The Almanack

Garden Superstars for Spring 2008

(ARA) - From show-stopping roses to containers rich in history, Spring 2008 promises to be an exciting year for garden lovers. "Gardening this year will be easier than ever before, and a lot more fun, thanks to exciting new plants and smart new garden products scheduled for release this spring," says Susan McCoy, owner of the Garden Media Group, a lawn and garden public relations agency. With just a few months until the weather breaks, McCoy reveals a few of her favorite garden superstars for spring 2008.

New Stars in the Garden are no Divas
Looking for a great low-maintenance flowering shrub for your garden? Try the new Drift series of landscape groundcover roses for year round color with little to no effort. A cross between full-size groundcover roses and miniature roses, Drift Roses have a low, spreading habit that makes them perfect for container gardening, hanging baskets and small gardens. Highly disease resistant, they require no spraying except in the most black spot prone areas of the Deep South. Bred to be "chemical-free", Drifts resist rust, mildew, Japanese beetles and black spot, while blooming for months on end. To find out more about these and other fine Star Roses, visit www.starroses.com.

Outdoor Living Takes on New Rooms
As we expand outdoors to entertain, cook and just relax, more of us are taking refuge in custom built gazebos to add an extra "room" in the backyard. New from Amish Country Gazebos (www.amishgazebos.com), the nation's leading retailer of custom crafted Amish structures, is the 2008 Lancaster Collection. Named after prominent Pennsylvania cities, this series features three stunning handcrafted models: The Manheim, Carlisle, and Devon. Headquartered in Lancaster County Pennsylvania, this family-owned business uses only the finest materials for each and every special order and offers a lifetime guarantee on every gazebo they produce. For more information or to order a catalog, visit www.amishgazebos.com or call (800) 700-1777.

Garden Tropics for a Great Escape
Gone are the days when gardening in colder climates meant using only boxwoods, hostas and cold-hardy perennials. Thanks to advances in breeding, tropical beauties like the Bahama Bay Hibiscus collection can be successfully grown in gardens situated well above the Mason-Dixon Line.

Nearly two dozen hibiscuses with enormous bi- and tri-colored blooms accented with lush, dark green foliage are in the collection. With names like 'Goin Steady', 'Heartbeat' and 'Big Bird,' the plants have personalities all their own, and are a perfect fit for gardeners who have caught on to the tropical explosion. Gardeners in tropical climates, zones 7 to 9, can enjoy the hibiscus' massive, multi-colored blooms almost year round. For those gardening in cooler climates, Bahama Bay will bloom abundantly during the summer months when grown in a container. For more information, visit www.bahamabay-hibiscus.com.

Garden Accents Inspired By American History
A touch of class for any garden can be found in the new Williamsburg Collection from Campania International (www.campaniainternational.com). The collection features an extensive range of garden containers, including cast-stone replicas of urns in the Governor's Palace gardens, part of Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area. Birdbaths, an elegant window box, and a stepping stone round out the product line.

This historical collection features the rich designs of Colonial Williamsburg, offering today's gardener an exceptional array of historical American garden accents. Try one of these elegant accents inside or outside your home to achieve the latest "designer" look from Campania.

Healthy Gardens from the Ground Up
Start your container garden off right this season with high-quality planting soil that feeds the plants and keeps the soil moist longer. The new organic potting soil, called Organic Mechanics (www.organicmechanicsoil.com), is an all-purpose, peat-free, potting soil that is 100 percent organic and promises to improve plant performance. Gardeners can pick up Organic Mechanics potting soil at Whole Foods, Wegmans and Wild Oats or the new 1.5 cubic foot bag at fine garden centers.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Big Reasons to Grow Your Own Garden

(ARA) - More homeowners are focusing on health by planting their own vegetable gardens this year, rejecting the rising cost of food and fuel, and pesticide-laden produce most often found in supermarkets.

Just about every environmental group in the United States, Canada and in
Europe warns that store-bought produce is loaded with petro-chemical pesticides that build up in the human body. These chemicals are being blamed for many illnesses, from autism in children to cancer at all ages. Consider the following:

* Potatoes, lettuce and cucumbers have the highest concentration of pesticides, according to the United States Department of Agriculture'sits annual crop report.

* A major study by the New York State Department of Health directly links pesticides to diabetes, now one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the United States.

* The environmental group Global Pesticide Campaign warns that glyphosate used in Roundup causes auto-immune deficiencies in children and the elderly.

* Cornell University says carbyl, an ingredient in Sevin insect dust and liquid, has been linked to Parkinson's disease.

* Purdue University warns "weed and feed" type lawn chemicals have caused bladder cancer in dogs. An Ohio K-9 corps reports several of their dogs developed cancer by coming in contact with chemical fertilizers around their dog pens. Consequently, the federal government is urging veterinarians to report all cancer in animals as an early warning sign for man.

Growing your own pesticide-free food is easy and there's nothing healthier and as good tasting as produce picked at maturity right in your back yard. Using organic methods, follow these few simple steps.

1. Prepare your garden the old fashioned way. Rent a roto-tiller and turn over the earth in a given plot exposing the earth to the sun and the rain. In early spring, hard rake the earth and break up the clumps. Dig a 5-inch deep trench around the plot and fill with sharp stones. This stops voles from burrowing into the garden. Sprinkle the earth with Milky Spore powder to do away with white grubs that eat away at the roots of garden plants. Milky Spore was developed by the USDA, is nontoxic and approved for organic
farming by the manufacturer.

2. Begin by planting early "cool season" crops like spring onions, lettuce, radishes, green peas, Chinese cabbage, broccoli and turnips. A trip to your local garden center will provide you with lots of growing ideas. Don't pick seeds that have been genetically altered like GM corn, soy or wheat. These seeds contain the DNA of pesticides. Buy old fashioned "heirloom" seeds that grandfather planted. Use organic fertilizer, not the chemical kind.

3. As the season warms up and the bugs arrive, control them with "organic
insecticides." A simple dusting of plants with diatomaceous earth stops almost all bugs. Organic liquid sprays knock down flying bugs without contaminating the crops. Organic repellents keep away deer, hedge hogs, rabbits and other animals.

4. Put in companion plants such as mint and other herbs that repel insects and bugs. Plant watermelon, tomatoes and other great garden crops. Plant blackberries and raspberries as these keep coming back year after year and require little attention. Just a few blackberries contain more vitamin C than an orange.

5. When weeds arrive, pull them out by hand, or, selectively spray them with
an organic weed killer.

If you do buy produce at the supermarket, be sure to wash it with warm water, then spray with white vinegar. Mix one part white vinegar to one part water. This helps dissolve the pesticide residue. Let sit for 30 minutes, then wash again but with cold water.

You will be surprised at how bountiful a home garden can be and by the second year you might be planning to enlarge the original plot to include a bigger variety than the first time around.

