Now is the perfect time to Stay at Home and Garden. Take advantage of the Stay at Home (and Safer at Home) directives during the COVID-19 pandemic—and get busy gardening! Use this time at home to raise nutritious and delicious vegetables your family can help plant, tend and enjoy eating. Why should you Stay at Home and Garden? Research supports the health benefits of gardening. The simple fact is that gardening is good for your physical and mental well-being. Gardening burns calories, strengthens muscles and improves flexibility. Spending time in the garden and nature improves our mood, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and helps us focus. And “playing in the dirt” really is good for you. Scientists made a positive connection between soil microbes and human health. They found Mycobacterium vaccae in the soil worked as an antidepressant, increased cognitive ability, lowered stress and improved concentration. Plus, when you stay at home and garden, you just feel … [Read more...] about Stay at Home and Garden
Garden
Debunking Clematis Myths
There are plenty of clematis myths that need debunking. That’s because clematis, known as “The Queen of the Vines,” is actually easier to grow than most people think. Despite the profusion of flowers that a clematis plant produces, many gardeners think these wonderful plants are difficult to grow. According to clematis expert Deborah Hardwick, clematis has gotten a bad rap. “There are so many myths about clematis, and most of them simply aren’t true,” said Hardwick. “Clematis aren’t much different than other plants in that they need to be treated with a little care to get them established in a new garden setting. But give them moist soil, light fertilizer and enough light and they will reward gardeners with a flower show that few plants can match.” Please remember that the majority of clematis plants are vines, so to perform and look their best they need to climb up a sturdy Arbor or Trellis. A clematis in full bloom can be the perfect focal point in a garden. So, placing a … [Read more...] about Debunking Clematis Myths
Tips for growing successful container gardens
Planting a garden is a traditional springtime activity, and planting container gardens is growing more popular every year. Container gardening is the perfect way to grow plants if you don’t have enough garden space for a traditional vegetable garden or flower bed. Growing container gardens also makes it possible to grow herbs, flowers and even vegetables on decks, patios, balconies, or right outside the kitchen door. There are three things you need to consider before you dive into container gardening. The first is where you want to put your container garden. The second is determining what plants you want to grow. Third, you must choose the right containers for your container garden. Choose the Right Location for Container Gardens Sometimes it’s easy to select a spot for your container garden. If all you have is a balcony or a spot next to your doorstep, deciding where to put your growing containers is simple. Just pick a sunny spot in the space that’s available. But what if … [Read more...] about Tips for growing successful container gardens
2020 Green Thumb Awards Honor New Plants and Garden Products
The winners of the 2020 Green Thumb Awards have been announced, and a total of six new plants and products have taken home the “green” trophy. Here are this year’s winners: Clematis ‘Lady Kyoko’ from Spring Hill Nurseries European Beech InstantHedge from InstantHedge KangaRhu Rhubarb from Gurneys Seed Treasure Island Sweet Potatoes from Concept Plants Garden Tutor Online Course and Kit from Botaniworld Vertex Wall Trellis from Gardener’s Supply Company The DGA Green Thumb Awards are presented by the Direct Gardening Association (DirectGardeningAssociation.com), a trade group of companies that sell gardening plants and products through catalogs and websites. Winners of the 2020 Green Thumb Awards were chosen by independent judges. 2020 Green Thumb Award Winners: Ornamental Plants and Seeds Division Clematis ‘Lady Kyoko’ (Clematis x ‘Lady Kyoko’) Spring Hill Nurseries Clematis ‘Lady Kyoko’ is a variety that … [Read more...] about 2020 Green Thumb Awards Honor New Plants and Garden Products
2020 Garden Trends Include Tiny Gardens and Hardy Tropical Plants
The start of a new decade brings exciting new developments and ideas—including new 2020 garden trends. Fortunately for gardeners, the 2020 garden trends include a new way to look at tiny space gardens, embracing cold-hardy tropical plants and even pet-friendly gardens. The new 2020 garden trends are all about challenging the conventional aesthetics of gardening. At Home, Garden and Homestead, we think that’s a good thing! Read on to learn what garden industry experts have to say about gardening in 2020. Tiny Space Gardens Everyone deserves a little garden in their lives, so it’s no wonder that small space gardening is a big trend for 2020. Even centuries-old techniques like espalier are making a comeback. One of the most exciting 2020 garden trends is the wide availability of true dwarf trees. Unlike their larger 50-foot-tall cousins, these diminutive trees max out at only 10-15 feet high. That’s a perfect size for small yards—and even growing in containers on … [Read more...] about 2020 Garden Trends Include Tiny Gardens and Hardy Tropical Plants
