Today, I thought I'd let you in on a little secret of mine ... maybe some of you already know about it.

It's called Spray-N-Grow Micronutrient Concentrate and what a difference it makes in the garden!

Actually, it wasn't until my mom pointed out earlier this season, that I even realized the difference. She had bought me some of this product about three years ago, when I was still just starting out with my gardening obsession. She had seen it on QVC and couldn't wait to tell me all about how it enhances flowers, vegetable plants and even shrubs. I said Ok, I'd try it, and proceeded that first summer to regularly apply it once a week.

Well, you can judge by the photos yourself -- the first one is WITH Spray-N-Grow and the second is from last summer, when I decided to switch to Miracle-Gro's new spray nozzle/bottle combination.



Check out the difference in the impatiens. I just figured it was because last year was so poor with rainfall, but Mom pointed out around August that maybe it was because I'd switched to something else. And Mother always knows best!

That was good enough for me! We went to qvc.com immediately and ordered a new batch of Spray-N-Grow! And I highly recommend it.

All you do is mix one ounce of solution in one gallon of warm water; let stand for 15 minutes or until the liquid turns a tannish/amber color, then spray plants. Make sure you mix only enough to apply to plants within 4-6 hours. It's organic and nontoxic.

I use a 32-oz. plastic spray bottle and add 2 tsps. of Spray-N-Grow. You can apply as little as once a month or once a week for biggest results (I apply once a week).

It cost about $25 for a 20-oz. bottle, $19.48 plus $5.22 shipping/handling (and don't forget tax for PA residents).


A couple of other little tips: For those of you, like me, who might have trouble with weeds/grass coming up through garden paths, brick patios or walkways -- instead of buying expensive weed killer, just use vinegar. Yes, plain old white vinegar. You can put it in a spray bottle (not the same one you use for Spray-N-Grow!) or just pour it from the bottle. In a day or two, the weeds/grass will dry up and die.

And for all the little critters who like to taste all our new plantings -- cayenne pepper! It works great and you can usually buy it at the dollar store. Just sprinkle on the plant or on the ground around it. Once they get a taste of that, they won't come back!


And, for those of you who wanted to look online for directions to the Oley Valley Perennials' Open House Sales, the correct address is 675 Covered Bridge Road, Oley, PA 19547. See you there!

Ok, as promised last week, today I'm writing about Dianthus, a very durable plant for your garden. Dianthus is a beautiful and hardy little flower that's sold in our zone as an annual. However, that's not totally true. I currently have a few Dianthus in my garden that are into their fourth season. While I can not classify it as a perennial, it does come back for a few years. So load up on it this season, and you can count on it coming back big and bright next year.

It comes in many varieties, the ones pictured here are the Sweet William variety featuring clusters of tiny flowers. But you can also get Dianthus with blooms as big as a silver dollar. Lots of pinks, from pale to magenta, solid or spreckled or just plain white. You can get a lot of color from this little plant. And, I've found that if I cut them back after the initial bloom, I can get another bloom before the end of summer. The clump will also spread the second year, and eventually trickle off to nothing over a few years, but at least you get a little more bang for your buck!

After finally getting some rain this weekend, I'm happy to report the Rain Chain I talked about last week is working well!

Now that we've had some rain, it's the perfect time to do that oh-so-fun gardening chore -- WEEDING!! Yes folks, it's time ... after a good rain is the easiest time to get those pesky weeds out. Pull 'em now -- or you'll be sorry later. As you can see, I've got plenty of dandelions sprouting up all over the gardens. (We get our lawn treated every year, so the dandies just pop up in the untreated flower beds!) Anyway, make sure you get that stubborn root or the dandies just come right back.

Here's a cheap little trick: For weeds and invading grass on paths, patios or decks, pour some vinegar on them. It's a lot cheaper than Round Up and it does just as well. You can also put the vinegar in a spray bottle and do it that way. Within days, you'll see the weeds turn brown and die!

Just don't use vinegar on weeds in your beds, because it will taint the soil. Sorry folks, pulling weeds by hand is still the best method. And use a trowel or garden claw for really deep roots. If you don't get the root, it'll just come right back.

Up next: I finally got my own little greenhouse, put it up this past weekend and can't wait to tell you about it!