Organic bug sprays, weed killers and other natural controls and products can be found at www.milkyspore.com, or by calling (800) 801-0061 for a free brochure from St. Gabriel Organics.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Dreaming of Green - A Garden Design and Care Primer

(ARA) - Green is the buzzword for today's gardener and landscaper. What is green gardening? Does walking into a nursery or browsing through plant catalogs give you a headache? Do you wonder how can you get your plants to look like, or somewhat like, those in the catalogs? Planning next season's garden does not need to be a chore. Getting your plants to respond well is within your ability. Several general steps, some that you are probably already doing, can get you the results you want.

Designing
Draw a diagram of your lot. Include your house, drive, walks, patios and other hardscape (permanent) fixtures. Also, include any buried pipes and wires, plus any overhead wires that may interfere with any work you will do. This map of hardscape features is the backbone of your design.

Now, look at the large shrubs and trees that are permanent fixtures in your yard. Part of going green includes, when it fits your needs, using existing plants and landscape. Note their height, color and any other distinctive features. Note shady and sunny areas and mark where they reach. Use this information to help guide your plant selections.

Walk around and view different parts of your landscape. Take note of the paths you use and the views from these areas. Go to places from where you will view your plant beds, including inside your house. How wide is your view? How deep is it? Is it shady (lighten the area with light colored shade plants) or sunny? Measure the size of these planting beds.

Choosing Plants
Now you are ready to select plants. Remember, you are the one who will be looking at these plants. So pick plants that you will enjoy!

* Annual plants generally have more color and "pop." Perennials provide stability and anchor your landscape design.

* Do you want to vary color, leaf size (plant texture), height and density, to create distinctive design areas or do you want a smooth flow?

* Consider the soil type, slope, and micro-climate for each part of your yard. These will help you decide on which plants will do well for each part of your yard.

* How much work and money do you want to put into your landscape? You can be green without spending lots of green!

Reaching Potential
Being a green gardener means choosing plants for each micro-climate in your yard. Plants that are "happy" where they live require less care and maintenance than those who are forced into areas where they do not belong.

Watering
Each variety of plant has its own needs as to frequency and amount of watering. For easier care, put plants with similar water requirements near each other. Green gardeners water only to the needs of the plant, deducting rainfall from these watering needs.

"Deep watering" means watering to full rooting depth. This encourages deep rooting. It is done relatively infrequently. Let the soil dry out somewhat between waterings. These are a green gardener's choice.

"Frequent watering" usually means the plant has shallow roots or is a big user of water. Daily watering of these plants may be necessary during hot, dry summer weather.

Fertilizing
Landscape plants respond very well to fertilizers with a high percent of slow-release organic nitrogen. This slow-release nitrogen gradually releases as plants need it. Plants aren't "pushed" to grow faster than they should, and don't end up with unsightly, leggy growth.

Fertilizers such as Milorganite GardenCare 6-2-0 contain over 85 percent slow-release organic nitrogen. This nitrogen is released only as plants need it, encouraging slow, even growth - as a green gardener would desire.

"Milorganite products, including Milorganite GardenCare 6-2-0, provide organic nitrogen for even feeding," says Melinda Myers, horticulture author and speaker. "Milorganite products, with their high percent of slow-release organic nitrogen, help plants overcome the stress of summer heat and dry weather. They also add non-staining iron, which helps make sure that plants reach their full potential for deep, green color."

As always, look for plant-specific information. Plant tags, your local nursery, and your county horticulture extension agent are excellent resources. Don't forget that your personal experience will take into consideration the amount of growth you want, the type of soil you have and the micro-climate you live in. And always look for fertilizers and pest control products that promote a green environment. For answers regarding green fertilizers, call Milorganite at (800) 604-6204 for help.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Bringing Simple Gardening Back To A Modern World

(ARA) - The realities of modern life are fast pushing gardening out of reach of many Americans - from apartment dwellers and senior citizens experiencing reduced mobility, to folks who simply don't have the time or space to devote to a full-size garden. Ironically, even as our ability to garden shrinks, news of gardening's health and spiritual benefits continues to grow.

"There's no denying that gardening is good for you on so many levels," says Bill Felknor, inventor of the Topsy Turvy Upside Down Tomato Planter (recently named "America's Best Garden Product" by Reader's Digest). Felknor's invention revolutionized tomato growing in modern America by eliminating much of the work and space requirements of traditional tomato growing.

Now, Felknor has done it again, this time creating the Tomato Tree, a vertical metal planting stand that allows gardeners to grow a veritable tree of vegetables and herbs in a space no larger in diameter than a common patio floor planter. Primarily designed to grow a 6-foot high "tree of tomatoes," the Tomato Tree can be used for a host of different plants. "Tomatoes, peppers, squash, herbs - virtually anything you could plant in the ground can be grown in a Tomato Tree," Felknor says.

The Tomato Tree draws on the vertical Gro-bag technology first employed in the Topsy Turvy. The Tomato Tree features an oversized Gro-bag with three side-planting ports, mounted on a central metal stand and supported by three wrought-iron-style legs. Easy to assemble in under 15 minutes, once filled with common potting soil and plants, the Tomato Tree provides a sturdy, stable growing environment. The plants grow out of three different sides of the bag, and the built-in stand eliminates the need to find a high hanging point or use any hanging mechanisms.

Felknor hopes the Tomato Tree will help nourish the vertical gardening revolution under way in America. For years, many would-be gardeners - apartment dwellers, senior citizens in residential centers or living with mobility challenges, homeowners with small lots or subdivision restrictions - have tried growing their own produce in pots. The success rate has been spotty at best. "Plants can be very difficult to grow in pots," Felknor notes. "It is much easier to grow vertically up in the air, where you can water and feed and tend much more easily."

Planting your vegetables or herbs in a Tomato Tree provides the plants the room they need to grow well without sacrificing any valuable deck, patio or yard space. Further, plants thrive in the Tomato Tree's growing environment because the elevation eliminates ground-based pests, fungus and bacteria.

The contained Gro-bag helps the plants retain the water and nutrients you put on them. In traditional gardens, up to 85 percent of the water and fertilizer you give a plant never makes it to the roots, Felknor notes. With Tomato Tree, 100 percent of these critical elements are directed straight to the roots. When growing a tomato or vegetable in a pot, you have to take care not to over water the plant and cause root rot. The Tomato Tree's unique drainage system makes it impossible to over water.

The Tomato Tree also eliminates the need to weed since the plants are contained in a closed environment. Watering, fertilizing and harvesting can all be done standing up, eliminating uncomfortable bending, kneeling or crouching. Plants that might need to be tied and staked for support in a traditional garden need no such special care in a Tomato Tree.

"While this is an advanced design planter, it remains just a planter," Felknor says. "You will still have to water, fertilize and tend your plants properly. If you will, the results will amaze you. By growing your plants up in the air, you'll find they produce more and yield much faster than those on the ground.

