tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200066402011-12-14T18:43:29.140-08:00This weblog was designed to provide helpful hints, tips and step-by-step information to help gardening enthusiast enjoy the success of a beautiful garden...Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.comBlogger391100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-83304303451475466442007-12-27T13:15:00.000-08:002007-12-27T13:22:13.981-08:00

JANUARY: STILL PLENTY OF WORK TO BE DONE IN THE GARDENCAMARILLO, CALIF. --Although most local gardens and landscapes are dormant in January, there is still opportunity to plant winter color and cool-season vegetables, say experts at Agromin, a Camarillo-based manufacturer of premium soil products. It's also time to spruce up landscapes so they are ready when spring finally arrives.Plant

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-86067358260858457152007-09-26T09:55:00.000-07:002007-09-26T10:21:29.043-07:00

Contributed by Myrtle Creek NurseryFall is a great time to plant trees, shrubs, bulbs, perennials, grass seed and sod. Plants that are planted in the fall enjoy cooler temperatures and ideal growing conditions that allow roots ample time to grow into the surrounding soil. Use starter plant fertilizer mix when planting and mulch to control the ground temperature and moisture. Be sure to water

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-37863660890811481822007-08-27T16:29:00.000-07:002007-08-27T16:57:59.923-07:00

How to plant a drought-resistant garden.By Constance CaseyOn these hot, dry days, your plants may look as though they're pleading for water. You used to be able to just haul out the hose and soak every wilted thing. Now, though, in many parts of the United States and more and more places around the world, water is limited. Snow cover has diminished in shorter winters, reservoir levels are sinking

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-40893652992041854912007-07-31T09:53:00.000-07:002007-07-31T09:59:06.532-07:00

Garden Clean-UpCut back foliage of spring bulbs once it begins to yellow. Prune broken, dead, and diseased branches. Deadhead shrubs and perennials to focus plant energy on root growth instead of seed production. Deadhead annuals to promote more flowers. Clean tools after each use.Fertilizing Annuals, vegetables, and container plants need regular applications throughout the summer. Mulching Apply

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-40905507665423639672007-06-22T10:28:00.000-07:002007-06-25T14:47:01.745-07:00

• A new layer of mulch will give your yard and gardens a fresh look for the summer.• If you are mowing on a regular schedule, there is no need to bag grass clippings. They do not add to the thatch layer as commonly believed, and they will add nutrients to the soil as they decay. Be careful not to allow clippings to get into street gutters and storm sewers.• Finish pruning spring-flowering shrubs

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-27676474352049603912007-06-14T14:22:00.000-07:002007-06-22T10:10:59.230-07:00

Raised bed gardening is gaining in popularity, and for good reason. Raised beds have several advantages over regular "flat" garden beds.1. They allow soil to warm up and dry out faster in spring.2. By not walking in them, you prevent soil compaction.3. Instead of spreading amendments in a garden, tilling them in, then creating beds and paths, you can focus your improvement efforts in the planting

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-47273383508523086512007-05-24T10:53:00.000-07:002007-05-24T11:19:24.670-07:00

MAY MARKS START OF THE YEAR'S BUSIEST GROWING PERIODMay signals the beginning of the year's peak garden growing period. It also ends the rainy season, so flowers, plants and vegetables need to be surrounded by mulch to better hold in water and prevent erosion, say experts at Agromin, a Camarillo-based manufacturer of premium soil products. Significant rainfall isn't expected until October or

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-8940823783875092672007-04-27T10:47:00.000-07:002007-04-27T10:55:28.271-07:00

April is here and it’s the ideal time for planting summer vegetables and flowers. Here’s a few April gardening tips for you. Keep in mind that those of you living in cooler zones might delay some of these tasks until May.Begin planting summer annuals, bulbs and vegetables such as cucumber, melon and zucchini seeds. Transplant the potted tomatoes and peppers that you started earlier in the year

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-43364332744245377342007-02-27T16:58:00.000-08:002007-02-28T08:20:54.280-08:00

Most homeowners are looking for ways of reducing maintenance in their yards and gardens. The use of a mulch around plants can greatly reduce the time spent mowing and weeding.A mulch consists of any kind of material applied to the soil surface around plants to control weeds, conserve moisture, and moderate soil temperature. The mulch material may be organic such as compost, bark, leaves, grass

