With so much information at our fingertips, it’s easy to find advice. However, this also makes it easy for myths to spread. A wide range of gardening myths have been around for a long time. And while these myths are common, the horticulture industry continues finding answers to these claims. Let’s dig in! Myth: You can add pebbles or rocks to the bottom of a container to help with drainage. Truth: At first glance, this idea sounds good. During the last 100 years, studies have shown the extra material makes it harder for water to move through the soil. There […]
Category: Annuals
Groundcover Plants for Sun & Shade
Do you have problem areas in your garden? It could be that spot under a tree where the soil is dry or a slope with erosion. Groundcovers are a living mulch that can fill these tricky spots with colorful blooms and unique texture. They also control weeds and help your garden stand out. Like any planting, the right groundcover depends on your site conditions. How To Use Groundcover Plants Years ago, my family put in stepping stones in our backyard. Between the stones, we had wood mulch that kept the weeds in check. After a couple of years, the wood […]
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 […]
New 2024 Spring Garden Catalog Review
The arrival of Jung Seed’s Spring Catalog for 2024 is exciting news for avid gardeners. It is an opportunity to explore new varieties and rediscover old favorites, whether one is gearing up for the spring garden or planning ahead for the summer. The catalog is a treasure trove of inspiration for everyone. As we immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature’s cycles, it is wonderful to have resources like Jung Seed to accompany us on our gardening journey. Do you have any specific plants or varieties from the catalog that caught your eye for this upcoming season? Annuals Annual plants […]
Fall Gardening: September Garden Checklist Zones 3-6
For many of us, September is a transition month from summer to fall. We can get a head start on the cooler weather by accomplishing a few tasks in the landscape. Here are a few tips to get you started. Veggies and Herbs Trees and Shrubs Annuals and Houseplants Perennials and Bulbs Special Notes Also, less visible soil in the garden means less sunlight for weeds to germinate. However, there’s a difference between full and overgrown. A full garden bed will have plants that fill in the extra space without crowding out each other. Remember, there’s still time to enjoy […]
How To Prevent & Control Weeds
Each year is different in the garden, but you can always count on weeds showing up. The definition of a weed is simply this: A plant that is out of place. This means you can have good plants that become weeds or are always considered weeds. An example is wild violets, which are desirable natives for some gardeners, but a weed for others. Today we’ll be looking at plants considered weeds by most gardeners, along with information on managing them. We’ll always encounter weeds, but we can minimize their presence in the garden by taking steps to make the landscape […]
Creating Firework-Inspired Floral Displays
Fireworks have long been a captivating spectacle, filling the night sky with bursts of vibrant colors and mesmerizing patterns. Their ability to create a sense of awe and wonderment has inspired artists and designers in various fields. One such creative endeavor is the fusion of fireworks and floral displays, resulting in stunning arrangements that capture the essence of fireworks’ magic. Let’s explore the art of creating firework-inspired floral displays, bringing the beauty and energy of fireworks into the realm of botanic artistry. Choosing the Right Flowers To achieve a firework-inspired floral display, selecting the right flowers is crucial. Opt for […]
Create Sizzling Summer Container Displays
Summer is quickly approaching, so it’s time to decorate your outdoor spaces with plants. Containers are a fantastic way to display plants on your patio, balcony, or any outdoor space, giving you a close view of gorgeous flowers and unique foliage. Before you head to the nursery and stock up on plants, it’s essential to have a plan for your pots. Container Goals Before summer begins, take a few moments to set goals for your container displays. Here are some questions to ask yourself: Design Elements When it comes to containers, plants are typically grouped into one of three categories, […]
7 Growing Tips For Begonias
Begonias are renowned for their vibrant, colorful blooms and distinctive foliage. With over 1,800 species, begonias come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a popular choice for gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, but can also be grown indoors as houseplants. Begonias are valued not only for their stunning appearance but also for their ease of care, making them an ideal plant for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your garden or add some color to your indoor space, begonias […]
Cutting Flower Garden: Planning, Maintenance, & Preserving
A favorite activity of mine is walking around the landscape on a summer morning and finding flowers and foliage to use as cut flowers. My garden is in northern Wisconsin, where the climate is cold, and deer are plentiful. These conditions make it difficult to grow many flowers. However, I can still find fun bouquets from plants like bleeding hearts, alliums, and even ferns. As gardeners, we have access to various types of plants with beautiful flowers and foliage. What Are Cutting Gardens? Cutting gardens are spaces dedicated to growing plants for floral decorations. These plants can include annuals, perennials, […]