"In fact," continues Felknor, "a vertical Gro-bag will completely fill up with roots, creating a much better system for delivery of water and nutrients. Further, your plants will be able to receive excellent and constant exposure to the sun." Felknor says tomatoes grown this way will mature and ripen up to a week or more earlier.

"When the season is over, the Tomato Tree is very easy to care for and clean. Just cut the plant stems, dispose of the used soil, wash your Tomato Tree and store it inside somewhere. By doing this, you'll extend the life of your Tomato Tree and ensure additional seasons of great gardening," Felknor says.

To learn how to grow beautiful tomatoes, vegetables and herbs with less work, visit www.topsyturvys.com, or call (865) 671-6035.

Editor's Note: The Tomato Tree and Topsy Turvy Upside Down Tomato Planter are registered trademarks of Felknor Ventures.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Six Simple Questions to Help You Choose the Best Mower for Your Lawn

(ARA) - Though lawn mowing can be time-consuming, it's a "must do" for both the health of your lawn and basic curb appeal. Consequently, homeowners are looking for mowers to help them maintain their yards as quickly and easily as possible so they can spend more time enjoying their lawns.

A 2007 national consumer survey sponsored by outdoor power equipment manufacturer Lawn-Boy shows that homeowners are looking for features that make their lives easier. More than 65 percent of lawn-mowing consumers ranked a deck designed to reduce trimming chores, easy height adjustment, lightweight and easy to maneuver, and an easy-to-use grass clippings bag as the most important features they look for in a new mower.

With all of these features and options available on today's mowers, the buying process can be both confusing and overwhelming. Joe Hager, Lawn-Boy senior engineer, says, "The key to choosing the right lawn mower is to take a good look at your specific needs and go from there." But how do you know which mower, or what combination of features, fits you and your specific needs? To find out, you must ask yourself a few simple questions:

* Who will use the mower? Will you be the only user or will several people in your household use it throughout the season?

If several people will be mowing the lawn, consider a mower that can be easily adjusted to fit a variety of operator heights. Some models let you adjust the handle height with a single, easy-to-reach knob. Also consider a mower with a self-propel system, like Lawn-Boy's Sens-a-Speed system that automatically senses and intuitively adjusts to each person's walking speed, from 0 to 5 miles per hour.

* How big is your yard?

If your yard is a half-acre or less, consider a walk-behind mower with self-propel system. If it is more than a half-acre, consider a riding mower instead of a walk-behind. Also, a riding mower with a 38-inch cutting deck is a good choice for a moderate-sized yard less than one acre.

* Do you feel fatigued after mowing?

Consider a mower with ergonomic, padded grips to make mowing comfortable and help ease the strain on hands and arms.

* Do you frequently have to stop mowing to pick up debris, toys or other obstacles?

Look for a mower with a Blade Control System (BCS), which stops the blade when you release the mower's handle, allowing you to pause to empty the bag, pick up debris or roll across a driveway or sidewalk without having to stop -- and then restart -- the engine.

* Do you bag your grass regularly?

Attaching or removing the bag can be a hassle on many mowers. Look for a mower with an Easy Lift bag, which can be put on or taken off with just one hand. This feature comes standard on all Lawn-Boy Insight, Insight Gold and Insight Platinum mowers.

* Do you have limited storage space?

If the answer is "yes," many mowers today fold for convenient storage.

The good news is that some manufacturers are listening closely and developing new features to meet homeowners' evolving needs. "Technology has finally advanced to the point where we can give people exactly what they've always wanted," says Lawn-Boy's Hager.

To help you find the right lawn mower for your needs, Lawn-Boy developed an online shopping guide that walks you through the decision-making process. At www.FindYourMower.com, you can assess your mowing needs, find the corresponding features and identify the best mower or mowers for you. In just a few minutes, you'll be on your way to the right mower.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Turn Your Back Yard into the Perfect Outdoor Room

(ARA) - For people who live in colder winter climates, the thought of being able to get outside and enjoy their yard and garden is almost overwhelming at this time of year. As you count the days until spring, why not start planning how you'll use your outdoor space this year.

"People want to be able to use more of their outdoor space, and they want flexibility," says Deb Anderson, president of By The Yard Inc., makers of maintenance-free outdoor furniture. For example, you might have a bench tucked away under some trees in the back of the yard that you can disappear to when you need a quiet place to think, as well as a seating area near your perennial garden where you and a friend or two can admire the flowers while sharing each other's company.

A look at decorating and gardening magazines shows that the way Americans use their outdoor space is changing. Outdoor entertaining is a trend that has been gaining in popularity in recent years. While once a humble gas or electric grill next to a picnic table on the deck or patio constituted an outdoor cooking setup, today it is not uncommon to find outdoor kitchens that include pizza ovens, industrial-grade appliances and granite counter tops.

From new and innovative materials to groupings that are tailor-made for entertaining, outdoor furniture has come a long way, too. Minnesota-based By The Yard manufactures furniture made from recycled plastic milk jugs that is stylish, attractive and virtually maintenance-free. The plastic lumber is colorfast, so it never needs repainting, and it is impervious to all types of weather from freezing temperatures to blistering heat. It can withstand moist or dry climates. "We've tested our products in Alaska, the Arizona desert and the Florida Keys and after 30 years they still look great," says Anderson.

When planning your outdoor room, approach it the same way you would a decorating project inside your home: spend some time thinking about how you'll use the space. Will you be entertaining large groups, or just a few friends at a time? Do you want to eat outside, or do you prefer furniture grouped for conversation?

For example, envision a typical get-together from start to finish: for cocktails, guests can sit and chat at the bar-height tables and chairs from By the Yard. For dinner, adjourn to the dining table. With tables in various shapes and sizes, you can entertain a crowd all at one table, or get people to mix and mingle by using a couple of smaller tables. Enjoy dessert in Adirondack chairs in the garden. The "Tete-a-Tete" combination of two chairs connected by a table offers a place to set coffee.

Choose a color scheme for your outdoor room that can be reflected in the small touches that make a room special. In this case, since the room is outdoors, that might mean candles or other outdoor lighting for when you use the space at night; decorations like potted plants and weather-proof rugs; and colorful, but unbreakable outdoor table settings.

You can coordinate your furniture to your color scheme as well. All 70 pieces from By The Yard are available in six colors, including white, brown, green, grey, sandtone and weathered wood. A quick spray with the garden hose is all it takes to keep this furniture looking new.

Take full advantage of the hot summer days and balmy summer nights this year in your new outdoor oasis.

Visit www.bytheyard.net to see the complete collection of outdoor furniture.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Seven Steps to a Spectacular Lawn this Spring

(ARA) - Spring is the time for renewal, think of it as similar to getting your body ready for beach season. If you want washboard abs come July, you better start working out a lot earlier than that. If you want a lush, green lawn that's the envy of the neighborhood, you've got to be its personal trainer and break a little sweat on these seven steps to a spectacular lawn this season.

