Friday, September 16, 2011

Chief John Murphy Scholarship Dinner

This is going to make someone happy...is it YOU!

We put together this great tool box filled with lots of great tools and you could be the one taking it home. This tool box will be a part of the great donations available at the "Chief John Murphy Scholarship Fund" dinner Saturday, September 17th. The dinner is held at the Foothill Fire Station in Brownsville and benefits all of our local community. Dinner and dancing. Tickets are still available 675-0633.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Buy 3 Get 1 Free Paint Sale

3 Days Only!!

Hurry in and pick you favorite color or two or three colors!!

My favorites - Cinnamon Toast (C12-4) and Rum Raisin (c12-7)

Monday, August 29, 2011

Canning Season is HERE!!

Shelves and isles are stocked with EVERYTHING you need to give your family the best of summer throughout the year.
Pretty jars for gifts, big jars for bulk and every size in between. Come by and see our new pickling crocks, take a look at the Ball canning guide for great recipes. Ask the Ace girls at the counter what they have been canning! I did Peach-Honey Butter for the first time and it is amazing. (Even makes a good Barbecue sauce for pork chops)

Check out this new item... uses less water and heats back up faster. I tried it this year and love it!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Fall Flowers and Vegetables

Now is the perfect time to get your Fall/Winter Vegetable garden started. Plants are arriving every Wednesday. Some items we currently have are: Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage, Kale and Chard.
This week I harvested the rest of my beets and carrots, then worked the soil in my raised bed, and added Alfalfa Meal, Steer Manure and a bag of Ocean Forest Potting Soil. I let everything sit for a couple of days (mostly because I was busy) then worked the soil one more time and planted Broccoli. My kids are so excited to see the Broccoli plants going in - they remember picking and eating it right from the garden last year.

Winter color can be very exciting. Come in and see the beautiful "Smiles" on our pretty Pansies, Violas and Chrysanthmums!!

"Micky Mouse"

Lots to choose from, come in and take a look.

Friday, August 5, 2011

What 'ya eating??

Right now in our home garden we are enjoying Zucchini, Cherry Tomatoes, (big varieties are not getting ripe with this weather), Egg Plant, Peppers, Beets, Carrots, Green Beans, Basil, Dill, Cilantro, and Parsley.


What are you enjoying?

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Summer Gardens

Here is a local garden just built this season. 8 raised beds were created from our 1" x 12" x 16' locally milled cedar. Three boards makes two 4' x 8' boxes that are 12 inches deep.
We now carry bulk soils for filling the boxes or amending your own garden space. Please email your garden photos to foothillacehardware@hotmail.com and share your success.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

You have to see it...

You have to see the Garden Center to believe it!! An entire truck load of beautiful perennials and vegetable were just delivered yesterday and the garden center looks and feels like spring. Come on in and we'll help you get your dream garden started TODAY.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Free Food & No Taxes

Shelley and Erin aka "Ace Grill Gals" will be cooking it up!!

We appreciate every customer, please come by and let us thank you personally with a free lunch.

Mike, Shelley, Emma and Benjamin Mangini and the Staff of Foothill Ace Hardware

Thank YOU!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Tomatoes and Vegetables

Our Potter Valley grower "Red Tail Farms", has just delivered some amazing 4" tomatoes.

16 different varieties and all grown just for us here in the Foothills.

Thick sturdy stems with beautiful foliage. You can almost taste the salsa, pasta sauce and that BLT will be oh so yummy.
Our greenhouse is full of wonderful spring vegetables. Annual and perennial flowers are in and blooming everywhere. Our little birds have begun to nest and even the humming birds have returned. Come on in and see Spring in action.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Stop and Smell the Roses

A beautiful and fragrant shipment has just arrived here at Foothill Ace Hardware.

We have a large selection of fully budded/flowering Hybrid Tea, Grandiflora, Climber and 36" Tree Roses - Smells and Feels like Spring is really here to stay.

Come by the garden center and "Stop and Smell the Roses!!"



We also have all the supplies to plant your rose and keep it healthy.

