Experienced gardeners understand that the foundation of a thriving garden lies in the quality of the soil. Properly made compost acts like a potent elixir, enriching the garden with essential nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. It enhances the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water, stabilizes its pH levels, and even fortifies plants against pests and diseases. Given its significant benefits, the term “garden gold” for compost is truly fitting. Composting is a natural process that occurs continuously as bacteria and other soil organisms decompose organic material. A stroll through the woods reveals this phenomenon; beneath the leaf litter, you’ll find […]
Author: James Johnsen
11 Drought-Tolerant Perennials For Your Summer Garden
As I’m typing this, the sound of rain fills the early morning air, providing the garden with another dose of moisture. We’ve come to expect fluctuating weather, so growing plants that can withstand those changes is important. Using perennials with drought tolerance is a great way to create a low-maintenance landscape that brings beauty and function to your garden. Mid-summer is also when certain perennials start looking worn, especially during dry spells, so now is ideal for finding gaps in the garden that could use a fresh look. Whether you’re growing flowers or foliage plants, drought tolerance can be found […]
Exploring Heirloom Varieties: Preserving the Past, Cultivating the Future
The cultural and scientific significance of heirloom plants was highlighted last year when five varieties of seeds, safeguarded for almost 200 years by Choctaw citizens, were sent on a mission to space to help researchers understand how they might adapt to growing in very different conditions. Having been passed down through several generations with little or no intentional modification, the seeds of heirloom varieties of plants are highly valued for their long history and genetic purity. Gardeners who choose to nurture heirloom seeds can enjoy the unique appearance and qualities of old varieties of herbs, flowering annuals, and vegetables. Tomatoes are a […]
Summer Gardening: June Garden Checklist Zones 3-6
As we turn the calendar to summer, it’s time to focus on garden maintenance. However, it’s not too late for planting if you got off to a delayed start, so take the time to get those last-minute veggies or annuals in the ground or containers. Fertilizing In The Summer As your container annuals get settled in, you can feed them with all-purpose fertilizer to provide an extra boost. You can also fertilize in-ground annuals. And depending on the fertilizer, it’s usually recommended to fertilize every 7-14 days. You can also fertilize other landscape plants, but one key to healthy growth […]
Dahlia Gardening Guide
Dahlias, with their stunning array of colors, shapes, and sizes, are a favorite among gardeners looking to add vibrant, long-lasting beauty to their landscapes. Growing dahlias might seem daunting, but with a little guidance and patience, you will be rewarded with a spectacular display from mid-summer to the first frost. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully grow and maintain these captivating flowers, ensuring your garden flourishes. Understanding Dahlia Tubers Dahlia tubers are bulbus storage roots. When fully mature they grow in a circular starfish-like pattern with several tubers attached to a central crown. […]
Shade Garden Design Ideas
What comes to mind when you think of gardening in the shade? For me, it’s a chance to think outside the box and grow a unique garden. In some ways, shade can be limiting, but many plants will thrive in these conditions. Advantages of Gardening in Shade The shade allows you to combine colors and textures and create a peaceful space in your garden. If you have mature trees, consider underplanting them with perennials and making a walking path that weaves visitors through the garden. Add seating areas for those hot summer days when you need somewhere cool to relax […]
Dos And Don’ts When Gardening With Children
In 2021, the average weekly screen time for children rose to 5 hours and 33 minutes. In the age of ‘iPad children’, it’s more important than ever to ensure your child has physical activities and outdoor hobbies to engage in. Considering trying out gardening with your little one? Read on as we provide the dos and don’ts to make your child’s outdoor time safe, happy, and filled with fun (more fun than an iPad screen!). Benefits Of Gardening With Your Little One Are you unsure whether your child will take to gardening? Here are some reasons why it’s worth putting […]
Using Plants to Increase Your Home’s Humidity
Do you live in a place that has a cold temperature all year round, or in a region that has a dry climate? If yes, it’s likely that you’re constantly coping with health symptoms and conditions due to the low humidity levels in your home. Dry air causes a host of health issues ranging from sore throat to respiratory problems, and now, recent research shows that diseases transmitted by saliva-coated viruses can remain infectious for more than two hours if they are in dry air. “It shows that this type of virus can hang around for quite a while,” said the study’s […]
Discovering & Growing Woodland Wildflowers
There are many plants we can talk about this time of year, so let’s take a moment to enjoy the early-season natives that are filling the forests with color. Their appearance is brief, but these beauties are a great source of joy after a long winter. One of my early childhood memories is traveling to our family cabin in spring and seeing carpets of trilliums covering the forests along the highway. I encourage you to explore your local forests and look for woodland wildflowers. And guess what? You can grow these plants at home too! What Are Woodland Wildflowers? This […]
Spring Gardening: Managing Invasive Species
Hiking is one of the best ways to see native plants. Still, as you explore the woods, you may encounter invasive species that are overtaking the existing natives. These invasives can spread to your property and cause problems, especially if you have any wooded areas near your home. Let’s take a moment to examine these plants and how to manage them. What Is An Invasive Species? You may have heard this term before, but what does it mean? An invasive species is a living species that is non-native to a specific region and causes harm to the environment. Invasives can […]