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1169753096248715892007-01-25T11:13:00.000-08:002007-01-25T11:50:10.023-08:00

If the weather suddenly turns cold, early-flowering and tender plants may need special protection to avoid damage by freezing temperatures. There are several ways you can provide winter protection, including 1) mulching; 2) covering the plants; 3) moving them; or 4) taking advantage of a light snow covering.MULCHING: This is one of the best ways to protect plant roots. Bark, straw, sawdust, peat

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1163093567995168012006-11-09T09:29:00.000-08:002006-11-09T09:36:31.590-08:00

The Southern California Friendly Garden combines the beauty of native and California-friendly plants with efficient water use outdoors. Are you following the basic principles of water wise landscaping in your garden? 1. Use less-than-thirsty plants in your garden. Keep turf grass (the thirstiest plant of all!) to a minimum. Look for plants that are well-suited to regional and local conditions.2.

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1161723500928164612006-10-24T13:54:00.000-07:002006-10-24T13:58:20.940-07:00

RECIPE 2 cups stewed pumpkin (slightly drier consistency than applesauce) 2 eggs 2/3 cup brown sugar 1 1/4 cups of whole milk or half-and-half pinch salt pinch pepper 2 Tablespoons butter 2 teaspoons maple syrup 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 9 inch pie pan filled with your favorite crustCut pumpkin into slices 2 inches thick

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1161706814448822442006-10-24T09:01:00.000-07:002006-10-24T09:20:15.966-07:00

Author: Marie IannottiOverview: The term ‘pumpkin’ can be confusing, meaning different things to different areas. Here I am referring to the round or oval, orange fruits which are member of the squash family. They are best known as Halloween decorations and holiday pies, but there is a lot more variety to pumpkins than just the common orange Jack-o-lantern.Latin Name: Most belong to Curcurbita

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1161217862231274792006-10-18T17:30:00.000-07:002006-10-18T17:52:48.880-07:00

This is the best time to plant just about anything, from bulbs and flowers for Winter and Spring color to an entire landscape. Although the sun is lower and growth above ground slows or stops, roots are growing. New plants will burst with foliage when Spring arrives.

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1158016240499499472006-09-11T16:08:00.000-07:002006-09-11T16:10:40.513-07:00

This is the best time to plant just about anything, from bulbs and flowers for Winter and Spring color to an entire landscape. Although the sun is lower and growth above ground slows or stops, roots are growing. New plants will burst with foliage when Spring arrives.

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1158016104432991322006-09-11T16:05:00.000-07:002006-09-11T16:08:24.440-07:00

Watering is still job one in August as days are long and evenings are warm. Believe it or not, now is the time to start sowing seeds for transplanting by early October and November. So, plan ahead for cool-season veggies and flowers.

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1152643833834881132006-07-11T11:45:00.000-07:002006-07-11T11:50:33.846-07:00

Rake. Feed. Punch. Zap. The latest video game? No! This fall, they’re the keys to healthy turf.You can’t trust every old saying, but here’s one your yard can benefit from : Beautiful lawns are made in the fall. It’s so true- and so often ignored by homeowners. Autumn is when lawns do their big preparation for the next 12 months- developing root systems that will help them be drought-and

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1152571649449459572006-07-10T15:45:00.000-07:002006-07-10T15:48:25.523-07:00

July Lawn & Garden TipsWatering is the biggest job in July, so proper irrigation techniques are important. Most plant problems result from over watering. Adding mulch will benefit your soil and plants by retaining moisture, moderating temperature and reducing your watering needs.

