Monthly Archives: August 2024

Top 5 Reasons Fall is the Ultimate Time for Planting

Top 5 Reasons Fall is the Ultimate Time for Planting

When most people think of planting, spring usually springs to mind. However, autumn offers a wealth of advantages that make it the prime season for planting. With warm soil temperatures lingering from summer, cooler air, and more consistent rainfall, fall creates the perfect environment for nurturing new plants. Here’s why fall is truly the best time to plant:

1. Get a Jump Start on Spring Growth

Fall planting gives your perennials and shrubs a head start for spring. As the soil gradually cools, roots continue to grow, taking advantage of the warm soil temperatures from summer. This early root development allows plants to become established before the ground completely freezes. Come spring, these plants are ready to burst forth with new growth and even flowers, giving you an earlier and more vibrant display of blooms.

2. Enjoy Cooler Gardening Conditions

If you’ve ever found the summer heat too stifling for gardening, fall offers a refreshing change. The crisp, cool air makes working in the garden a more pleasant experience. Plus, your plants benefit from this cooler weather as the warm soil from summer encourages robust root growth without the stress of high temperatures. It’s the perfect time to get your hands dirty and enjoy the beauty of the season.

3. Support Pollinators with Early Food Sources

Early fall blooms provide crucial nectar sources for pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and birds, which may struggle to find food as the season winds down. By planting now, you’re helping these essential creatures prepare for the winter and ensuring that they have enough energy to support their activities. This not only aids the ecosystem but also supports the pollinators that help sustain our food supply.

4. Less Watering Required

Autumn’s cooler temperatures and shorter days reduce evaporation rates and slow down photosynthesis, meaning your new plants will need less water compared to spring planting. This can make fall gardening more manageable and less resource-intensive. As the weather becomes more favorable for plant establishment, you’ll find that maintaining your garden is both easier and more efficient.

5. Camouflage Early Spring Bulbs

Fall is an ideal time to plant spring-blooming bulbs alongside perennials. By doing so, you’ll create a harmonious display where the fading foliage of bulbs is naturally hidden by the growing perennials. This not only ensures a seamless transition of beauty through the seasons but also simplifies garden maintenance. You’ll enjoy two seasons of color from a single planting, making your garden both vibrant and efficient.

Additional Tips for Fall Planting:

  • Soil Preparation: Ensure your soil is well-prepared before planting. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
  • Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around newly planted beds. This helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and protect plants from early frosts.
  • Choosing Plants: Opt for hardy plants suited to your climate that will thrive with the cooler temperatures and reduced light levels.
  • Watering: Even though fall typically brings more rain, keep an eye on soil moisture, especially for newly planted items. Regular watering is crucial until plants are well-established.
  • Fall Fertilization: Consider using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to give your plants the nutrients they need for strong root development and a vigorous start in spring.

Embracing fall as the prime planting season offers numerous benefits that enhance your garden’s health and beauty. By taking advantage of the season’s favorable conditions, you’ll set yourself up for a flourishing garden come spring and enjoy the many rewards of fall planting. Happy gardening!

Join Our Family: We’re Hiring at D.R. Snell Nursery

Join Our Family: We’re Hiring at D.R. Snell Nursery

Are you passionate about plants, love working with people, and looking for a job that lets you enjoy the beauty of nature every day? Come join our family-run garden center! We’re excited to announce that we’re hiring for multiple positions, and we want YOU to be a part of our growing team.

Available Positions:

  1. Cashier
    • Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Weekend availability required)
    • Responsibilities: Greet customers with a smile, handle transactions efficiently, and ensure that every customer leaves happy. If you’re friendly, detail-oriented, and enjoy helping people, this is the role for you!
  2. Sales Associate
    • Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Weekend availability required)
    • Responsibilities: Help customers find the perfect plants, products, and gardening tools. Offer advice, answer questions, and provide top-notch customer service. If you’re a plant enthusiast with great people skills, we’d love to have you on board!
  3. Greenhouse Help
    • Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Weekend availability required)
    • Responsibilities: Assist with watering, and maintaining plants in our greenhouse. Provide customer assistance with selecting plants and plant related products. Keep our plants looking their best and ensure the greenhouse is tidy and well-organized. If you enjoy getting your hands dirty and working with plants, this could be the perfect fit!

Why Work With Us?

  • Family Atmosphere: We’re a close-knit team that treats each other like family. You’ll feel right at home from day one.
  • Hands-On Learning: Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment.
  • Beautiful Surroundings: Spend your days surrounded by greenery, flowers, and the great outdoors. It’s a job that’s good for the soul!