1. Soil Testing Made Simple
Good lawn care starts with calling an agricultural extension agent to perform a soil test says soil scientist Bob Richardson. "Most people don't know what their lawn needs as far as nutrients go. The easiest thing people can do is take soil samples from two to three different sections of their lawn and have their local university analyze the results. They can tell you exactly what nutrients your lawn needs and in what amounts."

2. Aerating Gone Easy
As lawns age or sustain heavy traffic, soil compaction can result. Soil compaction is most severe in poorly drained or wet sites. Roots require oxygen to grow and absorb nutrients and water. Compaction reduces the amount of air within the soil. This results in poor top growth and lawn deterioration.

Aeration benefits your lawn by increasing water, nutrient and oxygen movement in the soil. It also helps improve rooting and prevents run-off. Until now, aeration was hard work, expensive, time consuming and messy. Lots of us just skip it.

This spring there are no more excuses -- www.outsidepride.com has introduced a new liquid aeration product that sprays on your lawn with a hose end sprayer. LazyMan Liquid Soil Aerator covers 100 percent of your lawn, is chemical-free and actually adds nutrients, increases much needed airflow and boosts the earthworm population (nature's aerator) underground. There's no mess to clean up and you won't break a sweat applying it!

3. Mowing And Raking Regularly
How often you mow your lawn depends on the type of grass you have and how quickly it grows. A good rule of thumb is the "1/3-Rule"; Never mow more than a third of your leaf blade off at one time. Therefore if you lawn is 3-inch high, don't cut off more then 1-inch.

The raking process not only removes dead leaves and debris it actually helps control thatch. Leaves and dead grass will block air and sun and ultimately damage the grass. For an easy spray on dethatcher, use LazyMan Liquid Lawn Dethatcher and it's 100 percent organic! Available at www.outsidepride.com

4. Watering Weekly
Lawn experts say the type of grass you have will determine your watering frequency. Most grasses require a 1-inch watering about once per week along with one deep watering. For best germination, newly seeded lawns should be watered every day.

5. Weed Wacking, Bug Busting, Disease Fighting Do's!
For upkeep's sake, be sure to watch for insects, weeds and any colored patches on your grass that can impair the health of your lawn. If you notice insect damage, spray with an all-purpose lawn insecticide. All weeds should be pulled immediately to prevent them from seeding and spreading.

6. Feed-N-Fertilize Frequently
Grass craves periodic feeding and it is best to meet this need by fertilizing with a "slow release" fertilizer. Slow release products release nutrients over time, rather than all at once. LazyMan Liquid Lawn Fertilizer is used to enhance plant growth, root formation, reduce water and heat stress. Visit www.outsidepride.com to find out more information about slow release liquid fertilizing.

7. Overseeding Solution
If your lawn is riddled with bare patches due to pet spots, heavy traffic or neglect you may need to apply grass seed to fill in those bare patches. The solution is commonly known as "overseeding" and it is just what it sounds like -- you sow seeds right over your existing grass in order to fill in the bare patches. For a wide variety of seed for every region of the country as well as customized blends to meet your exact specifications visit www.outsidepride.com.

Great looking lawns don't just happen, but if you follow these "training tips" you can rest assured your lawn will be a pumped-up, lean, mean, green machine this season!

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Professional Advice for a Top-Notch Lawn

(ARA) - Top-notch gardening tools, expert landscaping advice and high-speed Internet -- whether gardening is your life's passion or just a now-and-then hobby, today's homeowners have everything they need to maintain a beautiful lawn and garden right at their fingertips. While gardening has always been a favorite American pastime, the accessibility of helpful tips, products and the expertise of everyday outdoor enthusiasts reaches far beyond the basics of lawn care available a century ago.

It was then that The O.M. Scotts Company -- known today as The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company -- launched its small mail-order seed business. Now synonymous with lawns and gardens, Scotts planted its roots into American culture and helped transform the lawn into an American icon and source of pride. Often overlooked is just how much the lawn has evolved during the last century: it's more drought-tolerant, disease-resistant and heartier than when the concept of residential turf first gained momentum.

Over the past 100 years, the company grew right along with -- and often ahead of -- homeowners' desire to transform lawns and gardens into awe-inspiring works of art. Today, ScottsMiracle-Gro wants to help you commemorate this milestone in the company's history by getting back to the basics of the iconic American lawn.

"The lawn is a masterpiece in its simplicity and is the part of the lawn and garden equation that deserves more credit," says Bruce Augustin, director of agronomy at ScottsMiracle-Gro. "A healthy lawn enhances not only the aesthetics, but also increases the environmental benefits of a garden and landscape; without it, the whole picture loses its allure."

With the wealth of information, products and tools available today, even the most inexperienced homeowner can grow a beautiful, healthy lawn. Augustin and ScottsMiracle-Gro offer some helpful tips to repair trouble spots and get your lawn growing healthy this spring:

* Choose the right seed: Spring is a great time to walk the lawn and scout for areas that may need repair. Today's premium seed blends contain the newest grass varieties and require less lawn care and have fewer pest problems. Local hardware stores, nurseries and garden centers can help you select the right variety for your lawn.

* Time it right: Spring is actually a great time of year to seed (fall is as well), and you can achieve great results by planting as soon as possible. Ideally, you want to keep seedlings from being nipped by a hard frost, while also giving the grass time to mature before basking in the hot summer sun.

* Prepare the soil: Remove excess dead grass and work the soil to a depth of approximately 1 inch to promote good soil and seed contact and to create a good environment for root growth. For improved germination, add a quality soil like Scotts Turf Builder Seeding Soil.

* Sow the seed evenly: Seed the area by using a lawn spreader, either drop-type or rotary; Scotts Deluxe EdgeGuard Broadcast Spreader helps ensure products are applied only where intended.

* Be sure to fertilize: Apply a starting fertilizer the same day you seed to get seeding off to a strong start.

* Keep the seedbed moist: To germinate, water lightly and frequently, rather than deeply; only the top 1/2 inch of soil needs to be kept moist; spread straw or mulch to help contain moisture until seedlings are well established (typically 6 to 8 weeks).

* Early follow up: Begin mowing as soon as the seedlings are about 1 1/2 to 2 inches tall; do not use a weed killer until the young grass plants have been mowed at least four times.

* Summer follow up: Watch for stress from summer heat and drought; water as needed to keep plants vigorous.

For a wide range of lawn and garden tips, tools and ideas, visit www.scotts.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Simple Solutions for Three Common Landscape Challenges Facing Homeowners

(ARA) - Homeowners have always enjoyed looking out over their own well-manicured garden or landscape. Yet, creating such a pleasant atmosphere on one's property can often become a difficult experience, whether updating a landscape's design or starting from scratch with a new installation project.

"Today's new crop of low-maintenance perennials, annuals and shrubs is making a big impact in the garden and on homeowners themselves," says Linda Guy, new product development director of Novalis Plants that Work. "Bred to withstand heat and humidity, and thrive in challenging locales and conditions, these plants -- like the 'Pink Double Knock Out' Rose -- give homeowners confidence to experiment with design and installation creativity." Easy-care plants also give people inspiration to take a more active role in the care and maintenance of outdoor spaces.

