As the school busses begin to rumble down the road again we are
reminded that the gardening season is drawing to a close. For
the gardener with an eye toward next spring, however, the season
still promises plenty to be done in preparation of a showy
spring to come. Early fall is the time when we should be
planting our bulbs.

Good soil drainage is paramount for spring-blooming bulb
success. If you have a mostly clay soil be sure to mix in
organic material such as compost to lighten the soil. The soil
pH should be between 6 and 7. If you need assistance in
determining your soil pH or in discovering how to manage its
level refer to your local agricultural extension service for
help.

Spring flowering bulbs are great for beds, in borders, and in
rock gardens. These early risers prefer to be planted in areas
which will not receive direct sunlight during the midday,
especially once the hot summer months roll back around.

Wait until soil temperatures are below 60 F (16 C) before
planting. If you purchase your bulbs before the cold season sets
in you may keep them in your refrigerator until the soil has
cooled sufficiently. The fall planting ensures the bulbs will
have adequate opportunity to develop a strong root system before
they come up in the spring and early summer to greet you.

When you are ready to plant your bulbs, follow the directions
carefully for the depth and spacing requirements and be certain
to loosen the soil beneath the depth of planting. The easiest
fertilization method for your spring bulbs is a single
application of a sulfur-coated, slow-release fertilizer
incorporated into the bottom of your bulb hole at planting time.
After having placed the bulbs in their new home, begin to cover
them with the soil you removed to dig the hole. When you have
covered the bulbs halfway give them a thorough soaking before
covering them with the remaining soil.

With such wonderful options as corn lily, grape hyacinth and
tulips your work will be rewarded in the spring with the finest
of gardening pleasures. The joy can possibly only be compared to
the sound of the school busses rumbling down the road

Preferably stuff that I can make at home.

For aphids, you can mix a tiny bit of dish soap in water and spray it on them. For many insects, a strong spray of water from your hose will knock them off as well.

I use white vinegar and water to kill ants, and I assume it would repel them if it didn't evaporate.

Search for "companion planting" on the web and you'll find other PLANTS you can plant nearby to repel insects, like marigolds. I also plant radishes nearby other veggies because some insects like them much better and will eat them and leave the other veggies alone. You can also plant beneficial plants to encourage a pest's predator to hang out near your plants (again, search "companion planting").

ex. –
http://www.gardenguides.com/how-to/tipstechniques/vegetables/vcomp.asp

Prevent animals from grazing and nibbling your plants and property with Bonide Organic Shotgun Repels-All Animal Repellent Spray. This environmentally safe and biodegradable animal repellent effectively repels deer, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, dogs, cats, raccoons, porcupines, armadillos, birds, rats, mice, beaver, ground hogs, skunks, voles, moles, and shrews from around your home and garden area. Using the attachable trigger sprayer, apply Repels-All to your garbage cans, barns, swimming pools, sheds, woodpiles, outbuildings, cabins, or any other area where animals are causing damaging to your lawn, flowerbed, or garden for protection up to two months. Repels-All causes a mild irritation to the animal’s nasal passages which triggers a natural instinct to escape or avoid the unpleasant irritation. Repels-All causes no harm to animals but does persuade them to reconsider their intentions. Although absorbed by the plants’ foliage as well as the root system, Repels-All will not harm plants but may impart an undesirable flavor to certain leafy vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage, spinach, and herbs. To protect bulbs from being disturbed or eaten, treat them with spray and allow to dry before planting. To prevent newly planted seeds from being disturbed, spray with Repels-All at time of planting. Thwart animals from destroying your property with Bonide Shot-Gun Repels-All Animal Repellent.Active Ingredients: Dried Blood: 0.00240%Putrescent whole egg solids: 0.00240%Garlic Oil: 0.00048%Inert Ingredients: 99.99472%Bottle Size: 1 gallonMethod of Application: garden sprayer

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Crack open these ceramic eggs to reveal organic soil and ready-to-sprout seeds for wild strawberry, mint and petunia. Fun to watch and easy to grow. Gift for all occasions.

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