SOIL

• Bad dirt is the top problem for gardeners.  Good soil provides nutrients and drainage.
• Use a soil tester, sold in garden stores, to check pH balance and levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
• Supplement soil with slow-release fertilizer or organic amendments such as peat moss or compost.  Digging in amendments also helps improve drainage.
• Get rid of grass and weeds in planting area.  Rototilling helps remove unwanted growth and also aerates the soil for better drainage.
• Preparing good soil for planting cutes back on maintenance later.

MAINTENANCE

• Develop a watering routine.  Water deeply once a week rather than shallowly several times a week.  Never water in the heat of the day.
• Organic compost or bark chips feed the soil, retain moisture, protect roots, and slow weed growth.
• Remove all dead, broken, diseased or problem limbs by cutting them back to the nearest substantial branch or shoot.  Prune any time but late simmer, when warm days may encourage new growth that cant survive the winter.

The Moore Team

480-545-1043

www.tonymoore.com