When undertaking a challenging garden or landscape task, completing the project successfully can be accomplished with simple solutions to three of the most common landscape issues facing homeowners. Hardworking plant breeders and growers like Novalis Plants that Work are turning out innovative new plant genetics and an ever-growing, wide array of plant offerings that solve these common landscape challenges.

Problem: Areas of the garden overwhelmed with sun, heat and humidity.

Solution: Plants bred for heat and/or humidity.
Due to varying sun exposure across a property, pockets of the landscape can become scorched by sun, heat and humidity, no matter in which region of the country or USDA Zone one lives. A southerner all her life, Guy understands the demanding environmental conditions for plants grown in sun, heat and humidity. Guy believes that the Novalis Plants that Work -- Bring on the Heat program is a favorite because it addresses specific plant needs related to hot and humid conditions while delivering a robust group of plants that tolerate this type of challenging environment. The program, which can be found in independent garden centers across the country, was designed to provide gardeners with a wide variety of top-notch, heat- and humidity-tolerant plants with dark and variegated foliage, and lush bright flowers that are hardy in even the hottest, brightest zones of the country. As the names states, these plants are fitted for specific landscape needs and help to improve gardeners' confidence in choosing, buying, and planting new as well as favorite varieties.

Problem: What to do with unique, small-scale areas of the garden.

Solution: Plantings for small spaces and special places
Whether rooftop gardens, pathways, walkways, patios, rock gardens, water gardens, terraces, cracks, or crevices, accent plantings embellish the garden area and add life, color, texture, detail, and harmony as well as a natural appearance to the landscape. Incorporating these kinds of plants into a creative garden design for areas that are small or unique in shape serves as garnish, the final decorative touch to the space. "Some cities are giving tax incentives to people willing to install rooftop gardens because it cuts down on the need for air conditioning and heating," says Guy. "So, Novalis is growing plant material such as drought-tolerant groundcovers, little Hens and Chicks, and sedums from Mexico that gardeners seem to love having planted in these tiny places and distinctive applications." Home gardeners can choose from a diverse palette of varying color and foliage with the Plants that Work in Nooks & Crannies line when creating their own artistic garden accents.

Problem: Short-lived, feeble annuals that will not last.

Solution: Finer, genetically superior, color bedding plantings.
When used in containers, garden beds and borders, annual color varieties are a bright, rich and vibrant outdoor design component. Yet, numerous annual plant selections cannot survive the first chilly night or burst of extended warmth that many regions of the country are experiencing from frequent spells of environmental instability. Guy says her Plants that Work by Color varieties are cultivated to address the need for more robust plant material. "They accentuate outdoor living, provide solutions for garden beds and borders, and address high-demand for new collections of unparalleled quality in every region of the country." Ensuring plant selections for the lawn and garden stem from professional growers who trial each new variety provides superior-performing, garden-worthy, annual color plants with heat and cold tolerance.

Guy recommends seeking premium genetic plants in a rainbow of color and form at local independent garden centers to achieve year-round color and diversity for the lawn and garden. "With more than 150 delightful varieties in our program alone, such as Osteospermum Doris Daisy, finding plants for spectacular beds, borders and containers can be an easy and fun weekend pastime for homeowners and their kids."

"We believe the Plants that Work name serves as a clear tell-tale for gardeners," says Guy. "The name directly addresses homeowners' primary fear -- that plants won't grow or perform well in their gardens -- and assures them that the plants they purchase will work beautifully in their individual locales."

To learn more about plants and gardening tips, log onto www.plantsthatwork.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - If your thoughts are turning to the time and energy you'll spend in the back yard this season, you're not alone. A new survey says that the majority of homeowners have concerns about the condition of their lawns and mowers as they think about getting into their yards this spring.

The survey, conducted on behalf of Lawn-Boy with 665 people responsible for taking care of their families' lawns, found that Americans count cleaning up sticks and leaves as their biggest source of yard-care dread. Fear that their lawn may need major repair work ranks second, and concern that their mower might not run well - or at all - is the third biggest backyard worry.

According to the experts at Lawn-Boy, homeowners can rest easy. Spending just a little time preparing for spring will help ensure a stress-free mowing season. "Turning your attention to your mower and lawn in early spring makes all the difference," says Joe Hager, a senior engineer at Lawn-Boy. "A little work now will really pay off throughout the spring and summer."

1. Get your equipment into shape. Getting your mower ready for spring doesn't need to be a stress-inducing affair. After sitting unused for several months, your mower will probably need a little TLC, and spring is the perfect time to schedule a trip to the dealer for a tune-up. Or, tackle the task yourself, making sure to check and change the oil, air filter, and spark plug, and assess whether the blade needs sharpening or replacing.

2. Use the right mower. If your mower didn't perform up to your expectations last year, it may be time to invest in some new equipment. Today, higher-end models combine professional-level effectiveness with lots of user-friendly features, including easier starting. When designing its new line of mowers, for example, Lawn-Boy interviewed hundreds of homeowners and used their feedback to come up with innovative features like an easily adjustable handle height, a bag you can remove with just one hand, and a self-propel system that automatically senses and adjusts to your walking speed up to 5 miles per hour.

3. Clean up debris. When the lawn begins to wake up, schedule an afternoon of backyard spring cleaning to clear leaves and twigs left over from the fall. Picking up debris all at once at the beginning of the season will make it much easier to mow when the grass starts to grow. Spending some time in the yard early in the year will also help you determine if there's any winter damage that needs to be repaired, and find early signs of disease or pest infestation.

4. Cut at the right height. Most of the year, keep your mowing height set high - around 3 to 3 1/2 inches for most types of grass - so you don't lop off too much of the critical food-producing parts of the grass blade. Keeping grass tall increases its tolerance to heat and stress, and also crowds out weeds. During the first mowing of the season, cut down to about 2 to 2 1/2 inches to remove dead, brown grass and fungus that may have taken hold over the winter, leaving only the healthy part of the plant behind.

5. Feed your lawn. Water is one of the most vital elements for a healthy lawn. But try not to water at night, when moisture sits on the lawn and can breed disease, or during the middle of the day, when the direct heat evaporates the moisture. Instead, water early in the morning, when temperatures are lower and the grass can benefit from its a.m. drink throughout the day. Fertilizer is an important element, too. But before you fertilize, invest in a soil test to determine exactly what kind of nutrients your soil needs. Once you've chosen a fertilizer with the right blend of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium for your yard, make sure you stick to the suggested application instructions so you don't under- or overfeed your lawn.

6. Aerate. Mature lawns can often become compacted, reducing the ability of critical nutrients to reach grass roots. Aerating - removing plugs of sod - helps loosen the soil, letting water, air and fertilizer make it down to the grass plant's roots. Manual tools work well for small yards or trouble spots. If you've got a large yard, consider renting a power aerator with a group of your neighbors.

