If your garden is not looking the way you hoped this summer, experts say it is not too late to turn things around.
Master Gardener Volunteers with the Ohio State University extension office in Canfield say this time of year can be challenging for plants, but a little extra attention can make a big difference.
“Don’t get discouraged. This is the time of year when things kind of start to go downhill,” master gardener volunteer, Marilyn McKinley s.
One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is not understanding what their soil needs.
Experts recommend soil testing before adding anything to your garden.
“Know what your soil needs so that you will have prolific blooms and great vegetables, and the only way to do that really is to soil test,” McKinley said.
The OSU extension office offers soil testing services to help gardeners determine what nutrients their plants need.
Watering is another area where many gardeners struggle. McKinley recommends about one inch of water per week.
One simple way to measure that is by using a tuna can.
“When that fills up, that’s your week,” McKinley explained.
Before watering, gardeners should also check the soil near the roots.
“You want to take your finger and put it down in the soil about an inch or two by those roots, and then feel if it’s wet,” master gardener volunteer, Doreen Miner said. “Even if it’s dry on top, if it’s wet on the bottom, don’t you dare overwater your plants.”
Experts say keeping weeds under control is also important for a healthy garden, but they warn against homemade weed-killing remedies.
Master gardeners say DIY solutions can sometimes do more harm than good by changing the soil or damaging plants people are trying to protect.
“We strongly advise not using homemade things because that can change your soil, and it can leach in and do damage to the plants that you want to keep,” McKinley said.
So what’s the secret to a successful garden?
McKinley says it comes down to passion and persistence.
“Loving to do it, being willing to do hard work,” she said.
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