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Forsythia, Spring is Here!

March 6, 2024 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

One of the happiest and brightest shrubs in the Southern landscape has to be the Forsythia. You may also know Forsythia as “Yellow Bells”, due to the shape and color of the blossoms . I think the first time I ever heard the term “Yellow Bells” reference to a Forsythia, came from my Granny many years ago when I was growing up.

**Complete Spring** … Forsythia has 4 petals on each bloom… Forsythia blossoms from the spring are produced on the old wood from previous year. The remaining buds overwinters… the leaves are a gorgeous reddish color in the fall season. A complete bush in all four seasons.

Once the Forsythia breaks into bloom, Spring is not far away. Maybe that is why I consider it to be a “happy bush”. The sunny, vibrant, buttery-yellow blooms signals my brain that the spring gardening season is not far away. That in itself is JOY.

*Forsythia is native to China and other parts of Asia*

I recently read that the word Forsythia is related to anticipation. Yes, I get that… the anticipation of SPRING… Beautiful, joyful things yet to come.

What can we learn from the Forsythia??? The blooming Forsythia maybe our slumbering winter wake up call. The arrival of these vivid blooms definitely launches me into a spring planning and gardening clean up mindset. Rightfully so, because it is truly the time to begin focusing on some key elements for your lawn and garden maintenance, taking our cues directly from Mother Nature via the blooming Forsythia.

*Forsythia is a fast growing shrub but if you must trim it wait until after blooming has been completed.*

Once the forsythia finishes blooming, pre-emergents (for weed control) can be used in your lawn. A Pre- emergent is used to help prevent weed growth in your lawn… before the weeds actually begin!!!

If you use the “gardening cues” from the golden blossoms of the Forsythia, and apply your pre-emergents on time, it should then be re-applied three months later, so think about another application in June.

A multi-tiered approach may occur at your home… the focus on the garden… starting seeds indoors or even beginning to think about planting cool season crops once the Forsythia blooms are fading all the while working towards a beautiful, green, and healthy lawn. Whatever you decide to plant or grow this year, just enjoy it, savoring the season.

As you are reading this, the time to begin your lawn care maintenance is upon you! In a few short weeks, your actions will be futile if you delay using Pre-emergents and other actions will be necessary in order to avoid weeds in your lawn in the form of post-emergent weed killers like these in the photo.

*Post-emergent Weed control for lawns: 2-4D works well to reduce weed growth without damaging lawn*

*Forcing Forsythia inside can be a lovely way to brighten your mood on those cool, rainy, foggy days in March*

Within a few days these blooms are opening up! Use a knife to slice the bottom of the stems to open them up so more water can flow into woody stem and make sure to remove bottom blooms in place in warm water.

The Forsythia is legendary to hold medicinal qualities in past centuries. I believe that still holds true for me… maybe not so much in the traditional medicinal sense. The vibrant yellow hues are medicine to my soul, gearing up for another sensational Spring. Happy Spring Y’all!

almanac gardening, flowers, garden, gardening, Hardware Store Life, Natural World, southern living

Tutorial on How to Read The Blum’s Almanac

October 3, 2023 hardwarelifewife 1 Comment

Do you know how to read an almanac??? This is one of the those things that was passed down to me. My Granny taught me how to use and read the Blum’s Almanac. I’m very thankful that she taught me how to do this. A part of my Granny’s legacy now can live on with me as I plant each season. I do plant and transplant by the almanac signs and use the Almanac prior to planting. It’s my “Gardening Bible”.

Here’s the signs I look for to plant or transplant

Full Month view by each day complete with moon phases

The signs to stay away from when you need to plant 🪴 but these are great for weeding or trimming.

I hope this is a helpful tutorial especially if you have never done or used this before via picture format. Wilkes County Hardware keeps the Blum’s Almanac in stock each year. Last year was the first year that we debuted the garden calendar. Look for the 2024 editions to arrive in November.

This is definitely the quick version of a plant guide!!! Love it 😍

FYI: Some folks will not get a haircut, have a dental procedures, or even have major surgery IF the sign isn’t correct. I have answered many questions for people when it was a good time to can, or what the correct body sign was because they had a medical procedure upcoming.

Dental procedures… wait for a sign that is below the waist for faster wound healing.

