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Gardening Advice
Zinnias have bright colors, strong stems, and long vase life. It’s not too late to start seeds in June. Sprinkle them in full sun and you’ll have seedlings in days! Discover different types of zinnias, from short to tall, from single color to bicolor.While there are many flowers that may be more elegant in the summer garden, zinnias rank high in “happiness factor” with their cheerful,…
What is the Chelsea chop? A new hairdo, dance craze, or fancy cut of meat? Nope, it’s just a pruning technique. By cutting back perennials in early summer, you can get better blooms over a longer period and stop your plants from becoming leggy! Here’s how it’s done.The Chelsea ChopThe name “Chelsea chop” comes from the Brits because they do it around the time of the annual Chelsea…
Get ready for summertime fun and relaxation! Here are 10 ideas for creating a backyard oasis that is cozy and inviting so that your outdoor space is your happy place!1. Define the space you wish to improve. Think of it as an outdoor room. Are you going to add a deck or terrace or patio? It can be constructed with wood, composite lumber, brick, stone, or concrete pavers.
A simple…
Stagger your bean plantings for a continual harvest all summer. In fact, it’s possible to get high yields and keep them coming till frost. And there are so many wonderful varieties of green beans to try. Here are some of my favorites.Whether you prefer bush varieties or pole beans, they will mature in 50 to 65 days from seeding and keep you supplied with a delicious and nutritious…
The bright cheery display of spring bulbs brings color back into our lives. But when the show is over, we are left with unsightly fading foliage. What’s a gardener to do? Here’s how to care for flower bulbs after they bloom (and when to remove the leaves).From the earliest crocuses to daffodils to tulips and alliums, the flower bulbs that you planted back in the fall can go on blooming for…
Bumblebees are among the hardest-working pollinators in the garden—and they’re much gentler than most people think. From buzz pollination to their surprising nesting habits, these fuzzy native bees help tomatoes, peppers, berries, and hundreds of wildflowers thrive. Here are 10 fascinating bumblebee facts, plus tips for attracting more of these important pollinators to your yard.After…
Spring is here, and this means that plant sales will be happening soon. In many states, we now need to be careful about what might be lurking in the soil in which those plants arrive. Look out for Asian “jumping worms.” Learn more about identifying and preventing these highly invasive worms.You may have heard about jumping worms, also called snake worms or crazy worms for the way they writhe…
The days are getting longer and the light is getting stronger. Both signal to your houseplants that it is time to get growing. If your plants are looking leggy and tired after a long winter, revive them by giving them a haircut. They will reward you with healthy new, compact growth. Here’s how to prune houseplants.Prune or pinch?Basically whether you prune or pinch depends on the size…
If you saved dahlia tubers from last year, early spring is the time to see how your stored dahlias are coping and to throw away any tubers that show signs of rotting. When you’re ready to unpack and replant your tubers, here’s a refresher on how to do it!
Check Tubers in Early Spring
First, check your dahlias again in early spring to see if they are too wet or too dry or just right.…
Are you a fan of sugar snap peas? You’re in luck. A couple years ago, I planted a disease-resistant version of the beloved ‘Sugar Snap’ pea and the yield was excellent—plus, all the pods were the fat, crunchy ones we have come to love! Learn more about sugar snap peas and how to plant this spring crop.I always tell myself that I’ll plant my snap peas at the first sight of the bare earth…
Cabbage worms can be devastating to an otherwise-healthy garden. Here are a few things you might not know about these garden pests, as well as several ways to keep your plants safe from them. Remember: Knowledge is power!Bad News ButterfliesEveryone loves butterflies, but there is one butterfly that I bet you don’t love, especially if you are trying to grow broccoli, kale, cabbage,…
Have a favorite heirloom tomato or bean? Want to try saving their seeds to use again next year? If so, success depends on enough distance between plantings. If you’re prepared to do it right, you’ll avoid disappointment. Here are distances between common vegetables for seed-saving.The first rule of seed-saving is that you must select “open-pollinated” vegetables such as heirlooms and not…
