To save money, and have some fun, consider starting your plants from seed.
It's rewarding and fun for the kids too!

How to plant bare root roses:

• Prune off any broken or damaged roots.

• Soak bare root in a bucket of water while you prepare the hole.

• Dig hole 2' across and 18" deep, the bigger the better.

• Add soil amendments to planting soil.

• Build a mound of dirt in the center to support the stock and root system. Spread the roots carefully over the mound.

• Be sure the bud of the root stock is 2 to 3 inches above ground level. (The bud is the large knob at the base of the plant where new canes emerge. This should not be buried (as it is in the East or Midwest). Plant high so the bud doesn't get buried with mulch over time.

• Fill hole with amended soil and firmly pat down. Add mulch around plant and build a watering basin.

• Slowly water plant, thoroughly drenching roots. Apply adequate water to keep roots moist, especially the first few weeks

Bare Root Plant Tips: When purchasing bare-root plants make sure they don’t dry out. Purchase them early and you’ll get the best plants. It’s best to put bare-root plants in the ground as soon as possible. If you are going to plant right away, submerge the roots in a bucket of water for an hour or two as soon as you get home. If you buy plants wrapped by the shipper and can’t plant them right away, leave them in a shady spot in the container and they should stay moist for a few weeks. You can also find bare-root plants in a bin of shavings. If you purchase them this way you can choose specimens with a strong root system, but you must keep them moist.

How to plant bulbs:

• Read bulb labels carefully for correct planting time. Some bulbs need refrigeration, some don't.

• Take note of planting depths and spacing. A general rule: Plant large bulbs at a depth that equals twice their height and small bulbs a little deeper than twice their height.

• Bulbs need soil that drains well. Add sand, peatmoss or other organic matter to increase drainage.

• Work the soil to a depth of 12" adding a 5-10-5 combination commercial fertilizer. Bone meal also makes a good addition.

• When digging single holes for bulbs, mix a teaspoon of bone meal with the soil in the bottom of each hole.

How to chill bulbs:

• Chill bulbs in paper bags with peat moss. It keeps them dry and maintains air circulation.

• Do not store in the same drawer as fruit. Ripening fruit emits a gas that can prevent bulbs from blooming.

• Check bulbs to make sure they are firm and mold-free.

• After about 6 to 8 weeks, voila ... your bulbs are ready for planting.

Helpful tips for all types of sprayers:

• Read all labels carefully for proper use of chemicals.

• Always follow label directions.

• Measure spray materials exactly.

• Wettable powders and thick liquids should be mixed first in a small amount of water to make a thin paste.

• Do not apply pesticides to plants in a stress condition.

• Use safety equipment for your personal protection.

• Spray only on calm days to prevent wind drift of chemicals.

• Spray early in the morning. Do not spray when temperatures exceed 85° within a 24 hour period.

• Do not spray when rain is expected within 24 hours.

• Left over spray solution loses its effectiveness when stored for any length of time.

• Remove pets and children from spray area until area has completely dried or as recommended on label instructions.

• Always thoroughly clean sprayer after using, with clean soapy water.

• Water 48 hours prior to application of chemicals.

Dethatching warm-season lawns:

• Warm weather is important to the start of a healthy lawn. Dethatch in late February along the coast and March for inland areas.

• Rent a vertical mower or professional renovator.

• Mow the lawn twice. Change direction and lower cutting level in-between mowings.

• Next, mow with the dethatching mower. Move in both directions and then diagonally (mow in one direction then perpendicular, then again diagonally). Again adjust cutting level of blades between each direction change, lower each time.

• Rake up thatch and dispose. Do not compost.

• Sprinkle on fast-acting fertilizer. Use a spreader if possible for even distribution.

• Water thoroughly and keep well watered until lawn is regrown.

Starting plants from seeds:

• Purchase flats and fill with potting soil.

• Start seeds in semi-shade and follow planting instructions.

• Cover with sheet of plastic to keep moist until germinated.

• As soon as seeds have sprouted, move to a sunny location and water daily.

• When two true leaves have formed, fertilize to promote healthy growth.

• Give plants a little more time to establish an efficient root system and transplant.

• Use the following chart for what seeds should be planted and what starts can be transplanted in October .

Planting bare root trees and shrubs

• The same depth as the rootball, and 3 times wider.

• Lay the tree or shrub down on it’s side and carefully slide it out, or cut the container away from it. Don’t pull it by the trunk.

• Place the root ball in the hole, spreading out the roots and keeping the soil level.

• Refill the hole with garden soil. Roots should grow into surrounding soil.

• Dig a trench around the plant to make a temporary water basin.

• Water thoroughly using low pressure from a hose.

• Prune only diseased, damaged or broken limbs and stems.

• Add organic mulch around the plant at a depth of about 3", at least 1" away from the trunk.

• Water often the first year until established.

Frost Tips: Keep tropical and tender container-grown plants under a shade tree or the under eaves. Some plants like plumeria and other tropicals will benefit from being moved inside for the winter. Keep them in a brightly-lit area or one that gets filtered sun. Some, like plumeria, may drop their leaves, but they will come back again when you move them back outside in the spring. If you leave tropicals outside, keep them watered; plants withstand the cold much better when their roots are kept moist. If you move them inside, keep them fairly dry but not totally.