How to Apply:

If you’re ready to dig in and start a rewarding job at our garden center, we’d love to hear from you! Please fill out our application below or download a hard copy application. Hard Copy applications can be dropped off in person at D.R. Snell Nursery.

Our open positions include:

Greenhouse Associate

Garden Center Associate

Garden Center Cashier

DR Snell Nursery Application for Employment

Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something special. Apply today and grow with us!

D.R. Snell Nursery
1025 Ridge Road Mt. Airy Maryland 21771
301-831-7777
info@drsnellnursery.com
www.drsnellnursery.com

Let’s grow together—literally and figuratively!

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Cool Season Seeds to Start Now

Get a Head Start: Cool-Season Seeds to Start Growing Now in Zones 6 & 7

As summer winds down, it’s time to start thinking about your fall garden! Since we are in Zones 6 / 7, late August to early September is the perfect window to start cool-season seeds. These plants thrive in cooler temperatures and will keep your garden productive well into the fall.

1. Leafy Greens: Spinach, Lettuce, Kale, and Arugula

  • Spinach: Spinach loves cool weather and will produce tender, flavorful leaves as temperatures drop. Sow seeds directly in the garden now, and you’ll be harvesting within 4-6 weeks.
  • Lettuce: Lettuce varieties like romaine, butterhead, and leaf lettuce are perfect for fall. They grow quickly and can be harvested as baby greens or full heads.
  • Kale: Kale is a cold-hardy green that actually tastes sweeter after a light frost. Start seeds now for a hearty fall crop that can last into winter.
  • Arugula: Arugula’s peppery leaves are a great addition to salads and sandwiches. It’s a fast grower, so you can start harvesting just a few weeks after planting.

2. Root Vegetables: Carrots, Beets, Radishes, Rutabaga, and Turnips

  • Carrots: Sow carrot seeds directly into well-drained soil. These slow growers will mature just as the cool weather sets in, giving you sweet, crunchy roots by late fall.
  • Beets: Beets are another root vegetable that thrives in cooler temps. Their greens are edible too, so you get two crops in one! Sow seeds now for a fall harvest.
  • Radishes: Radishes are one of the quickest crops to grow, often ready to harvest in as little as 3-4 weeks. Plant seeds now for a fast and flavorful addition to your fall garden.
  • Rutabaga: Rutabagas are a bit of a garden secret—they’re sweet, versatile, and store well. Start seeds now for a late fall harvest, perfect for soups and roasts.
  • Turnips: Turnips are a dual-purpose crop with edible roots and greens. They mature quickly, making them ideal for fall planting.

3. Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Brussels Sprouts

  • Broccoli: Broccoli is a cool-weather favorite that can be direct-seeded or started indoors and transplanted. It matures best in cool weather, so starting seeds now will give you a fall crop.
  • Cauliflower: Cauliflower is a bit more finicky but worth the effort. Start seeds indoors and transplant seedlings when they’re 4-6 weeks old.
  • Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts take a while to mature, but the wait is worth it. Start seeds indoors now and transplant in late September for a late fall or early winter harvest.

4. Quick-Growing Veggies: Bush Beans and Peas

  • Bush Beans: While beans are typically a summer crop, bush beans grow quickly enough to squeeze in one last planting before the first frost. Choose a fast-maturing variety, and you’ll be enjoying fresh beans in about 50-60 days.
  • Peas: Peas love cooler weather and will thrive in the fall. Plant them now for a delicious late-season crop of snap, snow, or shelling peas.

5. Herbs: Cilantro and Parsley

  • Cilantro: Cilantro bolts quickly in summer heat but thrives in cooler weather. Start seeds now for a fall crop that’s perfect for salsas and garnishes.
  • Parsley: Parsley is a biennial herb that grows well in cool weather. Sow seeds now for fresh herbs through the fall and into winter.

Quick Tip:

  • Succession Planting: For a continuous harvest, consider planting seeds in two-week intervals. This way, you’ll have fresh veggies coming in throughout the fall.
  • Plant started plants: For a quicker to harvest date start off with some of our vegetable seedlings.
  • Add Nutrients back in: For beds that have been holding summer crops it’s imperative to add back nutrients either by topping off with compost or adding in organic fertilizer such as Bio-Tone.

Get those seeds in the ground now, and enjoy a bountiful harvest of cool-season crops right when you need them most! Happy planting!