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1150131455681066142006-06-12T09:52:00.000-07:002006-06-12T09:57:35.693-07:00

Container Gardening – Just about any old container, a bathtub, birdcage, wagon or wheelbarrow will work if it can hold soil and a plant. Waves of color can come from begonias, petunias, geraniums, impatiens, succulents, and fuchsias. Vegetables like cherry tomatoes, lettuce, peppers and herbs also work well in containers.It's fun experimenting with plants in pots and assorted containers. As the

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1149909706714867622006-06-09T20:16:00.000-07:002006-06-09T20:21:46.726-07:00

It’s time to finish up any planting before it’s too hot to plant. Overcast days near the coast may allow Spring to linger. So, take advantage by setting up your garden watering program for now until Fall and the first rain.Prune Replace Bedding Plants Tomatoes, Veggies and Pumpkins Flowers for SummerContainer Gardening Plant Heat Loving Trees Thin Fruits Lawn Care

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1146631512461335182006-05-02T21:40:00.000-07:002006-05-02T21:47:52.816-07:00

May is usually the best month for blooms and the best time to complete big projects and plant summer vegetables and annuals. With hot weather ahead, it's especially important to water everything thoroughly, except natives and drought-resistant plants. Renewing mulch around plants will keep roots cool and conserve water.

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1144673152651009912006-04-10T05:26:00.000-07:002006-04-10T05:48:17.836-07:00

Author: Mary IannottiFirst it should be pointed out that dirt is always called soil in gardening. Soil is arguably the most important component in a successful garden, so not calling it dirt is a show of respect. However, it is still dirt when it gets on your clothes.What is Good Garden Soil? Soil is generally evaluated on fertility and texture. Fertility is a combination of essential nutrients

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1144252752955493642006-04-05T08:55:00.000-07:002006-04-05T08:59:12.970-07:00

With flowers, plants and trees beginning to bloom, there is plenty of work to do in April to keep a garden looking its best, say experts at Agromin, a Camarillo-based manufacturer of premium soil products.Continued care for roses: Make sure to fertilize after each round of blooming and keep your roses well watered.Pinch and prune: Pinch back new growth on chrysanthemums and fuchsias (pictured) to

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1143682210652096462006-03-29T17:16:00.000-08:002006-03-29T17:31:23.020-08:00

by National Gardening Association EditorsTomatoes need at least six to eight hours of sun a day to produce well — and full sun is best, especially in cooler, more northern climates. Provide well-drained soil with a pH around 6.0 to 6.8. In cold-climate areas, plant in spring after frost danger is past. In hot climates, plant when temperatures begin to cool in early autumn.Tools and

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1141328030673079302006-03-02T11:33:00.000-08:002006-03-12T08:49:07.516-08:00

March TipsFertilize Everything - Most plants grow the most in Spring, so feeding them now will yield the best results this year. If you need to replace soil washed away by rain, use a PowerMix with ProPower Growth Formula Premium Soil in convenient bags: All-Purpose Potting Soil, Outdoor Planting Mix or Soil Conditioner. Their time-release fertilizers deliver nutrients up to 45 days.Plant Spring

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1139943111115585212006-02-14T10:41:00.000-08:002006-02-14T10:51:51.136-08:00

What to Look for When Selecting Cut FlowersClean and HealthyFlower stems should be green and smooth, not slimyWater should smell freshNo broken stems or drooping budsBefore You Put them into the VaseKeep cut flowers cool, until you can get them into waterMake a fresh cut an inch or two up the stem, while stems are under waterMake sure the vase and cutting tools are cleanRemove any leaves that

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1139333129437897532006-02-07T09:19:00.000-08:002006-02-07T09:25:29.446-08:00

Author: Marie IannottiFebruary 03, 2006Starting plants from seed is one of the most rewarding gardening practices - if only for the chance to get your hands in the soil in the dead of winter. When to start seeds is a matter of experience, guessing and math. Many gardeners still plant by the moon. Others rely on phenology, the study of how plants and animals respond to seasonal changes in their

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1138754088787217762006-01-31T16:26:00.000-08:002006-01-31T16:34:48.800-08:00

February Lawn & Garden TipsFebruary is typically our rainiest month. After last month's deluge, we still need water to push harmful mineral salts down into the soil. There's still time to plant bare roots, including deciduous fruit trees, grapes and berries.Bare Roots - Nurseries still have bare root, potted or bagged roses and other plants and fruits. If they have broken their dormancy, gently

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1137710219842252832006-01-19T14:26:00.000-08:002006-01-19T14:36:59.860-08:00

