continued from page 16 Flower Gardening • • • • • • • • Add compost yearly and till into the soil; this works well for flower beds and larger areas; replenishing the soil every year with compost to give the soil its needed nutrients is important for plant growth. For container plants, a well-balanced potting soil is crucial, your local professional will be happy to make a suggestion. A water-soluble fertilizer will work on most flowers; using a blossom-booster fertilizer works nicely as well. Flowers that thrive along the Hi-Line include: roses, moss roses, petunias, geraniums and marigolds. The best time to plant is after the last frost; most people in the area usually plant after June 1 just to be on the safe side. Water when the top soil is dry; flowers in containers should be watered more often than a flower bed. Dead heading flowers (trimming off the dead flower) can help the plant's growth; Lorrie Hansen added that plants such as supertunias don't need to be deadheaded. Kathy Doney said there are three things to keep in mind with flowers: "You should fertilize, trim them up and give them some care." Lawn Care According to the Montana State University MontGuide, a mixture of Kentucky bluegrass, 60 percent; creeping red fescue, 30 percent; and perennial ryegrass, 10 percent, works for most lawns in unshaded areas. The mix should be seeded at a rate of 2 to 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet. According to Joe Broesder, the Montana State University Hill County Extension agent, the best time to seed is late April and May, however seeding in mid-August to mid-September will help with weed control and the grass has time to establish "a deep root system." If grass seed is planted in the fall, fertilizer may not be needed until spring. • Generally fertilizing should be done around Memorial Day, Labor Day and Columbus Day. • The best time to water the lawn is in the early morning. • If weeds are present, physically remove them or use an herbicide. For more information about getting a head start on the upcoming growing season, contact your local gardening and lawn professionals, or your local Extension agent. You just might get your green thumb. * Growing zones are based upon the USDA plant hardiness and average minimum temperature ranges for a region. For more details and information on plants suited for the Hi-Line go to: http://thevegetablegarden.info/zones-2b-through-6a. H AV R E D A I LY N E W S A P R I L 2 0 11 LIVING MAGAZINE 17