Key: Sun: F=full, FP=full to partial, PS=partial to shade, A=all light conditions; Comments: Hardy in MN zones 3-4, except where noted; Cat=caterpillars; AB=adult butterflies; AM=adult moths.

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Planting & Watering ?

Planting & Watering

Q: Should organic matter and starter fertilizer be mixed into the soil when planting?
A: Yes, we recommend using Composted cow manure  and compost that yields a 1-1-1 analysis.  Use this product to add organic matter to soil, increase soil fertility, or to control erosion.  Available in 40 lb. bags.
 or Shrub and Tree  Compost and humus are blended together to produce this easy to use product, which replaces traditional peat and humus products.  Utilize Shrub and Tree to line holes for container plants, shrubs and trees.  Available in 1 cubic ft. bags.
 and starter plant food at the time of planting.

Q: Should shrubs and trees be watered after they are planted?
A: Yes, all plants should be watered thoroughly after they are planted, and then as needed to keep them healthy. How often you water may vary depending on factors such as the size of the plant, where it is growing, and how much natural rainfall we receive. You will need to monitor your plants water requirements by checking the moisture level of smaller plants every 2-3 days and larger plants and trees every 3-4 days to determine how dry or wet it is to know when it is time to water again.

Q: How often should plants and trees be watered?
A: The real answer depends on several factors such as how long the plant has been growing in the landscape, where it is growing in the landscape and how much natural rainfall we receive. Obviously a newly planted tree will need more water from you in a dry season than during a rainy season. The short answer is that all plants need to be watered as needed for the first year or so until natural rainfall can take care of most of their moisture needs. Check the moisture level of smaller plants every 2-3 days and larger plants and trees every 3-4 days. If they are moist, leave them alone and check again in another few days. If they are dry, water thoroughly. Once you have checked a few times, you will learn how long it takes your particular soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Q: How often should I water plants in containers?
A: Plants growing in containers have a limited about of soil and therefore a limited amount of moisture for the roots to tap into, and therefore, need to be watered more frequently than plants growing in the ground. Monitor your container plantings daily and water as needed. During the hot and dry summer months, you may need to water your container plantings every day. Using a water-grabbing polymer such as Soil Moist can help reduce the frequency of watering.

Q: Should trees be staked when they are planted?
A: Generally speaking, trees do not need to be staked when planted. However, if you are planting trees that are in an especially windy location, then they should be staked. It is important to know that if you do stake trees, the stakes should be removed one year after planting. Otherwise, it could weaken the trunk of the tree and the roots may not develop the ability to anchor themselves into the soil properly.

 

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Do you have a replacement policy on your plants?

 Yes, Bonesteel's Gardening Center carries a replacement policy on our trees and shrubs that are purchased and cared for according to our care instructions, per the terms spelled out in our written policy. In general, this replacement policy is for a replacement or store credit at 100% of the purchase price during the first six months, and at 50% of the purchase price during the second six months. Naturally, this policy doesn’t cover damage or death beyond our control, such as improper planting; over or under watering; insect, animal or disease problems; or winterkill. All plants are replaced only one time.

Note: Sale plants, roses, houseplants, annuals, perennials and plants that grow in locations other than “in-ground” are not covered by our replacement policy.

 

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Who is our Landscape Designer ?

Sara Mills came to us two years ago. She has a Bachelors degree in Landscape Architecture from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

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What are our hours ?

Early Spring - 8am - 6pm

Late Spring - 8am - 8pm

Summer - 8am - 8pm

Fall - 9am - 6pm

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Do you offer delivery service?

Yes, Bonesteel's Gardening Center offers local delivery service for plants and materials purchased. Deliveries can be arranged Monday through Saturday, and Sunday deliveries are often available. Deliveries can be scheduled beginning the day after the date of purchase, but same day deliveries are often possible, depending on the time of the year, and the time of day that the order is placed.

There is a fee for this delivery service, which is based on the area where the delivery will be taken. If you are interested in learning more about our delivery services, or the fees for your particular area, please contact us.

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What to do for Wildlife Damage ?

Q: Deer are destroying my garden, any suggestions?
A: Deer browsing is difficult to prevent and a combination of control strategies will be necessary. Fencing is the most effective way to prevent deer browsing. The fence must be a minimum of 7' and the more visible it is to the deer, the better. Selecting plants that are considered deer resistant will help to make your garden less attractive to deer, and using repellents such as

OR

on a preventative basis can help. It may take some trial and error to find the most effective repellent for use in your garden. Alternate between repellent to prevent the deer from becoming accustomed to any one repellent.

Q: Plants are disappearing from my garden, what's up?
A: Check for voles. Voles are burrowing rodents that look like mice. They tunnel through the soil and feed on plant roots. Excessive mulch will encourage voles, reduce mulch to a one to two inch depth.

 is a natural, permanent deterrent to voles. It is an aggregate material mixed into the soil at the time of planting. Traps and poisons can also be used to reduce vole populations.

Q: Moles are destroying my lawn, what can I do?
A: Moles tunnel through the soil in search of insects to feed on. In the big scheme of things, they are beneficial critters helping to control insects and aerating the soil. They can become a nuisance creating raised tunnels through the lawn leading to scalping of the turf and causing a potential tripping hazard.

Milky Spores

 There are various formulations of castor oil, sprayed over the lawn and watered into the soil. Repeat application may be required. Traps and poisons are also available, but must be used with caution.

Q: Squirrels are digging in my planters. How can I stop them?
A:

It is an organic fertilizer and a reasonably effective squirrel and rabbit repellent. Dust your planter boxes with dried blood every 2-3 weeks until the squirrels lose interest in your planter boxes.

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Last modified: 03/31/07.   Member of Malone Chamber   Member of Massena Chamber