I’ve always shied away from New Year’s resolutions, primarily because I know there is a high probability that they will be broken (e.g. diets), only to become a distant memory by the end of January. However, I thought I’d offer a few ideas, let’s call them “goals”, for the average homeowner to consider in 2024 when it comes to your lawn, garden, and landscape.
Goal #1: Resolve to evaluate your landscape in 2024. What works, and what doesn’t work? What is more trouble than it is worth? How can I better control weeds and pests? Am I doing anything to harm pollinators, and can I do anything to protect or enhance pollinators? What landscape plants need more attention? What trees, shrubs, perennials, or annuals would enhance my landscape? How can I improve my lawn or garden? Would additional hardscape enhance my landscape? Should I remove plants that are deemed invasive and replace them with plants that are native to Indiana?
Goal #2: Resolve to get your soil tested. Before planting landscape plants or garden vegetables, it’s always a good idea to get your soil tested to know what you have to work with. You’ll learn what your soil pH is (the acidity or alkalinity of the soil). Most garden and landscape plants need a pH range of about 6.0 to 7.0. Blindly adding lime (because you have heard it’s a good idea) may be making your situation worse. Note also that wood ash added to a garden can be okay in moderate quantities, but excessive wood ash incorporated into garden soil will raise your pH over time – possibly to a level that limits nutrient availability to garden plants, resulting in poor performance of those plants. Soil test results will also reveal basic fertility levels in the soil, including phosphorus and potassium levels. By knowing your fertility levels, you can be more prescriptive with fertilizer applications. Search for “certified soil testing laboratories” on the web. Testing fees are very reasonable.
Goal #3: Resolve to do research from reputable sources. The advantage of the Internet is that you can find almost anything. The disadvantage of the Internet is that not everything you find is reliable, research-based, or factual. For example, “home remedies” may seem clever, but often they are ineffective, inconsistent, or even harmful. Start your yard, garden, and landscape searches from land-grant university sources, including Purdue University, and from neighboring state institutions. One way to accomplish this is to add “edu” in the search box next to the subject you are searching for. If you abhor the Internet, we still take phone calls in the local Purdue Extension office, at 260-244-7615. We can help you with research-based information so you can make a more informed decision.
If you would like to stop and talk person-to-person about a landscape issue, have a pest identified, or check about another related issue, the local Purdue Extension office is a great place to start. You are welcome to stop by our office Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at 524 Branch Court in Columbia City.
Good luck with forming and keeping your resolutions in 2024.