3 Easy Kodiak Yard Tips & Tools for New Gardeners
Hi Kodiak! I’m Alana Schoenwether, and I’m sharing a Green Gems & Sprouts update for folks who aren’t gardeners, YET!
You don’t need a green thumb to make your yard shine. Kodiak’s rain, slugs, and wild summer days can feel like a challenge, but these three easy tips and simple tools will get you started. I’ve mowed lawns here for several summers now, and I have a pretty good idea about what works. Grab your gloves, and let’s turn your yard into a happy place!
🌻Plant Easy-Care Beauties for Color and Charm
Neon Flash Spirea does well here in Kodiak, Alaska! It is a great plant, easy-care, to brighten your garden.
Kodiak’s weather is tough—rain pours, winds howl, and slugs sneak in. The trick? Pick plants and shrubs that laugh at those challenges. Marigolds are my favorite. Their bright blooms pop against green grass, and slugs don’t like their smell. Plant them in pots to keep roots safe from wet soil.
Hostas are another winner. Their big, lush leaves add texture, and they thrive in Kodiak’s shade. For shrubs, try dwarf lilacs. They bloom purple in June, smell amazing, and need little care. Spirea (shown in the picture) is great too—its pink flowers last all summer, and it’s tough. Not sure where to start? Head to Rooted nursery in Kodiak. Their shelves are packed with these plants, and their staff knows exactly what grows here. They’ll ask about your yard—sunny or shady?—and point you to winners like calendula (awesome flowers, slug-resistant) or rhododendrons (evergreen shrubs with spring blooms and my mom’s favorite go-to for making our yard perfect). Buy small pots to save money. Dig a hole twice the pot’s size, pop the plant in, and pat the soil firm. Water once—Kodiak’s rain 🌧️ does the rest. In a week, your yard’s got color. It’s that easy. Rooted’s team makes it fun, like picking candy!
🪄Keep Grass Short with a Simple Mowing Trick
Long grass isn’t just messy—it’s a mosquito magnet. In Kodiak, short grass looks neat and keeps bugs away. Mowing every two weeks is enough. It’s a skill anyone can learn. Walk steady, overlap each row by an inch to avoid missed spots. Start at the edges and work inward—it’s like coloring in a square. Kodiak’s rain makes grass grow fast, so don’t let it get too tall. If you don’t own a mower, ask a neighbor to borrow one or check Rooted—they sometimes have rentals. Pick a dry day (tough here, I know!). Mow in the morning before rain hits. Push slow to catch clippings if your mower has a bag. It takes 20 minutes for a small lot. Your yard will look sharp, and you’ll feel proud. Short grass lets your new marigolds or lilacs steal the show. If mowing’s not your thing, Rooted’s staff can suggest ground covers like clover—it stays short naturally. Try it, and your yard’s a breeze.
Clear Debris to Keep Your Yard Tidy
Kodiak storms drop sticks, leaves, and twigs everywhere. Clearing them weekly keeps your yard clean and slugs at bay. It’s a quick skill—grab a rake and pile debris in a corner. Takes ten minutes. Don’t let leaves sit in flower beds or pots; they’re slug hideouts. (🚫🐌) While you’re at it, check your plants. See faded flowers? Snip them off with scissors. It’s called deadheading, and it helps hostas or calendula bloom longer. Look for yellow or wilted blooms—cut just above a leaf. It’s like giving your plants a haircut. Do it weekly while sipping coffee. If you spot slugs, flick them into a bucket of soapy water. Rooted sells Sluggo, a safe sprinkle that stops slugs without harming pets. Clearing debris makes your yard feel fresh. It’s simple but powerful. Your spirea or rhododendrons will thank you with bigger blooms. 😉
Tools to Get You Started
Marigolds aren’t just “gold”…they come in vibrant assorted colors perfect for spring and summer in Alaska. These are available at Rooted.
Good tools make gardening easy. Invest in these three to start.
A hand trowel is a must. It digs perfect holes for marigolds or hostas. Look for a sturdy metal one at Rooted.
A pruning shear snips dead blooms or small branches on lilacs. Get one with a comfy grip.
A sturdy rake clears sticks fast—choose a lightweight one for easy swings.
These tools last years. They’re like friends for your yard. With them, you’re ready to plant, trim, and tidy like a pro.
Your yard can be a Kodiak gem 💎 with these steps. Rooted nursery is your go-to because their plants and advice make it simple. I know because I shop there and really trust Judy and Janelle. ❤️
Want more ideas?
Stay tuned for more Green Gems & Sprouts tips!
—Alana