I am a firm believer in using this as my planting guide. I haven’t ever used the Almanac to plan a surgery or a haircut, so I can not speak to the effectiveness of this expertise… the Almanac does say it does not give medical advice, but provides advice on the best days to do such activities such as gardening, and cooking. The “Zodiac man signs” are included as the 12 signs dividing the human body into parts. Ancient astrologers believed that each sign influenced a certain portion of the body, so folks have used this for years seeking the “best days” medical advice.

almanac gardening, Autumn, Fall, gardening, Hardware Store Life, Natural World, Plant Lady, seaonal change, southern living

“Plant Lady”

October 3, 2023 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

True confession time, I love plants. Now that the truth is out, and I’ve officially said it, “I’m a plant lady”, my green little plant heart is “rooting” for you to get on board with me! I must admit the presence of green plants in my home makes me smile on the dreary, dank, bitterly cold days of winter. Simply put, my Plants bring me joy.

October has arrived!

It’s a beautiful time of the year, but the reality for a “Plant Lady” living in western North Carolina, means a significant dip in nighttime outdoor temperatures. Nighttime temperatures can begin to dip into the 50’s some nights. The daytime temperatures are still quite gorgeous with ample, warm sunshine all day. Dare I say, the word FROST! But alas, Frost will be expected by the end of October, if not before. All that being said, my green, tender, warm-natured plants must find residence back inside, as they have enjoyed basking in the summer warmth on the back porch steps for the last few months.

*Frosty Fall mornings will be coming soon!*

For me, as a “plant mama” who enjoys her houseplants flourishing outdoors during the late spring and summer months, knows the time of change is arriving. I must prepare for the transition from the shaded back porch steps to life indoors for the late Fall and Winter months.

*These beauties will be headed inside by the end of this week. Low temperatures are expected to be in the 40’s by Saturday night.*

So how do I prep these “green little goddesses” for the adjustment indoors??? AND keep them “growing”all year long. Here’s my step by step guide that I have been using the last few years for moving my cherished plants back inside.

1. Evaluate each plant. Repot if necessary. I tend to repot plants before moving indoors and allow a few days of adjustment before moving inside.

*This year, I’m in the process of repotting a few plants prior to moving them indoors.*

2. Consult your almanac planting calendar and be a weather watcher!!!! Weather can change quickly and cooler nights are a given in October. Be proactive and begin working towards moving your plant babies back inside in late September or early October before the cold weather hits. I never transplant until it’s a good time to do so! I’m a firm believer in this step! Unsure how to use an almanac??? Click the link below to learn more!

https://hardwarelifewife.com/2023/10/03/tutorial-on-how-to-read-the-blums-almanac/

3. Remove any damaged leaves, or dead areas of the plant. Take additional rootings if possible to begin new plants! “Get growing”! What type of plant lady would I be if I didn’t root my own plants 😂.

*My kitchen window is my rooting station for my newest plants. The sunlight is perfect for them to root beautifully and flourish into a newly established plant.*

*For plant roots that take a little bit of extra work… stocked inside Wilkes County Hardware*

4. Spray each plant you plan to move indoors with insecticidal soap. This will help prevent bugs from making their way inside with your plants. I also spray the soil as well. Reapply as needed if pests appear during the fall or winter.

*Insecticidal soap sold at Wilkes County Hardware*

*For the DIYer… I’m sure you can find a homemade version of Insect soap on the internet. Spray bottles are a essential item stocked inside Wilkes County Hardware.*

5. Clean pot to remove surface dirt prior to moving indoors.

6. Call in the “troops for assistance” if needed… to help move your plants inside. Make it a family project! Get everyone involved!

7. Find the sweet spots… where are these plants going to thrive and have the correct light requirements. Take note to keep plants away from heat registers, drafts to maximize the plants potential.

8. Find your joy in planting! I do have plants that I haven’t been able to get “growing”. But, I haven’t given up on all plants. Take the time to grow what you love and find your joy! Final plant motivation thoughts… “I beleaf” in you! Take a “leaf of faith”! You can do this! I’m “rooting” for you!

almanac gardening, garden, Hardware Store Life, July, southern living, Summer

July Gardening Guide

July 11, 2023 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

https://hardwarelifewife.com/2023/07/02/fine-tuningthe-dog-days-of-summer-yes-siriusly/

July is a bountiful time in the garden. All of your hard work that has been done thus far, is now rewarded with beautiful blooms and hopefully a bountiful summer veggie and fruit harvest.

