It's time for a spring garden jump start. There are gardening tasks to be done, and the growing season is coming. The grass is starting to green up, bulbs are peeking through the soil, and spring is around the corner. Gardening chores come fast and furious once warm weather hits. Sometimes you don’t have time to fit all the tasks in. A spring garden jump-start is a productive way to begin your gardening year. You can hit the ground running and get ahead of the season. That's why late winter is my favorite time to get many of the spring jobs done-- or at least get them started. It's a great way to reduce the springtime stress of too many gardening tasks to do. So what are we waiting for? Let's use these garden tips and get this spring garden jump start going! Step 1: Weeding My top priority in late winter/early spring is keeping weeds under control. Cold weather weeds such as chickweed and mustard are much easier to hand weed when small. Plus, the weeds haven’t gone to seed … [Read more...] about A Spring Garden Jump Start in 12 Easy Steps
garden tips
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
5 New Year’s Resolutions for Gardeners
Did you make any New Year's resolutions for gardeners for the coming New Year? Whether you’re a horticultural expert or you want to try gardening for the first time, these are my favorite New Year’s resolutions for gardeners in 2020. New Year's Resolutions for Gardeners #1: Get Gardening! The #1 resolution on my list is to get gardening! Gardening comes with many benefits for our physical, emotional and mental well-being. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gardening for just 2.5 hours a week can reduce the risk of common conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure and osteoporosis. Gardening has also been shown to ward off depression and anxiety. Plus, nothing beats the smell of flowers in bloom, or the taste of fresh, homegrown vegetables. Getting started and growing your first tomato plant (or any annual vegetable) is easier than you think. If you’re worried you might have a “black thumb,” or just short on space, try your … [Read more...] about 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Gardeners
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
5 Ways to Revitalize Your Garden in Summer
Ah, the lazy days of summer. The hot sun inspires all sorts of fun, but for our gardens, it can take a toll. Notice that your garden, so lush, colorful and beautiful only a few weeks ago, is looking pretty hot and tired these days? Never fear: here are some easy ways to revitalize your garden in summer. Plant Late Summer – Early Fall Blooming Plants When gardeners get that springtime planting bug, we tend to plan our gardens around late-spring and early summer, so our gardens look fantastic April-June, but then wither away come July. Solve that problem now by planting perennials that bloom in late summer through fall for a much-needed second wave of color. Some plants to consider include purple asters, penstemon, and certain long-blooming varieties of roses. Knockout Roses, are a popular low-maintenance choice. You can find a wide selection of them at NatureHillsNursery.com. Mid-summer can be a very harsh time to plant, however, so follow these tips to give your new plants the … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Revitalize Your Garden in Summer