Author: Master Gardener Pat GreenThe holidays are over and the seed catalogues are coming on a daily basis. Surely spring cannot be far behind. Those of us who enjoy starting our plants by seed are feeling the itch to get tarted.One of the first problems of the season is a disease known as pre-emergence or post-emergence damping-off. Fungi in the soil attack seeds and seedlings as they begin to

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1136947525975722322006-01-10T18:37:00.000-08:002006-01-10T19:18:22.703-08:00

Many gardens are enjoying the wet weather. The plants are loving it, and so are the weeds.Mulching is one of the simplest and most beneficial practices you can use in the garden. Mulch is simply a protective layer of a material that is spread on top of the soil. Mulches are typically chipped up or shredded organic matter--such as Agromin's ES2 which is made up of yard trimmings (grass clippings,

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1136507002692130222006-01-05T16:18:00.000-08:002006-01-05T16:24:57.576-08:00

January Lawn & Garden TipsJanuary is a busy time for gardeners, even in the dead of winter. Traditional planting of bare root roses and deciduous fruit trees is done now before February rain. Plant California natives now, too.Plant Roses - Nurseries carry their best selection of roses, both bare root and potted or bagged. We recommend removing any soil and soaking roots overnight. Place in a hole

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1136303814779966532006-01-03T07:55:00.000-08:002006-01-03T07:56:54.790-08:00

"'There's nowhere left to plant' is not an uncommon cry and, ironically, the larger the garden, the worse that problem can be.." Joy Larkcom, Creative Vegetable Gardening, Abbeville Press, 1997

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1136229753795317982006-01-02T10:45:00.000-08:002006-01-04T14:51:40.603-08:00

Roses come ready to plant two different ways: Bare-root or Container.These terms mean with or without soil around the roots. Bare-root roses are preferable because the roots can be arranged to grow outward and may establish more quickly for a good initial root system.Container roses will be less-shocked by the planting process, so if planting at less-optimal times (spring or summer) plant

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1135962618783073572005-12-30T09:10:00.000-08:002005-12-30T09:16:49.510-08:00

Author: Pat GreenWith over 250 species to chose from penstemon is ideally suited to the west's climate. Most are native to the western states.Their tubular flowers bloom in many colors, red, purple, blue, white and even yellow. With a height ranging from 4 to 48 inches and a spread of 6 to 36 inches. There is a plant suited to most any garden situation. Low growers for pathways and rock gardens,

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1135818546954696142005-12-28T17:02:00.000-08:002005-12-28T17:10:31.276-08:00

Top 10 List of Gardening Annoyances and Frustrations for 2005From Marie Iannotti,Your Guide to Gardening.Most of gardening is ejoyable. That's why we keep doing it. But there are always problems and frustrations, new pests to deal with, disappointing plants... Here are my Top 10 gardening frustrations. Feel free to write to me and vent yours.1) Bad WeatherBad Weather: I know there's nothing we

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1135641394656615942005-12-26T15:56:00.000-08:002005-12-27T10:06:43.390-08:00

"Nature has undoubtedly mastered the art of winter gardening and even the most experienced gardener can learn from the unrestrained beauty around them." Vincent A. Simeone, in "Wonders of the Winter Landscape"...

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1135627292798833712005-12-26T11:51:00.000-08:002005-12-26T12:06:17.850-08:00

Composting is nature's process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil known as compost. Anything that was once living will decompose. Basically, backyard composting is an acceleration of the same process nature uses. By composting your organic waste you are returning nutrients back into the soil in order for the cycle of life to continue. Finished compost looks like soil–dark

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1135124524851541192005-12-20T16:17:00.000-08:002005-12-20T16:22:04.860-08:00

December Lawn & Garden TipsNow is the time to reflect on this year's garden and landscape. Make notes as a starting point for next year's plan. Don't forget to protect sensitive plants from frost, now through March.Bulbs and Flowers - It's finally time to plant tulips and hyacinths that have been cooling in the refrigerator. Cover with up to 4" - 6" of soil. Surprisingly, you can still plant

Bill Camarillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14399331767347103948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20006640.post-1135010492193267722005-12-19T08:40:00.000-08:002005-12-19T08:52:04.140-08:00

Agromin Premium Soil Products would like to welcome all gardening enthusiasts to share their expertice in all facets of gardening (i.e., tips, problems, solutions, creativity, etc.).

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