The bottom line, Hager says, is to spend a little bit of time and energy at the beginning of the season to lay the groundwork for a healthy, happy lawn. "Mother Nature will do most of the work," he says. "But there are plenty of things you can do to help her along."

By choosing the right equipment and making sure your lawn gets the proper amount of food, water, and attention, you'll be well on your way to cultivating a lush, vibrant - and stress-free - back yard.

For more information about premium mowers designed to meet your needs, visit www.lawn-boy.com.

(ARA) - William Wordsworth once said, "Let nature be your teacher." He was just one of the many scholars who believed that nature was therapeutic for the soul and provided an abundance of lessons - especially for children. One of the best (and most fun) ways for children to experience the outdoors is through gardening.

Gardening has been prevalent in our culture for thousands of years. However, it is only recently that people started to realize the benefits of gardening for children.

"Gardening offers children multiple advantages," says Dr. Susan H. Turben, a nationally recognized child development specialist. "Aside from the obvious health benefits of being outside and active in the fresh air, gardening adds a sense of calm and tranquility to their lives, which can sometimes be hard to find in today's world."

From family time to learning time, the benefits of gardening for children are numerous. Consider everything gardening has to offer:

Through the eyes of a child, the world is a place full of magic and opportunities. As we grow older, some people lose or take for granted the beauty of their outdoor surroundings. Getting your child involved in a hobby like gardening at a young age sets the stage for a lifetime of respect and appreciation for nature and the environment. Think of it also as a science lesson taken outdoors. Through gardening, children will learn about how a seed transforms itself into a flower or how water makes a garden grow. The science lessons that can be found in the garden are endless.

In an age where video games, the Internet and cable TV bombard children daily, gardening is an activity that brings families together. A quiet and peaceful hobby, gardening is free of the distractions often found inside the home. It provides the opportunity for parent and child to be alone, talk and listen to one another - an occasion that just can't happen often enough. Gardening is also a means for grandparents to bond with their grandchildren as they share a lifetime's worth of knowledge, not just about gardening, but about life in general.

Gardens are like anything else in the world in that they need nutrients and water to grow. Through gardening, children will learn one of life's most important lessons - responsibility. They will see first hand that if they are not there to nourish and water their garden, it won't grow.

"It's important that children be taught responsibility at an early age, whether it's being assigned a household chore or being responsible for a living thing," says Dr. Turben. "This provides the foundation for becoming a responsible adult."

Parents can help ensure a positive gardening experience for their children by making available the proper tools. Children like to mimic the actions of adults, so give them tools that are durable enough for actual digging and planting. A new line of children's tools from Troy-Bilt, marketed under the name of The Budding Gardeners, are sized for small hands, but feature real wood handles and steel implements so they won't break, even in the toughest soil. The complete gardening kit includes a wheelbarrow, watering can, three hand tools, gloves, easy-growing seeds and an instruction manual - everything young gardeners need to get off to the right start. There are also a variety of long-handle tools and even an apron to make kids feel right at home in the garden.

It's important to learn that good things come to those who wait. Gardening does not produce instantaneous results. Therefore, your children must learn to be patient and tolerant if they wish to see the results of their work. Once they do, however, they will feel great satisfaction as they watch their garden grow and change. They will learn that the steps involved in creating a garden - planning the garden, preparing the soil, and planting and nourishing the plants, are worth the effort.

For more ideas on how to make gardening an important part of your child's life, visit www.thebuddinggardeners.com. There you'll also find a variety of games, contests and other activities that can help make gardening a year-round hobby.

(ARA) - Spring; with it comes a long list of lawn and garden chores. Whether it's planting a new garden, taking on a landscape project, or just completing routine spring lawn and garden maintenance, already time-starved homeowners can spend countless hours working around the yard rather than enjoying the warmer weather.

Add this to the increasing day-to-day activities Americans are facing, such as longer work hours, less vacation time and increased family and personal commitments, and you can you see why there's a growing trend toward finding creative ways to balance work, family and leisure activities, including gardening.

Even the government is stepping in to try to help. That's why daylight-saving time came three weeks earlier than usual this year, and will end a week later, giving Americans an additional four weeks of extended daylight hours to accomplish the many tasks they're rushed to finish on a daily basis.

That's great news for the 91 million U.S. households that participate in some form of outdoor lawn and gardening activities each year (according to the National Gardening Association). To help lawn and gardening enthusiasts make the best use of their time in the yard this spring, Ames True Temper, a leading manufacturer of non-powered garden tools, offers the following time-saving tips:

Develop a Planting Plan.
By the time your garden is prime for planting, you should already have a plan of attack in place. A well-thought-out, detailed sketch serves as the first step in any garden project and helps to ensure everything will go as smoothly, and quickly, as possible during the execution phase. So, do your research early, decide what you're going to plant, how much you'll be planting, where you're going to plant and then purchase your new plants and seeds accordingly.

Arm Yourself with the Appropriate Tools.
Today, there are more tools than ever before designed to save time and effort. These "multi-tasking" lawn and garden tools are valuable because they can be used for more than one job. Not only do they minimize the number of tools you'll need to use, carry and store, but they can also save you time.

According to Darlene SantaCroce, marketing director for Ames True Temper, "Our focus group research confirms that due to the numerous time constraints placed on consumers today, more than ever before, they're interested in multi-purpose garden tools. They view them as a highly effective way to minimize the number of tools they need, and actually consider them must-have items, rather than luxuries. Recognizing that friends and family also struggle to find time for yard work, they also see these kinds of tools as great gift ideas."

The Planter's Buddy from Ames True Temper is a great example. This unique 7-in-1 garden tool gives a whole new meaning to the term "multi-tasking." With its uniquely shaped, durable, stainless steel blades and combination straight and serrated edges, you can use it for transplanting, splitting open soil or mulch bags, weeding, cutting twine or even sod. On the front and side are 12-inch measurement markings for easy measuring of distance when planting. And a poly tamper on the end makes it easy to tamp down wood stakes, markers, or even fertilizer spikes. Everything is specially engineered and weighted for optimum performance. And it's all in one convenient, easy-to-carry tool.

Inspect Your Yard.
Before you even begin tilling or planting be sure to start with a clean slate. If you have to stop what you're doing every few minutes to weed, prune or trim back existing plants and shrubs, you may double or even triple the time you're in the garden or yard. So, take care of these items beforehand.

Stop Weeds Before They Start.
It's never too early to begin weeding. Any weed that appears early in the spring season will be much easier to pull than if it's given a chance to mature. Better yet, prevent weeds from sprouting by using a pre-emergent in early spring. It will save you hours of time weeding later in the season.

