Long before winter is over, I start thinking about seed starting. But I’ve never written down my tips for seed starting success—until now. Starting plants from seed is rewarding in any ways. You get a whole tray full of seedlings for the price of one pack of seeds. You can share them with other gardening friends. Most importantly, you can cultivate many more varieties than are available as seedlings at your local garden centers and home supply stores. Here are a few seed starting success tips to get you started. Also read our story about the Best New Vegetable Seed Varieties. Tips for Seed Starting Success #1 The first tip for seed starting success is really important. Start with fresh, quality seeds that have been properly stored in a dark, dry, and cool spot. Good seeds mean reliable germination rates. Check the date on the seed packet. Discard old seeds or any packs that look like they have been exposed to moisture. Local garden centers are a great source for fresh … [Read more...] about Tips for Seed Starting Success
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New Plants and Garden Products Win 2019 Green Thumb Awards
Six of the best new ornamental plants, garden products and edible plants have won 2019 Green Thumb Awards presented by the Direct Gardening Association (DirectGardeningAssociation.com). Honored in the Ornamental Seeds, Bulbs and Plants division were: Illuminati Tiny Tower Mock Orange from Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs. Peppy Le Pom Ornamental Pomegranate from Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs. Honored in the Gardening Tools and Accessories division were: Vertex Lifetime Tomato Cage from Gardener’s Supply Co. Bamboo Home LED Grow Light Garden from Gardener’s Supply Co. Honored in the Edible Plants division were: Wood Prairie Organic Colossal Potato Collection from Wood Prairie Family Farm. Tomato Purple Boy Hybrid from Park Seed. Winners of the 2019 Green Thumb Awards were chosen by an independent panel of garden writers and editors. The winning products were selected based on their uniqueness, technological innovation, ability to … [Read more...] about New Plants and Garden Products Win 2019 Green Thumb Awards
9 Great Garden Catalogs in 2019
Another new year is here, and for thousands of us gardeners, that means a flood of exciting new garden catalogs for the 2019 growing season. And for those of us who are more inclined to buy online, a new gardening year means lots of great websites to peruse for new seeds and plants. The early part of the year is an ideal time for garden planning. The quiet days of winter are perfect for making lists, charting new garden beds and calculating sowing times. The early weeks of the year is also the time when mail-order garden catalogs arrive and online catalogs are posted, enticing us with dreams of a new growing season. Garden Catalogs in 2019 There are dozens of seed and plant catalogs and websites to choose from. If you don’t already have a stack of printed catalogs or a full email inbox with tantalizing new offers, here’s a list of some of our favorite places to buy heirlooms, hybrids, and everything that’s new and trending: Burpee Established in 1876, Burpee is one of the nation’s … [Read more...] about 9 Great Garden Catalogs in 2019
Plant Seeds Now for a Tasty Fall Harvest
Everyone knows that spring is a great time to plant seeds in the garden. Spring is an exciting time for gardeners, and most gardens get off to an amazing start in the springtime. Unfortunately, many gardeners let their gardens peter out at the end of the season. But late summer and early fall is the perfect time to plant seeds for another wave of tasty veggies in September, October and beyond. If you don't have seeds leftover from your spring planting, don't worry. Many garden catalogs and websites have late-summer discounts on seeds-- and so do local garden centers. You can also check out the wide variety of vegetable seeds available on Amazon. Why You Should Grow a Fall Food Garden Most of us are focused on growing food in spring and summer, but fall can easily be the most productive time to plant seeds in the garden. Here are just a few fall food garden benefits: Warm late-summer temperatures mean fast germination and early growth Late summer harvests mean … [Read more...] about Plant Seeds Now for a Tasty Fall Harvest
Natural Insect Control Uses Mother Nature
Natural insect control has gone mainstream. An increasing number of homeowners, gardeners and homesteaders are teaming up with Mother Nature to kill and control insect pests. Using natural insect control can take many forms. But natural insect control typically involves encouraging Mother Nature to fight insects by using organic and environmentally friendly control methods. The growing interest in less chemically intensive, natural and organic living has resulted in a dramatic increase in eco-friendly product choices. The products below prove that you can kill insect pests without resorting to using harsh chemicals. Mother Nature’s mosquito control uses BTI to kill mosquitoes Homeowners looking for an effective way to control pesky, disease-spreading mosquitoes don’t have to resort to harmful chemicals. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in pools of standing water. That's why the first step in controlling mosquitoes is to eliminate standing water wherever … [Read more...] about Natural Insect Control Uses Mother Nature
