When is the best time to plant? For spring blooming bulbs, it’s fall. From tulips to daffodils and crocus, these colorful plants lead the transition from winter to spring. And if you crave variety, bulbs come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. There are over 26,000 varieties of daffodils in the world! Today, we’ll focus on different types of bulbs and how they add color to the garden. Fall Bulb Types In my home state (Wisconsin), winter holds its grip on spring. And that’s why these early bloomers are such a welcome sight! While each bulb only blooms for a […]
Author: James Johnsen
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Apple Trees & Growing Them Successfully
On average, Americans eat 16 pounds of apples each year. Imagine picking those apples off your trees and enjoying them for months. Whether you have lots of space or a small patio, apple trees come in many sizes, allowing you to grow them nearly anywhere. Understanding the Characteristics of Different Apple Tree Varieties Remember, you’ll need two varieties to have fruit since apples cross-pollinate. Jung offers four basic types of apples, along with dozens of varieties. Here’s an overview of each tree. Overview of Apple Tree Anatomy Apple trees have two main parts, called the scion and rootstock. The bottom […]
How Having Plants In Your Home Office Can Enhance Productivity And Wellbeing
More people are beginning to see the appeal of having an office or work area in their homes. According to a National Association of Home Builders report, 63 percent of homebuyers consider a home office as a desirable feature, while nearly one-fourth of all homebuyers consider it as an essential. Over the past years, remote and hybrid workers have experienced the benefits of having a dedicated place to do their tasks since it allows them to stay focused and block out any potential distractions. But did you know that adding plants to your home office can also help to enhance productivity while […]
Honeyberry / Haskap Growing Guide
If you’re looking for a hardy, easy-to-grow plant that brings delicious, blueberry-like fruits to your garden, look no further than Honeyberry, also known as Haskap. These remarkable bushes can withstand frigid temperatures down to -40°F, making them a perfect choice for colder climates. They bloom in March with small, white, slightly fragrant flowers, setting the stage for fruit ripening about two weeks before strawberries. The berries are similar in color and flavor to large blueberries and are a delightful treat for early-season harvesting. With few pest or disease issues, these plants are low-maintenance and thrive with little fuss. While they […]
Create A Cottage Garden
Imagine yourself sitting outside and enjoying the warm air on a summer evening. Now picture yourself sitting outside surrounded by an oasis of flowering and edible plants. Perhaps there’s a meandering path weaving through the flower beds, allowing you to enjoy the different colors and fragrances. The sight of pollinators gathering nectar from native flowers adds even more life to the space. Whether your property is large or small, cottage gardens bring a sense of tranquility and beauty to any space. They also allow you to break the rules and run wild with creativity. Historically, these spaces are filled with […]
Composting Basics for Beginners
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 […]
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. […]