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 […]
Category: Gardening Tips
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 […]
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 […]
How To Create A Pizza Garden
Happy National Pizza Day! Each year on February 9th, the United States celebrates our love of pizza. According to National Today’s pizza survey, over 57% of Americans love pizza and 30% eat pizza at least once a week. There are many ways to celebrate this delicious food including creating and growing your own pizza garden. Select Your Favorite Pizza Toppings Pizza preferences vary widely among individuals. While some delight in the savory combination of mushrooms and peppers, others find solace in the comforting familiarity of tomato and garlic. The first step to creating a pizza garden begins with selecting the […]
7 Environmental Factors To Consider With Gardening
As you look at plants in the nursery or online, you’ll probably notice a reference to growing or USDA zones. An example is Summer Crush® Hydrangea, which lists a growing zone of 4-9. Hardiness Zone Map These numbers are based on a map created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help gardeners determine the type of plants likely to thrive in different locations. The zones on the map show the average minimum winter temperatures for a given area. For example, Zone 6 includes areas where the average lowest temperature in winter goes down to -10°F. A few cities in […]
Grow Light Basics
When I was younger, my mom and I stopped at a garden center and came across a lemon tree. I knew very little about growing citrus, but I was intrigued by the idea of growing citrus fruit in Wisconsin, so we bought it. As winter approached, it was time to bring the lemon tree indoors for its first winter, which meant finding the right grow light to keep the tree healthy. A quick online search reveals many types of grow lights, but how do we find the right kind of lights for our plants? Let’s find out what makes a […]
Fall Container Garden & Planter Ideas
As summer winds down, many of us have gorgeous annuals that continue to put on a show. However, some annuals may be winding down as the summer heat takes its toll, resulting in plants that look tired. In recent years, many gardeners have extended the growing season by adding fall container displays. These plantings consist of annuals, perennials, branches, and even artificial décor to add color to the late-season landscape. You don’t have to remove all your summer plants to create a fall display. It’s good to leave the ones that are growing well and make them part of the […]
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 […]
Tips For Gardening Success: Healthy Soil
Did you know a handful of soil contains billions of microorganisms? These tiny beings are responsible for improving soil structure and providing vital nutrients for our plants. Healthy Garden Soil A healthy garden begins with healthy soil that provides our plants with the right amount of water, nutrients, and air. As you examine your garden, you may notice that some plants haven’t grown as expected, causing you to look for the source of the problem. Before we add plants to a garden, we should check the soil. Soil is made of several materials, including sand, silt, and clay. A balance […]
5 Fruit Trees You Can Easily Grow
Fresh Produce at Your Fingertips Isn’t it amazing to wake up to the sweet smell of nature, the rustling of leaves, and the anticipation of biting into a juicy, ripe fruit plucked straight from your own backyard? There’s something magical about plucking a sun-kissed fruit straight from the tree and taking that first, delicious bite. Imagine having that experience right in your own backyard! In today’s post, we’ll be sharing with you five fruit trees you can plant to transform your backyard into a bountiful oasis. So grab a trowel and put on your gardening gloves. Let’s turn your outdoor […]