Tomatoes are vines, so it’s natural to grow them up. This not only saves garden space but also keeps plants healthy. Tomato diseases live in the soil. Fruit rotting on the ground invites slugs. And wouldn’t you rather eat that tomato than accidentally step on it? How do we grow up? Here are a few ideas. BUY […]
Obtain 5-gallon plastic bucket Cut 2” hole in center of bottom Also cut 5-6 ¼” holes in the bottom for drainage Place bucket right side up on two sawhorses Place a coffee filter or sheet of paper at bottom of bucket Cut slit in sheet of paper and slide it under root ball (inside bucket) […]
We all get hungry and need nourishment to live. Plants, too. Plants in the ground might get by without food, but for container plants, it is essential. Food and water—take Goldilocks’s advice: not too much, not too little, just right. So, let’s take a look at what’s on the menu for our plant babies. Fertilizer […]
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! When you see certain words, run the other direction as they generally indicate you are looking at a plant thug. Those are the plants that look good at first but threaten your sanity in a year or two. You can find these at garden centers all over. The plant might be ornamental […]
Now that we have our tomatoes planted and growing, let’s consider tomato care. That would be watering, feeding, staking, pruning and disease control. Watering: The first and probably most important consideration is watering. Tomatoes require regular, consistent watering—infrequent, but deep is the best. The amount should equal about 1” (including rainfall) of water per week […]
Native plants often have a reputation for being “aggressive”, “thuggish”, or “weedy”. Sometimes this reputation is earned. Common milkweed, for example, is great for monarchs, but can be a real pain for a gardener to try to control (only plant this particular variety if you have lots of space and an informal style!). And it […]
So, you’ve been considering container gardening. Let’s think a bit more specifically about what it takes to create a spectacular pot. You don’t need professional help or specialty plants—Just take a walk down the aisles of your favorite garden center this spring and choose wisely. Plan the structure of your pot. The easiest way is […]
Container gardening is easy, fun and accessible to anyone. A huge space is not necessary to garden, not even a yard. All you need is a patio, a deck or even a front stoop. With a few containers you can create your own little oasis with little cash outlay. You can even grow veggies or […]
Nothing is so beautiful as Spring— When weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush… Gerard Manley Hopkins The weeds have arrived. Are we celebrating their beauty? In my garden they preceded the snowdrops. I’m not sure they ever really left. While weeds compete with desired plants for space and nutrients—and we do battle—you […]
May is a wonderful month because it brings warmth and sunshine into the garden. You are now putting plants into the garden and reaping the rewards with blooms and vegetables. Exercising—Continue exercising so your legs and arms can safely handle the workload. Bulbs—Allow bulb leaves to die naturally so the bulbs receive the sun’s energy […]