Gardening Advice
January 26, 2022
If you grow rhododendrons, you must have noticed how the leaves curl up in response to the cold. Our weather has yo-yoed back and forth this month from 40 degrees above to teens below zero and the leaves on my rhodies have curled and uncurled to match the temperature swings. What’s that all about?
The way plants can āpredictā the weather is fascinating and I’ve written aboutā¦
January 25, 2022
Even just a few pots of herbs indoors can supply you with wonderful flavors at your fingertips year-round. Here are seven herbs that will grow well indoors through the winter. Many indoor herbs prefer the same temperatures that most people doāaround 65 to 70 degrees Fāso it’s a cozy relationship!
We’re big fans of fresh basil, rosemary, and oregano because they addā¦
January 24, 2022
Nature is fascinating. Every wondered how trees and plants survive winter? They certainly can’t move inside to get warm! Plants go through an amazing processĀ similar to hibernation called dormancy. Learn more about your natural world.Ā
We have had little snow so far this year and there is a lot of bare ground showing. For once I am hoping for a lot of snow to insulate the ground andā¦
January 24, 2022
Did you know that houseplants help purify the air in our homes? We’ve long known that indoor plants improve our mood and reduce stress levels, but improving air quality is an additional benefit! See the best air-purifying houseplants.
During the colder months, we spent a lot of time indoors. Certainly, healthy indoor air is a top priority.Ā Without proper ventilation, it doesn’tā¦
January 24, 2022
Which are the most beneficial insects? We’re talking about bugs that are good for plants in the garden and eat pests that would otherwise eat your plants. Find out and start thinking about which plants and flowers attract beneficial insects!
What Are Beneficial Insects?
The average backyard is home to thousands of insects, but you may be surprised to learn that only aboutā¦
January 19, 2022
Monarch butterfly populations have declined by a shocking 90% over the past 20 years! One thing we can do is to plant native milkweed. Not only does it provide nectar for the adult butterflies, but also it is the only plant on which they will lay their eggs. Learn more about which milkweed varieties are best for Monarchs!
The Missing Monarchs
What hasā¦
January 18, 2022
There are so many new plants for 2022! To simplify things, we’ve highlighted our favorites for youāand it’s an all-vegetable menu! Our short list includes luscious lettuces that are heat tolerant, a richly flavored striped tomato, a white-fruited eggplant, and an upright ātowerā basil for small spaces and pots. See list of picksāand pics!
The National Garden Bureau has declaredā¦
January 18, 2022
When gardening with containers or pots, never just use actual soil or dirt. You’ll need to use a good āpotting mixā (also called potting soil) for proper drainage and aeration. What is potting soil and how can you make your own?
Container gardens are on my mind as the winter chill sets in. Containers are great for a number of reasons, namely that they’reā¦
January 17, 2022
If the idea of carnivorous plants makes you immediately think of the blood-thirsty man-eater in Little Shop of Horrors, don’t worry, you will not be considered their prey! Real carnivorous plants (such as the Venus flytrap) dine only on insectsāthough the speed at which they can snap shut on an insect is amazing. Here are three common types of carnivorous plants that are fun to grow asā¦
January 12, 2022
TheĀ edible landscape is coming into its own again as we look for yards and gardens that are more livable retreats. Edible landscaping incorporates fruit-bearing plants, culinary herbs, vegetables, and flowers that you canāyesāeat! It can start small by choosing one or two plants that are both attractive and edible (versus the fleeting bloom of a spring shrub, more lawn, etc.). We’ll helpā¦
January 11, 2022
Happily, we’re seeing more biodegradable planting pots. They make growing seeds easy, and the pots go right in the ground! They’re also economical and spare the use of pounds of plastic. From recycled paper to cow manure, here are 10 biodegradable pots to think about this year.
As much as we would like to see plastic plant pots being recycled, tons of them end up in landfillsā¦
January 5, 2022
Valentine’s Day is coming up soon (February 14), and if you’d rather not buy flowers that will wilt and die in a few days, try cultivating a little romance by giving packets of seeds with a special meaning. Love will blossom along with these 10 flowers with such romantic names …
āValentineā sunflower
āValentineā sunflower grows to be 5 feet tall. Its lemonyā¦