Prepare Your Lawn and Beds.
Once the clean-up aspect is addressed, it's time to prepare your lawn and soil beds for optimum, low-maintenance performance. To nourish your lawn, be sure to use a high-quality fertilizer. Several fertilizers on the market work using only two steps instead of the traditional four. Also be sure to use a high-quality grass seed to fill in bare spots, since cheaper varieties likely contain more weed seeds, which will create more work in the future. Cover newly seeded areas lightly to prevent birds from eating the seed.

Before working in your gardening beds, use a home soil test kit to check the pH levels, then enrich the soil as necessary by adding lime sulfur. Once the pH levels are addressed, spread a 4-inch layer of compost and cultivate it at least 8-12 inches deep. When the weather warms up and the last frost has safely passed, usually around May 15 depending on the region, you'll be ready to plant.

No matter what lawn and gardening projects you might be tackling this spring, remember it's always better to work smarter, rather than harder. Routine maintenance and pre-project know-how can be the key to saving your spring and providing you with a beautiful summer.

(ARA) - Most of us do not think much about getting our lawns ready for spring until the grass looks like it needs mowing. Then you realize there are a few small chores to make your lawn ready for the season. Let's take a look at what these may be.

First, pick up twigs and branches that have come down over the winter. Recycle these by chipping them into mulch and spreading it around your trees, shrubs, and flowers. At the same time, remove dead leaves and stems from your flower gardens. If these are free of disease and insect eggs (you did not notice any particular problems last year), cut them into small pieces and put them in your mulch bin. If they are infested, toss them into your garbage so they don't infect plants this year.

Now you can see areas where winter kill, wear, or pet stains have thinned or killed grass. Reseed these areas using the best quality seed you can find. High quality seed germinates faster and includes genetics that leads to increased stress tolerance. Keep in mind to match new seed to the variety of grass you already have. This will keep these patches from being noticeable.

To help get a quick fill-in, fertilize with products that are gentle on your seedlings. Use no-salt fertilizers such as Milorganite 6-2-0 to encourage growth without harming delicate seedlings. These fertilizers contain slow release nitrogen to promote growth. They also contain phosphorus, an essential nutrient for energy production, fueling young shoot growth. Mike Archer, market development for Milorganite, notes that "Fertilizers like Milorganite 6-2-0 that contain organic nitrogen are gentle on young plants while providing the nutrients necessary for speedy germination."

Another seeding option is to use one of the new turf patch mixes, which combine seed with a moisture-holding mulch. By keeping the seed moist, these products encourage quick germination and result in quicker fill-in of damaged areas.

Soon you will be mowing your lawn. Sharpen the blade on your mower to ensure clean, even cuts. This results in a great looking lawn while allowing the mown grass blades to heal quickly. Quick healing results in less chance for disease to infect blades of grass. Remove only one-third of the grass height at any one mowing which allows the mower to chop cut grass blades into small pieces. Also, mulch your clippings back onto the lawn to recycle nutrients that you have already bought and paid for.

The primary benefit of a fertilized lawn is a deep, green look. In achieving this, follow a fertilizer program of three to four applications per year. A side benefit of this is increased weed control. Archer notes, "When grass is thick and healthy, the soil surface tends to stay dark and cool. This inhibits weed seed germination. Using fertilizers containing gentle, slow release nitrogen like Milorganite 6-2-0 helps create this thick, healthy lawn. While no fertilizer is by itself a weed killer, fertilizing for a thick, healthy lawn lessens weeds in the lawn."

When you fertilize your lawn, keep several Best Management Practices, or BMP's, in mind. First, calibrate your lawn spreader. This takes about twenty minutes. Follow your spreader manufacture's directions. By calibrating your spreader, you ensure you apply adequate nutrients to your lawn without over-applying and wasting fertilizer dollars.

Next, don't fertilizer drives, walks or other hard surfaces. Any fertilizer landing on them is wasted and ends up being washed into storm sewers. The resulting pollution clogs our lakes and streams with excessive water plant growth. Instead, sweep fertilizer pellets back onto the lawn.

Third, keep fertilizer away from wells, lakes and streams. Many suggest a minimum of ten feet (three meters) grassed buffer between fertilizer areas and these sources of water. This allows any nutrients that get into groundwater to be taken up by plants before reaching water.

For more information regarding lawn care go to www.milorganite.com, call (800) 304-6204, or contact your local county horticultural extension agent.

(ARA) - Getting your vehicle in shape now will undo the wear and tear of winter driving, and can help prevent unnecessary breakdowns during the dog days of summer. The following tips are from the experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the group that tests and certifies the competence of working automotive professionals.

* Read the owner's manual and follow the recommended service schedules. The manual contains a complete checklist of services and schedules, and other important information about your vehicle.

* To prevent engine overheating, summer's number one vehicle problem, make sure your engine's cooling system is in top shape. Flush and refill the radiator according to the service manual's instructions. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. If you are doing your own work, make sure the engine has cooled down before removing the radiator cap.

A qualified auto technician should check the tightness and condition of belts, clamps, and hoses. Most do-it-yourselfers do not have the proper equipment. But you can look for signs of wear, cracking or frayed belts. Have belts and hoses replaced according to the service manual's intervals or sooner if you notice wear and tear so as to prevent sudden breakdowns.

* Have engine performance problems like hard starts, rough idling, and stalling corrected. You'll get better gasoline mileage and you can catch minor problems before they grow into more expensive repairs later on.

* If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, look for repair facilities with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own, modern equipment in the service bays, and signs of qualified automotive technicians as evidenced by trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work and training classes, as well as national certification of the individual technicians by ASE.

* Have a marginally operating air conditioner system serviced by a qualified technician. The air conditioners on older vehicles often contain ozone-depleting chemicals that could be released into the air through improper or incompetent service.

* Change the oil and oil filter as specified in your owner's manual. (Properly dispose of used oil.) Surveys of technicians indicate that this is the most neglected service, and one that can greatly reduce the life of your vehicle. Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended in the service manual.

* Check the condition of tires, including the spare. Let the tires cool down before checking their pressure. Uneven wear, cupping, vibrations, or pulling to one side indicates problems with your tires or suspension system.

* Routine brake inspection and service is important for safety and can save you money in the long run. Failure to replace worn brake pads, for example, can result in more expensive damage to rotors and wheels.

* Don't neglect your transmission. Costly repairs can be prevented by routine service of this often-neglected system.

* For safety and convenience, inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs. Replace worn wiper blades and keep plenty of washer solvent on hand to fight summer's dust and insects.

Remove clutter, vacuum the carpeting, clean all windows, and wipe down headlights with a soft, damp rag to prevent scratching. Wash and wax your vehicle to remove build-up dirt and deposits, protect your vehicle's finish and enhance its resale value.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign. Businesses with a high percentage (75 percent or more) of certified service professionals can join the prestigious Blue Seal of Recognition Program.

For a free brochure with summertime automotive tips, send a self-addressed, stamped long envelope to: ASE Summer Brochure, Dept. ARA-106, 101 Blue Seal Dr., S.E., Suite 101, Leesburg, VA 20175, or visit www.ase.com for more information.

