In a series of digital shorts, blogs, and radio interviews on SDPB, Erik Helland, President & CEO of Landscape Garden Centers in Sioux Falls, provides South Dakotans with simple gardening tips to get the most out of our fruit and veggie plots. Watch for Erik on SDPB.org.
Katy Beem: How did you enter the landscape/gardening field?
Erik Helland: “It all began in 1977 when my dad, Phil, moved the family and built Landscape Garden Centers (formerly Lakeland Nurseries) to where it is now. I helped pull weeds, plant geraniums, pick up nails, sweep and pick up garbage. Officially became part of the team in the 90’, and now it’s 2020.”
KB: Personally, I’ve been doing A LOT more flower gardening since the quarantine/pandemic. How are you seeing the quarantining and social-distancing affecting the landscape/gardening business?
EH: “Yes, we are seeing an amazing increase in interest and sales with anything garden-related. People are so anxious to be able to do something in their yard. People have had to work from home and stare out their windows for such a long period of time. When we opened, we were absolutely surprised and thrilled for the increase in excitement and interest in gardening. Our business has been very fortunate to stay healthy and provide gardening to the Sioux Falls market. Gardening is great for the body and soul.”
KB: What are three common mistakes even the most experienced flower growers in South Dakota make that you see and what should we do instead?
EH: “Mistakes that we see? 1: Overwatering trees. The soils in the Sioux Falls area are typically very heavy and do not drain quickly. Trees usually drown. 2. Choosing the correct plant for the correct location. This is very important. 3. Leaving tree stakes on the tree and grass around the base of the tree. Remove tree stakes after 90 days and make sure there is no grass around the base of the tree, leave about a 3’ diameter of mulch or dirt without any grass. This helps the tree so it doesn’t compete with moisture and nutrients. People would be amazed by the difference in tree growth if they would not have any grass around the base of the tree…it also keeps the mowers and string trimmers away from the trunk of the tree.”
KB: How do I get rid of the MOLES in my yard and gardens in Vermillion? I am turning into Bill Murray’s character Carl Spackler from Caddyshack!
EH: “Moles are always looking for a food source or shelter so there are different times of the year that you can minimize the chances that moles/voles are in your yard. Mow yard in the fall very short so their protection/shelter is minimized. They will move to another place where they feel more safe. Moles and voles eat insects and grubs which is good. Grubs aren’t good since they will eat the roots on grass. You can tell if you have grubs by pulling on the grass. If it easily comes up, you may have grubs You can use products to help reduce the insects which will then in turn reduce the moles/voles. I have a cat that works the best! Dynamite may be a little extreme but necessary in some instances….”
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