Project Ideas

Summer Garden Tips
DOUBLE DIGGING (probably the most work you will do AND the greatest benefit
to your garden). Here are two schools of thought.
1. NO DIG = be patient, plant what grows and pile on the organic matter each
season. Top thin roots gather nutrients and thicker deep roots extract
minerals from the subsoil
2. DIG = assist mother nature and speed the process; mixing in sand for aeration
(benefits drainage and water absorption and root movement), compost for
essential nutrients (less than 20% by volume) will make it much easier to add
plants. Digging 24” of pain and sweat – made a little easier with BackEZ.
a. Dig a 12’ wide trench (as deep as possible) – move the dirt away, loosened
soil at the bottom of the trench as well. OK to add the sod to the bottom of
the trench, adding to the compostable material
b. Fill in the first trench with the dirt from the next 12” wide swath
c. Continue until your bed is ready – then fill in the last trench with dirt from
the first
PLAN, your plants will tell you where they are thriving – encourage that – have
no fear in moving plants where they do best
SIT & ENJOY, make a place to sit near the plants (rather than watch from the
deck or kitchen window)
MORNING WATER, cool, water absorbs but will not remain wet (night watering)
and prevent mildew. Water the soil not the plants.
DEAD HEAD, trim the flower heads to encourage more buds instead of seeds
HARD-CUT, spring flowers and early summer perennials – they will get bushier
FERTILIZE, make a plan with your garden store – so that you can add nutrients
and minerals each month
COMPOST, build or buy – add to it weekly. Consider cover crops for winter, they
retain soil, nitrogen and becomes compost for the next season
PESTS, be vigilant, ask your local garden store, use natural repellants, pick pests
off the plants regularly
TALL GRASS, Raise the lawn mower blades – 3” tall grass is cooler/wetter and
less susceptible to drought & burn
TM
BackEZ by Comfort Planet Phoenix, AZ 888-501-9238