(ARA) - Great gardeners know that the key to lush green lawns and spectacular gardens is to go underground.

"If we spent a fraction of our gardening time caring for the underground soil, we'd spend a lot less time working on our lawns and gardens above the ground," says soil remediation scientist, Bob Richardson.

The ground does rule and ultimately determine the beauty of our outdoor landscapes. You can fertilize, water, buy superior seeds, plants, and products, but your lawn and garden will never have that envied "golf course" look until you begin at the beginning and fortify the soil. "You might be doing everything else right, but bad soil will wreak havoc on all of your efforts." says Richardson.

One of the most common solutions for good, healthy soil is aeration. "Most of us know what aeration is, but don't do it," says Richardson. "Old-fashioned aeration is back breaking work and no one wants to spend the time, money or energy to do it."

In Portland, Ore, Troy Hake, owner of Outsidepride, was hearing the same complaints from thousands of customers. "They kept asking 'What do you have that will make it easy for me to aerate my garden?'" explains Hake.

Hake joined forces with Richardson to create a product that would aerate the soil and encourage bio-life to keep it healthy, while at the same time make the aeration process easy, even lazy.

After trials and testing, the final result of Richardson and Hake's efforts paid off. They developed a revolutionary new aeration product that will be introduced this spring. It is a liquid aerator so all you do is attach the product to your garden hose and spray. No clean up, no wasted time, no hard work. It doesn't get any easier than that!

The product, aptly named LazyMan Liquid Soil Aerator, is an all-natural liquid that covers 100 percent of the soil evenly. Lazyman is the only liquid aerator on the market fortified with tiny beneficial organisms that break up compacted soil and create holes underground that allow roots to spread out and breathe.

The roots easily gather more essential air, food and water to deliver to lawns and gardens. "We added humic acid and other nutrients directly to the formula, making LazyMan three to four times more effective than any other aeration product on the market," says Richardson.

Richardson offers the following "ground rules" for healthy soil that will enable you to create that golf course look we all envy and long for:

1. Dig It. Try digging a small patch of earth with a trowel. If the tool does not penetrate the ground easily, the soil is compacted. Compaction is caused by the retention of salt, which strips the soil of beneficial, essential nutrients. Healthy soil is loose like cake mix.

2. Pull It. If you pull up a small patch of grass and the roots come up easily, your soil's in trouble. Healthy soil allows roots to penetrate down deep into the ground and hold on tightly. A storage "pantry" is created underground allowing the roots to easily draw water, nutrients and vitamins on demand.

3. Test It. Do the "Earthworm Test." Dig up a scoop of earth; if you don't see any worms, your soil needs help. Healthy soil is full of earthworms, bugs and other beneficial organisms that work the soil and deliver water and food to plants.

4. Work It. Work with Mother Nature. Use products like LazyMan Liquid Soil Aerator monthly until poor soil is restored. Then use it regularly in spring and fall to maintain healthy soil.

"Now there's no reason not to aerate and create a lawn and garden that is the envy of the neighborhood without any of the hard work," says Hake, the man who came up with the name. "This season sit back, relax, and just spray on beautiful lawns and gardens. And remember, the 'ground rules' the health and beauty of your lawn and garden."

For a detailed analysis of your soil, call your local Agricultural Extension agent. For tips, advice and products to help you maintain healthy soil, visit www.OutsidePride.com, or call (877) 255-8470. From serious do-it yourself landscapers to the novice homeowner, you'll find a wide variety of garden products that are easy to use and provide substantial, proven results.

(ARA) - A beautiful plant can be enhanced by the right container, and you can save yourself time and effort by selecting a container suited to your needs. Here are a few tips to help you plan for a pleasant season of low-maintenance container gardening:

Picking the Perfect Planter

Planters come in a wide variety of materials and each has its own benefits. Regardless of material, make sure the planters you select have drain holes to promote healthier plants and prevent root rot.

Terra cotta (clay) pots, a long-time gardening favorite, are porous and dry out faster than plastic or glazed ceramic pots. Their weight makes them sturdy, but can also make them a challenge to move. They develop a weathered look over time.

There are a wide variety of plastic pots available. These retain moisture better than clay. Thinner, hard plastic pots, however, can become brittle over time. Exposure to sunlight, as well as extreme heat and cold, gradually weaken them. Planters made with thicker plastic, especially those with UV protection, are a better choice.

Heavy-duty stone and concrete are long lasting, provide winter insulation and should be planted in their permanent location. It goes without saying that they are too heavy to move -- at least not without a lot of effort and a crew.

Fiberglass and resin planters are generally lightweight, retain moisture well and can rival the look and feel of much heavier stone or concrete planters. They are often a good choice for home gardeners.

Getting to the "false" bottom of your container

It takes a lot of potting mix to fill planters, especially large ones. Often they become too heavy to move. One solution is to create a false bottom. This gives the plant enough soil to develop healthy roots, but reduces the weight of the finished container.

Gardeners have added everything from packing peanuts to crushed soda pop cans to the bottom of their planters to take up space. Now there's something easier -- the Ups-A-Daisy planter insert -- developed by Illinois home-gardener Kristy Maniscalco.

"The bigger planters got so heavy I couldn't move them," says Maniscalco. "I'd go through the same routine every planting season. I didn't want to use so much potting soil, so I'd scrounge around the garage for anything I could find to put in the bottom of my planters. I was also getting tired of picking packing peanuts out of the garden when I emptied the planters at the end of the season."

The Ups-A-Daisy planter insert (www.ups-a-daisy.com) is a heavy-duty plastic disc that fits snuggly into most tapered containers and comes in a variety of sizes from 10 inch (fits 12-14-inch containers) to 18 inch (fits 22-24-inch containers). It fits about half way down the container, provides excellent drainage, gives roots easy access to oxygen, and results in planters that are lighter and easier to move.

Time-saving planting mix

Different growing mediums will yield different levels of care for your container garden. Before adding soil to your container, you can cover the drain holes in the Ups-A-Daisy planter with newspaper, a small stone or a coffee filter. This prevents potting mix from falling through the planter.

Soilless mixes are generally a combination of two or more of the following materials: sphagnum peat moss, vermiculite, sand, perlite, compost and tree bark. Sterilization ensures that there are no pests or diseases. Many soilless mixes come complete with slow-release fertilizer. If not, you can add a slow-release fertilizer, such as Milorganite GardenCare organic nitrogen fertilizer, as directed. Every time you water, a little of the fertilizer is made available to the plants.

Look for a planting mix that includes water-retaining crystals to reduce how often you have to water. If the planting mix does not include water-retaining crystals, you can add them according to the manufacturer's directions; a little really does go a long way. Also for less frequent watering, mix equal amounts of soilless mix and commercial (sterile) potting soil. The potting soil helps to retain moisture and the soilless mix makes the resulting mixture lighter.

You'll be able to spend more time enjoying your container garden this season and less time maintaining it with these time-saving tips.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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