(NL 08/06/2024)
As August is usually the peak of the heat, please be advised that plantings in full sun should be withheld until Fall.
Fall is in fact the best time of the year for planting most trees and shrubs, which makes August the best time for planning your new garden. If you need help with this
August is a crucial time to remove invasives to keep up with your garden maintenance and health. At this time, many weeds are on the verge of setting seeds, so timely removal helps prevent their spread and future infestations. It also reduces competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight, giving the desired plants a better chance to thrive as they prepare for the end of the growing season. Additionally, targeting perennial weeds before they store energy in their roots can weaken them and reduce their regrowth in the following year. This practice not only improves the aesthetics of a garden but also prepares the soil for any fall planting, ensuring a well-maintained and healthy landscape.
Why Focus on Invasive Plants Now?
Late summer is an ideal time to clean up invasive plants and open up space for your fall garden. These invasive species can overtake your garden, crowding out native plants and disrupting the local ecosystem. By removing them now, you can make room for native species that are better suited to your local conditions. This preparation is crucial for a successful fall garden, as it provides a healthier environment for new plantings.
Steps to Remove Invasive Plants
Identify the Problematic Species: Common invasive plants on Long Island include Japanese Knotweed, Phragmites (Common Reed), and Garlic Mustard. Research these species to recognize them in your garden.
Use Effective Removal Techniques: Techniques like hand-pulling or cutting may be necessary. Follow local guidelines to ensure you don't inadvertently spread the invasives.
Proper Disposal: Properly dispose of removed invasive plants to prevent further contamination. Consult local waste management services for the correct disposal methods.
Why Plan and Plant for Fall?
With the invasive plants removed, August is the perfect time to plan for a fall garden. While planting should wait until fall, this period is ideal for planning and preparing. Choosing the right native plants, such as perennials, grasses, and shrubs suited to Long Island’s climate, will help establish a balanced and resilient garden ecosystem. By planning now and planting in the fall, your garden will have time to establish strong roots and benefit from the autumn rains.
Get Ready for a Fall Garden Makeover!
Prepare your garden for a beautiful and ecologically supportive space by focusing on invasive plant removal and planning for fall planting. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your garden but also supports the local environment, promoting biodiversity and a healthier ecosystem.
More Than Gardens can help you in every step of your journey into transforming your yard into a beautiful, practical, productive and above all a healthy environment that will provide for you and for everyone who gets in touch with your space.
Agatha & The More Than Gardens Team
(07/26/2024 Newsletter)
Hello More Than Gardeners,
Today, we're diving into the topic of irrigation and why drip irrigation stands out as the optimal ecological choice for nurturing your garden.
Why Drip Irrigation?
Water Efficiency: Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots of plants, minimizing water loss due to evaporation or runoff. This precision helps conserve water, making it a sustainable option in regions prone to drought.
Healthy Plants, Healthy Soil: By maintaining consistent moisture levels around plant roots, drip irrigation promotes healthier plants with stronger root systems. This also enhances soil structure and reduces erosion compared to traditional watering methods.
Weed Control: Unlike sprinklers that can indiscriminately water surrounding areas, drip irrigation targets specific plant zones. This reduces moisture on unplanted soil, discouraging weed growth and minimizing the need for herbicides.
Reduced Disease Risk: Watering leaves and stems with overhead sprinklers can promote fungal diseases. Drip irrigation keeps foliage dry, reducing the likelihood of diseases spreading among plants.
Energy Efficiency: Drip systems operate at lower pressure and can be easily combined with renewable energy sources like solar power for pumping water, reducing overall energy consumption.
Drip irrigation's most significant environmental benefit is that it conserves water efficiently, saving up to 50% more compared to traditional methods, which helps in local water conservation initiatives. Additionally, by delivering water directly to plant roots, drip irrigation reduces chemical runoff of fertilizers and pesticides into groundwater and nearby water bodies. This method also preserves soil health by maintaining optimal moisture levels, supporting microbial activity, and ensuring long-term fertility of the soil.
Practical considerations for drip irrigation include both installation and maintenance aspects. While the initial setup may involve an investment, the long-term benefits in terms of water savings and improved plant health make drip irrigation a highly cost-effective solution for gardeners. Besides, drip systems to be adapted to outdoor faucets or existing in ground irrigation systems adapting to gardens of any size or layout, whether you have raised beds or extensive landscapes. This versatility ensures efficient water management tailored to meet the specific needs of your garden, enhancing both sustainability and convenience.
Drip irrigation is a conscientious choice for gardeners looking to cultivate thriving, sustainable landscapes. If you would like to learn more about it or would like a quote on installation on a drip system, give us a call and let’s schedule a visit for an estimate proposal.
We hope this post has inspired you to consider drip irrigation for your own garden.
Stay tuned for more tips and insights in our upcoming posts!
Happy Gardening!
Agatha & The More Than Gardens Team
(07/16/2024 Newsletter)
Hello More Than Gardeners,
As we embrace the joys of gardening this season, let's delve into a fundamental aspect that often shapes the health and vitality of our plants: sun exposure. Whether you're nurturing a backyard oasis or cultivating an indoor haven, understanding where to place your green companions based on their sunlight needs can significantly impact their growth and overall well-being.
Why Sun Exposure Matters
Optimal Growth Conditions: Just like us, plants have specific preferences when it comes to sunlight. Some thrive in bright, direct sunlight, while others prefer dappled or full shade. Ensuring plants are matched with their ideal light conditions supports robust growth, enabling them to photosynthesize efficiently and produce abundant blooms or fruit.
Preventing Stress and Damage: Incorrect sun exposure can stress plants, leading to issues like leaf scorch, stunted growth, or decline. Plants adapted to shade may suffer from sunburn if exposed to too much sunlight, while those needing full sun may fail to thrive without sufficient light.
Water Efficiency: Sun exposure directly influences a plant's water requirements. Plants in full sun typically need more frequent watering to combat higher evaporation and transpiration rates. By planting according to sunlight preferences, you can optimize water use efficiency and foster healthier, more resilient plants.
Enhancing Aesthetics: The right amount of sunlight can greatly enhance your garden's beauty. Plants grown in their preferred light conditions often boast vibrant foliage, richer colors, and overall better aesthetics, transforming your outdoor or indoor space into a lush, inviting sanctuary.
Native Plants for Long Island: Heat-Tolerant and Thriving
Considering Long Island's climate, here are some native plants known for their heat tolerance and suitability to thrive in local conditions:
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): This small tree is famed for its pink or purple spring flowers and heart-shaped leaves.
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): A tall, ornamental grass that thrives once established, offering interest throughout the year and drought tolerance.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): A perennial flower that attracts butterflies and thrives in hot, dry conditions.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): A classic summer bloomer with yellow, daisy-like flowers, drought tolerance, and a magnet for pollinators.
Beach Plum (Prunus maritima): A shrub producing edible fruit, tolerant of sandy soils and coastal conditions.
Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida): A native pine tree adapted to dry, sandy soils and hot summers in Long Island.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): Another ornamental grass offering drought tolerance and adding color and texture to landscapes.
By integrating these native plants into your garden, you not only enhance its resilience and beauty but also contribute to the local ecosystem's health and sustainability.
As you continue your gardening journey, remember that sunlight is not just a necessity but a powerful ally in nurturing thriving plant life. May your gardens flourish with vitality and beauty this season!
Happy Gardening!
Agatha & The More Than Gardens Team