July is also a time of the dreaded heat… the Dog Days of Summer has begun! The days can often be sweltering. (Find the link above on my blog about the Dog Days of Summer) It is easy to retreat inside and enjoy the air conditioning grandiose glory, and as a result, your garden may begin to suffer under the abuse of the intense sun and heat. Don’t get discouraged though! Check out the following tips and best days to garden for July.

July Best Days To Plant or Transplant:

July 6-7

July 10-12

July 15-17

July 23-26

July Best Days to Weed

July 13-14

July 18-22

July 27-28

July 31

July Garden Tips:

1. Water well- especially your containers. These will dry out very quickly! Smaller pots dry out much faster than larger ones! You may need to water these every day if rainfall is insufficient. Water them throughly from the base not from the top down.

WCH Recommends: Zero G water hose for a lightweight water hose for summer watering.

2. Walk your garden frequently to monitor… weeds, and pests. I try to walk in my yard several times a week after dinner to evaluate any new potential problems.

This has been a very popular item for summer gardens, sadly!!!

3. It’s hot, but don’t forget that weeds grow in those humid summer days too! July Weed control is important to keep up and add layer of mulch to prevent future weeds from growing.

4. Deal with pests and insects in your garden quickly to prevent further damage, stop by Wilkes County Hardware to see what options you have available to keep your garden growing all summer long!

From fungal diseases to pest control problems in your summer garden, we can help you find what you need! We keep a great selection of lawn and garden care products. If you don’t see what you need, ask us to order it for you!

5. Deadhead flowers and apply fertilizer when necessary.

An amazing liquid fertilizer! Now on sale for 9.99!!!

6. Remove spent spring or early summer plants and replace or replant.

7. Plan your fall garden: begin seeds indoors or in shady areas of your garden.

Now is a fantastic time to purchase your seeds for your fall favorites!

8. Divide irises in late July.

9. Enjoy the harvest! It’s time to gather some fresh veggies or flowers this month!

Nothing better than an amazing peach from your local farmers market or orchard in July. Please don’t forget to shop local… all the ways that you can!

almanac gardening, garden, Hardware Store Life, June, Natural World, southern living, Summer

June Gardening Guide

June 5, 2023 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

These daisies started blooming last week. Just in time for the beginning of June.

The warmer temperatures are definitely here to stay. After reviewing the almanac for the entire month of June, it appears that it is a wonderful time to share with y’all all of the information for you to get growing this Month in June. No, it’s not too late to plant! We still have plenty of warm days ahead to begin seeds, and enjoy flowers all summer long.

We have a small bundle of these gardening guides left. Stop by to pick one up soon!

June Gardening Guide

**June 3-4 : Harvest Days**
These lettuce seeds were planted in May and almost ready to harvest!

**June 5-6 : Plant root crops, prune to encourage growth**

**June 7-8: Destroy weeds, and harvest crops .** Wilkes County Hardware has a wide selection of weed control products… sprays and concentrate.

**June 9-10: plant, transplant, prune to encourage growth, apply organic fertilizer.** *Black Wonder composting soil now back in stock!*

June 11-12: Harvest crops

June 13-14 : plant, transplant, prune to encourage growth

June 15-17: destroy weeds, harvest crops

**WCH Recommends: A 2-4D concentrate will not harm your grass but targets the existing weeds.**

June 18-19: plant, transplant, seed beds, prune to encourage growth, apply chemical fertilizer

By mid June your garden should be in full bloom!

June 20-24: Barren signs means a great time to do weed control. Never plant during a barren sign… slow to no growth. Never trim bushes or trees during a barren sign.

***June 21st Marks the first day of Summer!***

June 25-29: planting days resume. June 28-29 are good days to seed beds, apply chemical fertilizer.

*June is a good time to address any emerging issues that you might have with your roses. Be proactive, and shop early to prevent any damage.*

June 30th: Prune to discourage growth

The Hardware Life – A wife's journey into the hardware business