Vines and climbing plants have an almost mystical way of enticing us in. They connect us and our man-made structures to the earth. Vines soften hardscapes and can offer a wall of green for privacy. Many vining plants can provide a curtain of nectar flowers for hummingbirds and other beneficial pollinators. Some vines are exotic, and some are native that just look like they are exotic. Here are some suggestions and growing tips to make the most out of vines. Selecting Your Location Just like choosing any other garden plant, we must first ask some simple questions; Where will this […]
Category: Gardening Tips
Demystifying Fungicides
I can tell you, there is no “easy button” when it comes to fighting plant diseases in the garden. Plant diseases are caused by pathogens that are variable, complex and for the most part, they are everywhere. What can we do to help our plants fight these pathogens? One critical way to help our plants is with the use of fungicides. Understanding Fungicides Fungicides are a type of pesticide that can be extremely beneficial in the management of plant diseases; however, we must understand that fungicides are as variable, complex, and numerous as the pathogens we wish to control with […]
Squash Harvest & Storage Tips
What fall dinner table would be complete without a delicious winter squash dish? Harvesting and curing squash takes time, patience, and a little know-how. Just because the squash has the correct coloration does not necessarily mean that its flesh will taste delicious. If fruits are harvested too soon, they will not have optimal flavor. Their flavor comes from the conversion of starch into sugar and this process is best attained by proper curing and storage after fruits have reached their maturity in the garden. When To Harvest Squash Marking your garden calendar when your squash first sets fruit is the […]
8 Tips For Bringing Houseplants Indoors For The Winter
As cooler temperatures settle in, it’s time to bring houseplants back indoors. Here are some helpful guidelines to make the transition successful. Temperature 45°F is the tipping point. When nighttime temperatures start to dip consistently you need a plan to tuck in your houseplants indoors for the winter. Cleaning Wash plants and pots thoroughly. Hose off all foliage, sides, and bottom of the pot. Pest Control Attempt to remove any unwanted pests or critters that have taken up residence in or on your plant. If you are finding some soft-bodied pests like aphids, spider mites, or mealy bugs, spray the […]
Fall Planting: Garlic
Garlic is one of the best vegetables for fall planting. It is easy-to-grow, but has a somewhat long season, as it is not harvested until the following summer. Don’t let the delay in harvest put you off from planting this fantastic addition to the vegetable garden. When To Plant Garlic For best yields, garlic is most commonly planted in the fall. Garlic can be planted as late as 4 to 6 weeks before the ground freezes. Even in cold climates, garlic is hardy enough to overwinter and resume growth the following spring. If the weather after planting is mild, garlic shoots may emerge […]
8 Tips To Growing & Caring For Peonies
Peonies are perennials that come back every year blooming from spring to summer. They are long-lived investments, not to be dealt with haphazardly. Some peonies live over 100 years and are still thriving! Here are a few things you need to pay close attention to growing beautiful peonies. Types of Peonies Several different types of Peonies are available to grace our gardens and landscapes. Some of the most common garden peonies are Herbaceous, Tree (Woody), or Intersectionals, which are referred to as ‘Itoh’ Peonies after Mr. Toichi Itoh from Japan, who was the first person to successfully cross herbaceous types […]
Hydrangeas: Pruning For Blooms
Hydrangeas have been a gardener’s delight for centuries. Their big colorful bracts of blooms offer us a sweet nostalgic path right to our grandmother’s front door. Some come from the Americas but most hail from Asia. Despite their gentle appearance Hydrangeas are quite tough, resilient, and tolerant of many different growing situations. How To Prune A Hydrangea Proper pruning is the key to successful blooms and to prune properly, you must first know what type of Hydrangea you are growing. Quick Guide to Hydrangea Varieties Old Wood Blooming Hydrangea Bigleaf, Oakleaf, or Mountain Hydrangeas bloom in early to mid-summer, and […]
Fall Gardening Guide: Tips To Get Your Fall Vegetable Garden Started
Every year, gardeners rejoice at the arrival of the fall planting season. Many newer gardeners do not know that almost anything you plant in spring, can also be planted in fall. Fall planting is best for plants that can withstand light frosts, grow well in short daylight, and prosper in mild temperatures. Whether you’re planting flowers, vegetables, or fruit this fall, follow these expert tips and you’ll have healthier plants. 5 Tips For Fall Gardening Know Your Gardening Zone Before planting you should check planting zones to ensure your garden achieves maximum success. These gardening zones will help you determine […]
How To Manage Common Watermelon Fungal & Bacterial Diseases
Watermelon and other cucurbit plants can become infected with numerous, common fungal and bacterial pathogens. Many have similar but observably different symptoms. This article is a quick and helpful guide toward possible identification and diagnosis. Do The Diseases Come From The Watermelon Seed? Some of these pathogens can be seed-borne and although at Jung Seed Company we procure all our seeds from reputable sources, and rigorously test for germination standards many pathogens such as Bacterial Fruit Blotch, may be present on a seed coat without our knowledge. This is true for any seed you may purchase. So, no matter where […]
How To Prevent Yellow Shoulder Disorder On Tomatoes
Tomatoes are fun and rewarding to grow. There can be challenges along the way such as diseases and pests. Two of the most common tomato disorders you will likely battle are Blossom-End Rot and Yellow Shoulder (sometimes called Green Shoulder). This article will help you learn how to identify Yellow Shoulder, how to prevent it, and what tomato varieties to choose that are less susceptible to Yellow Shoulder. Disease vs Disorder The first thing to know is Yellow Shoulder is not a disease; it is a disorder. It is an important distinction to make because 99% of disorders can be […]