast halves

cooked and shredded Crushed Tortilla Chips

1     can  Rotel tomatoes and green chilies

2/3   cup evaporated milk

1    can Cream of Mushroom Soup

1    can Cream of Chicken Soup

8     oz. Shredded cheddar Jack cheese 1

8 oz can/jar spicy salsa (Cindy’s Optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Put crushed tortilla chips in greased 9 X 13 casserole dish generously covering the bottom. Top with shredded chicken.

In a separate bowl, combine soups, evaporated milk and Rotel tomatoes and salsa if desired.

Pour over chicken and top with shredded cheese. Cover with foil that has been sprayed with Pam. Bake 45 minutes, uncover the foil and bake 15 minutes more. Serve warm with a salad and cornbread. YUM!

                 “You will find as you look back on your life that the moments that you have truly lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love”                                     Henry Drummond