Including special DEER Repellent!!!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Gas Generator Sale

Apache AGG 8800E Gas Generator - Sale $1259.00
Electric start
Back up pull start
Large wheels for portability
Capable of continuous 8 hour run time
Fully powered control panel with volt meter.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Tri Tip Luncheon

This Benefit Luncheon will help an innocent woman recover from injuries caused by the brutal attack of Monday morning, December 27th by a heartless thug. Proceeds from this event will be used to help with the resulting medical & dental expenses. Please help us put a smile back on her face!
Menu will be: Tri-Tip Sandwich, Potato Salad / Macaroni Salad, Beans and Dessert for $8.00 per person. Meat donated by the Lake Francis Resort will be prepared by the competition BBQ Team "Slap It, Flip It, Rub it Down" Alcouffe Community Center ~ 9185 Marysville Rd, Oregon House ~Saturday, March 12th ~ 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm .For Advance Tickets Call: Cathy Monroe at 530/635-5677
This Gardener's Gift Basket and many other donations from a very caring community will be raffled on Saturday. We hope you can be there.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Plant of the Month

The Plant of the Month
is
PRIMROSE
All 4" Primrose are on sale for
$.99 cents each
Sale Ends March 31, 2011

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Starting Seeds

Starting your own seeds doesn't have to be expensive.
Seeds need light, warmth, moisture and a place to grow.
These egg shells will make great little starter pots. By cracking the egg at the smaller end instead of in the middle, I was able to create the perfect little pot, for pennies. First I poked a hole in the bottom to let the water drain, then filled each egg with seed starting mix. I planted one seed in each shell covered and watered until moist. I have placed them in a sunny window to germinate.
We will follow their progress into the garden.


Friday, March 4, 2011

Grapes

Bare Root Grapevines
50% off
Choose from Tompson, Flame, Crimson
and Autumn Royal.
All Seedless.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Strawberry Pot

Terracotta Strawberry Planter
This type of pot also works great for herbs, succulents and annual flowers.
Planting a terracotta Strawberry pot.

1. Get the pot adequately moist. Terracotta pots will wick all of the water out of your soil unless you moisten them before planting. To do this, simply lay your pot in a tub of water for about an hour. It will soak up water so it won't suck it out of the soil later.

2. Place a piece of window screening or broken flower pot over the drainage hole so the soil doesn't leak out.

3. Fill with soil until you reach the lowest level of pockets. Insert your strawberry plants in these pockets, filling around them with soil. Make sure the crown of the plants is just above soil level.
Insert either a one-inch PVC pipe drilled with holes along its length or a cardboard tube from wrapping paper near the center of the pot, but not directly over the drainage hole. You will be using this as a watering pipe to ensure that all of the pockets get adequate moisture.

4. Continue filling to each level of pockets and inserting plants.
Stop adding soil when you get to two inches below the rim of the pot. You can add three to four plants in the top of the container, and fill in with soil around them.

5. Water everything in well. Pour water down the tube, on the soil at the top of the pot, and into each pocket (do this slowly so the water doesn't make the soil slosh out.)
6. Place your pot in a spot that gets at least six hours of sun per day. You will soon be enjoying berries on your cereal or a strawberry shortcake.


Monday, February 28, 2011

Strawberries

Looks like Summer!!
Strawberry Plants are in, also strawberry pots in 2 sizes.
Perennial garden strawberries come in three main types, defined by when they bear fruit, according to Barbara L. Bowling, author of "The berry Grower's Companion. The three types are June-bearers (also called short-days), day-neutrals and ever-bearers.

June-bearers, are the most widely grown by home gardeners. As their name implies, they produce their crop in June.
Day-neutrals, which are gaining popularity, bear a modest crop along with the June-bearers and then continue to produce fruits into the fall. Day-neutrals, though, generally do not thrive in areas that have hot summers.
Ever-bearers, which sometimes are confused with day-neutrals, bear from early summer into fall but have lower-quality berries than the day-neutrals.

In many areas, if you grow a combination of these types, you will be able to harvest your own sun-ripened strawberries from late May to October every year



Thursday, February 24, 2011

Winter Storm Warning

Looks like even the little birds are stocking up for the cold days ahead. All of the feeders in the garden center today looked like the grocery store yesterday, lines a mile long. The mother and father Bluebirds from last year have returned and begun to build their nest. All the other houses in the Garden Center have been rented by the House Sparrows. During the morning hours, you can sit and watch the Bluebirds and Sparrows fight for spots in all the baths, it's very peaceful.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Bone Meal 3-15-0


Bone Meal is great for bulbs, roses, root vegetables and for establishing new gardens. It has a high amount of Phosphorus (P) which is an important plant nutrient credited with supporting root development so that your plant will be more able to take care of itself.
Use Bone Meal when planting to ensure strong root growth. Mix with backfill dirt and sprinkle around the planting hole. Apply to established plants at the drip line and lightly work into soil surface.
Since Bone Meal is a slow-release fertilizer, it is best to work it into a new garden area a few weeks before planting. Bone Meal has a high Calcium content and is not recommended for use around acid loving plants like Rhododendrons, Azalea, Camellia, Blueberry or Potato.

