This year I went a little crazy with tomatoes. I have close to fifty plants in my garden. I had hoped for a bumper crop that I could freeze and can for future use, but this hasn’t been the best growing season. My tomatoes are ripening at a smaller size than typically expected and ripening more slowly at that. Also, some of them are developing splits in the skin are this last round of much needed rain.
Read MoreThe Dog Days of Summer are upon us, and for many gardeners this means that we will be extra busy. Attempting to nurse your landscape through a heat wave may sometimes seem like a futile task. As many lawns turn a crispy brown and flowers start to wither under the scorching heat, there are a few steps that can be taken to prevent cooking your plants.
Read MoreWater is one of the essential elements for plant growth. Many people tend to overcomplicate watering with unnecessary details. Sure, every plant is different, but let’s simplify things and look at the basics of moisture management.
Read MoreChristmas cacti, known as Schlumbergera or Zygocactus, blooms at Christmas and also sometimes around Easter if cared for properly. A month prior to Christmas you will be able to watch the tips of the leaves begin to grow and form buds. At Christmas, as if by magic, the buds open to a beautiful flower that will add color and warmth to any holiday season.
Read MoreAttempting to grow a poinsettia as a perennial houseplant can be quite a challenge, but for those adventurous enough to attempt it, it can be a fun challenge.
Read MoreGarden mums provide unparalleled color in the fall months. Mums are photo-tropic, their life cycle is greatly affected by day length. When the days slowly become shorter in the fall, the Mum is triggered into developing flower buds.
Read MoreBlossom-end rot is a serious disorder of tomato, pepper, and eggplant. Growers often are distressed to notice that a dry sunken decay has developed on the blossom end (opposite the stem) of many fruit, especially the first fruit of the season. This nonparasitic disorder can be very damaging, with losses of 50% or more in some years.
Read MoreLast week we talked about ways you can reconnect with nature in 2019. One of the ways you can reconnect is to bring the outdoors inside. Over the next few weeks we’re going to look at unique projects and plants to keep your indoor spaces a green, lush oasis.
Read MorePetunias are simple yet beautiful flowers that make a great addition to any garden, balcony, porch, or yard. They are also quite simple to grow and care for. Still, if you buy plants and go through the trouble to grow them, you want them to stay healthy – even if they are fairly simple and straightforward. This is why petunia care is important for you and your petunias.
Read MoreToday we are going to be making a terrarium. “Terra” is the Latin word for earth or ground. A terrarium is simply a representation of a land environment.
Read MoreThis week I got an email from Rebecca. She was trying to help her mother take care of a plant she got as a mother’s day gift from her brother. Her particular problem would’ve been a brain teaser for me had it not been for her excellent description and the photo she included.
Read More