The Benefits of Pine Bark Mulch: The Right Choice for Your Garden

The Benefits of Pine Bark Mulch: The Right Choice for Your Garden

Mulching is an essential practice for any gardener, providing numerous benefits to plants, soil, and the overall landscape. Among the various mulch options available, pine bark mulch stands out as an exceptional choice, particularly when compared to shredded hardwood or dyed mulches. Derived from the bark of pine trees, this softwood mulch offers a range of advantages that make it better for plants and gardens. Here’s why pine bark mulch is the superior choice for your garden.

1. Nutrient-Rich Composition

Pine bark mulch is a natural, organic material that breaks down slowly over time, gradually releasing nutrients into the soil. As it decomposes, it enriches the soil with organic matter, improving soil structure, water retention, and overall fertility. This slow decomposition process ensures that plants receive a steady supply of essential nutrients, promoting healthy growth.

After using Pine Bark for a few years you will be pleasantly surprised how easy it becomes to dig in the the landscape bed. Making it a joy to incorporate flowers yearly. 

In contrast, shredded hardwood mulch, often made from recycled pallets or other wood waste, decomposes more quickly, leading to a more rapid depletion of nutrients in the soil. Additionally, hardwood strips the nutrients from the soil potentially leading to soil imbalances over time and unhappy plants!

2. Soil Acidity Regulation

One of the key benefits of pine bark mulch is its ability to naturally lower soil pH, making it slightly acidic. This is particularly beneficial for most all plants, which prefer in more acidic soil conditions. By using pine bark mulch, you can create an environment that supports the health and vitality of these plants without the need for additional soil amendments.

On the other hand, hardwood mulch tends to have a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Over time, the use of hardwood mulch can cause the soil pH to rise, potentially leading to nutrient deficiencies and poor plant performance.

3. Superior Moisture Retention and Drainage

Pine bark mulch is composed of coarser pieces than shredded hardwood or dyed mulches. This structure allows for excellent moisture retention while also promoting proper drainage and air circulation within the soil. The structural pieces of pine bark mulch create small air pockets that help prevent soil compaction, ensuring that plant roots have access to both water and oxygen.

In contrast, shredded hardwood mulch tends to mat down and compact over time, which can hinder water infiltration and reduce soil aeration. Compacted mulch can lead to poor drainage, waterlogged soil, and root rot, all of which can negatively impact plant health. Dyed mulches, often made from finely ground wood, may have similar issues with compaction and poor drainage, in addition to the potential negative effects of the dyes used.

4. Longer-Lasting Mulch

Pine bark mulch is known for its durability and longevity in the garden. Because it breaks down more slowly than hardwood mulch, pine bark mulch requires less frequent replenishment. This makes it a more cost-effective option in the long run, as you won’t need to reapply it as often.Shredded hardwood mulch, while initially effective, decomposes more quickly, meaning it needs to be replenished more frequently to maintain its benefits. Dyed mulches, while visually appealing, often fade over time due to sun exposure and weathering, requiring frequent reapplication to maintain their appearance. The longer-lasting nature of pine bark mulch means less maintenance and lower overall costs for gardeners.

5. Natural and Aesthetic Appeal

Pine bark mulch has a natural, rustic appearance that complements the aesthetics of most gardens. Its rich, reddish-brown color adds warmth and contrast to garden beds, enhancing the beauty of your plants and landscape. Unlike dyed mulches, which can sometimes look unnatural or artificial, pine bark mulch maintains its color and appearance over time, even as it weathers and decomposes.

Dyed mulches, while available in a variety of colors, can sometimes detract from the natural beauty of a garden. Additionally, the dyes used in colored mulches may contain chemicals that could leach into the soil, potentially harming plants and beneficial soil organisms. Pine bark mulch, on the other hand, is a completely natural product that won’t introduce harmful substances into your garden.

6. Environmental Benefits

Choosing pine bark mulch is also an environmentally friendly decision. Pine bark is often a byproduct of the timber industry, meaning it’s a recycled material that helps reduce waste. By using pine bark mulch, you’re making a sustainable choice that supports responsible forestry practices.

Shredded hardwood mulch, particularly if sourced from non-sustainable forestry operations, can contribute to deforestation and habitat destruction. Additionally, dyed mulches often use recycled wood products, which may contain contaminants or chemicals that could negatively impact your garden’s ecosystem.

Choose Pine for a Healthier Garden!

