Herbs
December 15, 2020
Gardening can be relaxing and rewarding. Working in the fresh air, planting and tending gardens and lawns allows us to enjoy nature and escape the routine of our busy everyday lives.
And with a little knowledge of gardening basics, you are rewarded with beautiful flowers, delicious fruits and vegetables and a luscious green lawn. To achieve the results you're looking for, you must first consider where your garden lives. Here are a few basics about gardening on Fripp Island.Climate
Fripp Island lies in the USDA Hardiness/Planting Zone 8B, which has a possible low temperature of 15-20° F. We do get frost and occasional freezing, so plants may need to be covered or moved inside if they can’t tolerate those temperatures. Frost season is November 5th through the end of March. Beaufort’s heat zone, according to the American Horticulture Society is zone 9 with 120 to 150 days over 86° F.
Soil
One key to success of any garden or landscape is to start with well-conditioned soil! This will save you time and money in the long run! Soil is the foundation of your garden. Soil on Fripp tends to be sandy so adding organic matter will help retain water and nutrients. It also tends to be acidic with high levels of phosphorous. Limestone application can help the acidity. However, not all soil is created equal on Fripp so the most important thing to do is to TEST YOUR SOIL before planting. The Clemson Extension Service will do a complete workup and provide remedies for a small fee. You can get humus or other organic matter at Lowes.
(Post-COVID: you can drop your sample(s) off at the extension service office at 18 John Galt Road in Beaufort. Or stop by the Master Gardener table at the Port Royal Farmer’s Market to pick up a soil bag/directions. Both are currently unavailable due to COVID-19 restrictions.)
Right Plant, Right Place
When planting, always take into consideration the MATURE size of your plant (height AND width). A common mistake, especially with foundation plants (those along your house), is to plant them too close to the house or too close to each other. For example, plant foundation shrubs such that at maturity they will be at least 2-3 feet from your house. So if the mature spread of that yaupon holly is 6 ft, the center of your hole should be 5-6’ from the house (see guide in planting section). This will avoid problems such as mold and mildew, or branches battering your roof.
Also take into consideration the environmental requirements such as light and water. Grouping plants with similar needs will simplify care.
Mulch
NEVER mound mulch up against tree trunks, shrubs, or flowers. This includes pine straw!! Leave adequate space between the stem/trunk of your plant so that water can soak in around the roots and in the case of trees, new roots don’t sprout above the natural soil line. When mulch is mounded up against a tree trunk, it has the same consequences as planting a tree too deep. Over time, the tree may die. Also due to our humid conditions, mulch against plants creates a breeding ground for mold, fungus and disease.
Irrigation
Watering longer and less often is better than frequent, shallow watering. Most lawns and plants need 1” inch of water per week (more during our hot months on Fripp). Well watered soil allows roots to grow downward, so in times of drought, the lawn has a better chance of survival. Shallow root growth will not tolerate drought and the lawn will burn out. (See guide on how to calibrate your irrigation system).
Pruning
ALWAYS use clean tools! Wash them after each use in hot, soapy water. Garden tools can spread diseases from one plant to another. A dose/dip of alcohol, bleach, or lysol will typically kill any diseases. Be sure to dry your tools thoroughly!
Keep these basics in mind and your Fripp Island garden will thrive and bring you many years of enjoyment.
