Saucer Magnolia
Horticulture Hotline 03/04/24
By Bill Lamson-Scribner
One of the many favorite things I enjoy in the springtime are the plants that flower before they grow leaves. Saucer Magnolia, Star Magnolia, Forsythia, Spirea, Dogwood, Redbud, Prunus (Cherry, Peach, Plum) Trees, and even the nasty old Bradford Pear (split master). Their flowers really show out against the dormant lawns and winter landscape.
Since many of you are new to the Lowcountry, Carolina Jessamine (Jasmine), our state flower, is blooming now. A small yellow flower growing on a native vine in the woods, on fences, and mailboxes.
Since many of you will be changing out containers this spring, here is a little information about a top selling potting soil that is perfect for your high value plants, flowers, window boxes, hanging baskets, containers, or vegetables. This soil is used by serious professional growers whose livelihood depends upon a great product.
Ocean Forest Potting Soil
Ingredient Breakdown: Composted forest humus holds moisture in the soil. Sphagnum peat moss helps aerate and loosen soil allowing healthy root growth. Pacific Northwest sea-going fish is an organic fertilizer that provides amino acids, enzymes, and nutrients. Crab meal is an organic fertilizer that suppresses pest nematode activity and also a good source of calcium. Shrimp meal is an organic fertilizer. Earthworm castings provide all the micro-nutrients necessary for plant growth. Sandy loam provides good water retention and drainage. Perlite provides optimum moisture retention for plant growth. Fossilized bat guano is rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and zinc. Granite dust has minerals and trace elements that plants need. Norwegian kelp meal is a source of naturally chelated trace elements. Oyster shell aids in pH adjustment and provides calcium.
Did you apply a preemergent weed control product? Moles? Roaches? Rats? Mice?
Always read, understand, and follow product label. The product label is a Federal Law.
Bill Lamson-Scribner can be reached during the week at Possum’s Landscape and Pest Control Supply. Possum’s has three locations 481 Long Point Rd in Mt. Pleasant (971-9601), 3325 Business Circle in North Charleston (760-2600), or 606 Dupont Rd, in Charleston (766-1511). Bring your questions to a Possum’s location, or visit us at possumsupply.com. You can also call in your questions to “The Garden Clinic”, Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, or listen to the replay of Saturday’s show, Sundays from 11:00 to noon on 1250 WTMA (The Big Talker). The Horticulture Hotline is available 24 / 7 at possumsupply.com.
