Page 2 - Spring Catalog Final

Two helpful tips from Priscilla as we begin the season…
Temperatures are rising and the sun is shining (a lot of the time),which means our yards
Tip #1
and gardens are ready for us. And at Agway—our Garden Centers are ready for YOU! We Garden
invite you to browse our aisles and ask for help. To that end, we’re incredibly happy to
introduce Priscilla Husband, our very own Garden Coach. For years Priscilla has run her Coach
own garden consulting company, helping countless Cape Cod homeowners make the best of GO EASY ON YOURSELF!
After many years of gardening both personally
their gardens and landscapes. Throughout the following pages, you’ll find information and Priscilla
Garden Coach
tips on how to ensure your own gardening success this season. and professionally I have made many mistakes. I
have learned now that these trial and errors were
And there’s plenty more to come—this is just the beginning of a my teacher. Over time I have learned through
Priscilla
beautiful gardening season with Agway of Cape Cod! experience and the signals of Mother Nature to
accept that gardening is a life-long education.
Josh & Jess Over the years I have found ways to make
Co-owners gardening easier while trying new things even if I
fail. It’s impossible to know everything...
gardening is a moving target, dictated by soil
temperatures, rainy springs, hungry insects,
and fungi we cannot see! Oh, and did I
mention rabbits and deer? Yet with
all these challenges the thought of
my dahlia bouquets keeps me
going. The new annual colors
Garden Coach
available each year along
with the repeat blooming
shrubs introduces new ideas Garden Coach
Priscilla
and variety into our gardens
enriching our lives. At times Priscilla
I still forget to protect my squash
from the squash vine borer and I
often fall behind in my deadheading,
but gardening has a way of keeping us
always looking ahead.
of Cape Cod
Gardening is challenging, let’s remember to keep
learning and go easy on ourselves!
Remember,....take time to smell the roses.....(after
fertilizing of course!) and accept the garden
compliments without finding fault. Keep up the
good work, you are doing great!
INTRODUCING
Agway’s Garden Coach
watch
Priscilla Husband our tool
video!
Tip #2
TOOL TIME!
Spring is the perfect time to assess the condition
of all of our garden tools to make sure they are in
good condition and ready to work. I begin with
sharpening. There are two types of cutters (or
pruners) and it’s important to know the difference
before sharpening. The first and most commonly
used is the bypass.
Bypass pruners have a precision cut with only
one bevel to sharpen. It is important to sharpen
only the side of the cutting blade where there is
a bevel, therefore keeping the blades tight
where they cross.
Anvil style tools have a bevel on
both sides that closes into an
anvil while cutting. With an anvil
cutter you get more downward
pressure but the cut is not as
clean as with a bypass.
Sharpen both sides of the
blade of an anvil tool.
Tool Maintenance:
• If your tool blades have rusted a bit
over the winter, use some fine sandpaper
to remove rust before sharpening.
• Disease can be spread from one plant to
another on your pruners. Wipe your blades down
with a cleaner containing bleach to begin the
season fungus free. Sanitize with alcohol between
each use.
• If your hand pruners are not opening quickly as
Garden Coach Stamp
you prune, the spring between the handles might
4.15.2021
be worth replacing.
• Using pruner lubricant can lengthen the life of
the springs and blades.
• There are ergonomic handles and different sizes
available so hold different ones when shopping to
get the right comfort fit.
Whatever tools you use in the garden your tools
should work as hard as you! Good quality tools
are worth the investment and will go the distance.
Many tools can last a lifetime when maintained
and in time they can become your best friend.
Find more information on Agway’s website, we
have videos and additional information
on tools and sharpening techniques!
of Cape Cod