Do you still need a present for a gardener on your list? Gardeners often skimp when buying themselves basic tools such as garden forks, shovels, spades, hoses, trowels or hand pruners.
Try giving a quality tool that makes work easier. Don’t overlook carts, knee pads or a fine pair of gloves. Stocking stuffers — packs of seed, rain gauges, small packages of fertilizer, water nozzles and plant labels — are inexpensive and useful. Books make super gifts. Or, spend some time browsing at your local nursery or garden center (some offer gift certificates) for many other ideas waiting to be discovered.
- Don’t forget the LSU AgCenter’s 2014 “Get It Growing” calendar is available online and at some local nurseries. Featuring monthly gardening tips, beautiful photographs by Louisiana gardeners, information on roses and composting and lots more useful information, it’s a wonderful gift for your gardener friends. It costs $11.95; proceeds support horticulture scholarships and research.
- Tropical container plants moved indoors for the winter generally do
not need fertilizer, since growth is slow at best. Most problems with
these plants come from reduced light and dry air — conditions
fertilizer can’t help. Provide as much light as possible, and locate
plants where hot air vents do not blow directly on them.
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