Bone Meal is very long lasting and slow acting, lasting in soil for a year or longer.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Asparagus

Look what I found in my home garden. I planted Asparagus last year and had a few good spears, but it looks like this year is going to be very tasty.
On Friday, this seasons' bare root Asparagus arrived, along with Rhubarb, Horse Radish, and Garlic. Onions (Red, Yellow & Sweet), Seed Potatoes, Grapes and Raspberries are still in stock, but selling fast.

Friday, February 18, 2011

NorCal Garden Show

Spent the entire day in the Bay Area visiting the NorCal Garden Expo. It was a great show this year and Chris and I found lots of great things for our great customers!! Keep checking our blog for pictures and information on the arrival of many new products and plants.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Cocoa Mulch

Item Spotlight - "Cocoa Mulch"
Cocoa Bean Mulch FAQ
Q: What is Cocoa Bean Mulch?
A: Cocoa shell mulch, also called cocoa mulch, cocoa bean mulch, cocoa bean shell mulch, or cocoa bean hull mulch is simply the shell of the cocoa bean. These shells come off the bean during the roasting process and are separated from the beans by strong air action, thus insuring a dry weed-free product.
Q: Why is this mulch better than other types?
A: It lasts longer, smells better, and gets darker with age. It retains moisture better than regular mulch and is an excellent insulator for root systems in winter and summer.
Q: will the cocoa shell mulch bleach out in the sun?
A: No! Cocoa shell mulch actually gets darker with age.
Q: How thich can I put it down?
A: Cocoa shell mulch needs to be placed only 1 inch thick.
Q: It's very light, is there a problem with the wind blowing it away?
A: No. Provided you spray it down thoroughly with water after spreading. The shells will curl and interlock, creating a honeycomb effect, making for a carpetlike bed of mulch. It also does not float like bark, but does not make a good path as it is slippery when wet.
Q: Are insects attracted to the mulch?
A: No more than any other mulch. As is true with any organic product, there could be isolated instances where insects may lay eggs. Cocoa mulch does NOT contain sugar and does not attract ants.
Q: Is this mulch good for all types of plants?
A: Yes! Cocoa shell mulch has been used on all types of plant materials including annuals, perennials, flowering shrubs, narrow-leaf evergreens, broad-leaf evergreens, trees, vines, ground covers, roses, and many vegetables.
Q: Does Foothill Ace Hardware carry Cocoa Mulch?
A: You bet we do! I also use it in our own yard and love it!!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Blueberries - Step 1 "Planting"

One of the 6 Blueberries I planted in my own yard this year. I will be posting as I tend them throughout the season and we'll see how the harvest is.
Plant blueberries at least 4 feet apart, to allow them space to grow. Dig a hole at least twice as wide as the root ball, but no deeper than the container the shrub is in. After setting the shrub in the hole, backfill with a mix of peat moss and topsoil. Blueberries thrive in acidic soil, and the peat moss will keep the pH at the proper level. Then mulch, (I used cocoa mulch) and water frequently until the plants establish themselves. Blueberries have a shallow root system making mulch essential. A 3 to 4 inch deep layer about 2 feet in all directions will maintain soil moisture.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Potatoes - Demo Garden

On Friday, February 4th, our "Red Pontiac" potatoes went into the ground.

Our demonstration garden is a 4' X 9' Cedar raised bed with a 4' X 4' Poly raised bed at one end. The potato planter in the middle is made from scrap lumber and will be built up as the potatoes grow. The handout for the design and instructions are available at the front counter. The claim is to grow "100 Pounds of Potatoes in 4 Square Feet!" We are looking forward to the yummy harvest.
Red Pontiac, Yukon Gold, and Russet Seed Potatoes are available in 5lb bags right now. ($9.99/bag)
Red, Yellow and Sweet Onions in 60 and 100 count bags - $3.99/bag.

Can you taste the potato salad?

Spring Smiles

My favorite - "Sorbet Blues Mix" and "Mickey Mouse"

The first little smiles of Spring are here on the faces of the Viola's and Pansy's. Lots of great colors, perfect to collect and press for craft projects with the kids.
Jumbo Sized 6 Cell Packs - $2.49

Monday, February 7, 2011

Bare Root Roses

Bare root roses are here!!

We have a great selection of #1 Grade Roses, just in time for Valentines' Day.
Here are a few of my favorites:
"Double Delight" an AARS winner renowned for its aroma, you can smell it from up to ten feet away, with Red/Cream/White colored flowers.
"St. Patrick" an AARS winner (1996) with yellow-gold flowers shaded with green.
"Julia Child" an AARS winner (2006) with butter gold flowers.
"Don Juan" a beautiful red flowering climber.
and
this years AARS winner "Dick Clark" with a red blended color.
All varieties are only $14.99.