Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Quenching a Thirst





This year’s weather has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride in terms of extreme conditions across the country. With two heat waves (three consecutive days at 90 degrees or above) already in the books, the planting season becomes a challenge to fortify moisture requirements in the garden. Plants still struggle with moisture uptake until root systems have expanded. Some telling signs give you somewhat limited time for solutions.

Trees and Plants Look Droopy

Nothing would bug me more than to see a beautiful dogwood tree in bloom in spring and seeing defoliation of leaves during the onset of warm weather. Properties with a lot of clay soil push the limits on root development over the years. As trees mature and push new growth, the slightest drought and heat combine to dry up the top portions of trees that do not have sufficient root structure. Moisture uptake is limited to the most accessible branches along the way up the trunk. Fully mature trees hit the proverbial “brick wall” especially if planted curbside along paved roadways, where temperature extremes are the highest. If no disease is observed, how do we initiate better health for the tree (or plant) and expand the root system?

Plants Need Food, Water, Protection

Most consumers tend to neglect our landscape and, especially, trees. “Plant it and forget it” is a common practice until the tree becomes brittle or loses it leaves completely. Food or some nutritional uptake is recommended throughout the years to help stimulate root systems and expand capillary roots to support and sustain growth. This may come in the form of rich organic supplements, well-composted amendments or typical fertilizers available in many delivery types: spike, granular, water-soluble and time-release.

Common practice tells us to feed any plant according to the directions on the label. A tip from the owner of Neptune’s Harvest suggested a drink of their fish fertilizer soaked around the drip line of my droopy dogwood tree. I’m proud to report that this tree just short of shovel pruning two years ago, is now showing lush new growth and vitality by producing new branches ever since that application was made. Thanks, Sandy! What kind of tips and tricks can you share with your customers?

Watering may become a regular gardening task during drought-induced weather patterns. A great convenience product for watering trees comes from the design of the slow drip-emitting water bag. Filled with water and placed at the base of the tree root ball, a small but steady drip of water comes from the bag to offer some relief for water uptake needs. Dewitt’s Dew Right irrigation bag is one we stock at Griffin. Another method to consider is the use of Dramm’s Colorstorm Tree Soaker Ring, which screws easily onto a water hose. Mulching can also play an important part in protecting the surface surrounding the tree trunk to stay cooler (and wetter) for longer periods of time. Advise your customers to be careful to not mound mulch up the trunk of their trees. Too much mulch, too high up can be suffocating to a tree.

The Lazy Days of Summer

Many foundation plants, including flowers, take a beating over time without sufficient water. With busy schedules, an easy way to provide an ample water source is to connect a weeping-type soaker hose to a Gilmour automatic electronic water timer, connected to an available outdoor faucet. These timers are programmable for up to 6 hours of run time and are sold in both single- and double-outlet types. The soaker hoses have long been a favorite of gardeners and are constructed of recycled rubber tire materials compressed to reduce evaporation and water waste. These can be placed above ground or below ground to suit any garden application. The 50 ft. Weep & Soak hose from Flexon and the 50 ft. Colorstorm Premium Soaker hose from Dramm are top-sellers for quality and construction. Both are made in the USA, too!

Hydrangeas are commonly affected by intense heat and lack of water. Your recommendation for a watering solution may pay dividends for your sales throughout the remainder of the planting season.

Protection Part II

One tip that’s rarely discussed is to use only watering hoses that are designated for drinking water use for children (and adults, too!). It’s easy for kids to grab a water hose and take a quick drink of water without knowing the dangers of nasty hidden microbes inside. Studies have shown that water taken through traditional garden hoses may contain up to ten times the amount of lead as water from the kitchen tap!

There are numerous reasons why camper, boat and RV hoses are a bit more expensive than traditional types. These hoses are manufactured without toxic chemicals and are lead-free. We’ve heard in the news about Bisphenal A (or BPA) present in water bottles and how heat and temperatures release these plasticizers into the water itself. These plastic hardeners are under more scrutiny since these studies surfaced over 40 years ago. Many baby bottles, sippy cups and drinking containers are BPA-free these days. Use a hose designed for drinking water safety!

Relax and Enjoy

Griffin has several items that can take the edge off a hot summer day whether it’s on the front porch, backyard patio, deck, beach or pool. Panacea Products makes a very nice spiral beverage stake in two sizes including one that a standard Mason jar would fit into. Another must-have for your customers’ enjoyment is the Behrens galvanized oval tub, just waiting to be filled with ice and your beverage of choice. Sit back, relax and quench your thirst! Cheers!


This Month's Featured Products


Dramm ColorStorm 5/8' x 50' Soaker Hose
No 80170054

Buy Now

Dramm ColorStorm 10' Tree Soaker Ring
No 80170059

Buy Now

Dramm ColorStorm 5' Tree Soaker Ring
No 80170058

Buy Now

Flexon 1/2" X 50' Weep & Soak Black Soaker Hose
No 80560052

Buy Now

Gilmour Electronic Dual Outlet Timer
No 80150475

Buy Now

Gilmour Electronic Single Outlet Timer
No 80150474

Buy Now

Neptunes Harvest 18 OZ Hydrolized Fish
No 80120001

Buy Now

Neptunes Harvest 36 OZ Hydrolized Fish
No 80120002

Buy Now

Neptunes Harvest 1 GAL Hydrolized Fish
No 80120003

Buy Now

Dewitt Dew Right Tree Water Bags
No 80010042

Buy Now

Natural Innovations Surreal Birch Cooler
No 81410027

Buy Now

Natural Innovations Surreal Oak Cooler
No 81410026

Buy Now

Panacea 36" Beverage Spiral Stakes Assorted Colors
No 80160859

Buy Now

Panacea Mason Jar Yard Stake Rust
No 80160988

Buy Now

Behrens 4 Gallon Hot Dipped Steel Oval Tub
No 80770020

Buy Now

Behrens 7.5 Gallon Hot Dipped Steel Oval Tub
No 80770022

Buy Now