Pine bark mulch offers a multitude of benefits that make it the superior choice for gardeners seeking to enhance plant health, improve soil quality, and maintain a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape. Its nutrient-rich composition, ability to regulate soil acidity, superior moisture retention, and long-lasting nature set it apart from shredded hardwood and dyed mulches. By choosing pine bark mulch, you’re not only investing in the long-term health and beauty of your garden but also making an environmentally responsible choice that supports sustainable gardening practices.

Preparing your Garden for Fall

Preparing Your Garden for Fall: A Seasonal Guide

As summer begins to wind down and the days grow shorter, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your garden for fall. While it may seem like the growing season is coming to an end, fall is actually one of the most important times for gardeners. With a little preparation, you can ensure that your garden remains healthy through the winter and is ready to burst into life again come spring. Here’s a guide to help you get your garden fall-ready.

1. Clean Up and Clear Out

The first step in preparing your garden for fall is cleaning up. Remove any spent annuals, weeds, and debris from your garden beds. This is especially important if you’ve had any disease or pest issues during the summer, as removing infected plant material can help prevent problems from carrying over into the next year. Compost healthy plant material to add back nutrients to your garden, but dispose of any diseased plants.

 

Next, clear out any fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris from around your plants. These can harbor pests and diseases over the winter. If you have a compost pile, now is a great time to turn it and add any new material you’ve gathered.

2. Soil Preparation

Fall is an excellent time to focus on soil health. Start by testing your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels. Based on the results, you can amend your soil to ensure it’s in prime condition for next year’s growing season. Adding organic matter like compost and pine bark mulch can help improve soil structure, drainage, and fertility. Read about our favorite compost; Bumper Crop!

If your soil is acidic, consider adding lime to adjust the pH. On the other hand, if it’s too alkaline, sulfur may be needed. After adding amendments, gently work them into the soil with a garden fork or tiller, being careful not to disturb any perennials that will overwinter in the ground.

3. Fertilizing with Organic Fertilizer

Fertilizing your garden in the fall with organic fertilizer is a crucial step in ensuring a healthy and productive garden come spring. Organic fertilizers, such as Bio-Tone, Holly-Tone, or Flower-Tone, release nutrients slowly, providing a steady supply of nourishment to your plants over the winter months. Applying organic fertilizer in the fall helps replenish the soil with essential nutrients that may have been depleted during the growing season. This not only strengthens the roots of perennials, trees, and shrubs but also enhances soil fertility, setting the stage for vigorous growth in the spring. Be sure to apply the fertilizer evenly across your garden beds and gently work it into the soil to maximize its effectiveness.

4. Planting Fall Crops

Just because summer is ending doesn’t mean you have to stop planting. Many cool-season vegetables thrive in the fall and can even improve in flavor after a light frost. Vegetables like kale, spinach, carrots, and beets are perfect for fall planting. If you live in a region with a mild climate, you might also be able to plant garlic, onions, and shallots, which will overwinter and be ready for harvest in the spring.

To get the most out of your fall crops, consider using row covers or cold frames to extend your growing season and protect plants from unexpected frosts. These simple structures can make a big difference in the success of your fall garden.

5. Mulching

Mulching is an essential step in fall garden preparation. A good layer of mulch helps regulate soil temperature, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds. As the temperature drops, mulch acts as insulation, protecting plant roots from freeze-thaw cycles that can cause damage.

Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of Pine Bark mulch around your perennials, trees, and shrubs. Be sure to keep the mulch away from the base of the plants to prevent rot. In vegetable gardens, mulch can help protect soil structure over the winter and add organic matter as it breaks down.

Read Why Pine is the Ultimate Mulch

6. Pruning and Dividing Perennials

Fall is the ideal time to prune certain plants and divide perennials. Pruning can help shape your plants, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage healthy growth next spring. Focus on cutting back perennials that have finished blooming, and remove any dead or damaged branches from shrubs and trees.

If your perennials are overcrowded, fall is the perfect time to divide them. This not only helps manage the size of your plants but also allows you to propagate new plants for your garden. Dig up the plant, gently separate the root clumps, and replant the divisions in prepared soil.

Fall is a great time to Garden!

Preparing your garden for fall is about more than just tidying up; it’s an investment in the future health and productivity of your garden. By taking the time to clean, amend the soil, plant fall crops, mulch, fertilize, and care for your perennials, you’re setting the stage for

a vibrant and successful garden next year. So roll up your sleeves, enjoy the crisp autumn air, and give your garden the attention it deserves this fall!