Squash and pumpkins are North American native vegetables. There are a large number of different types of squash, and different varieties vary significantly in fruit shape and color, as well as plant habit. Many types are attractive enough to be used for fall decorating and displays. Varieties of Squash Winter squash varieties are grown for their mature fruit, which can be stored for use during fall and winter. The Butterscotch Hybrid Squash is an AAS Winner that has an exceptionally sweet flavor. With compact vines, they are great for small spaces. Spaghetti squash is a type of winter squash that […]
Category: Spring Gardening
Transplanting Seedlings
If the plant’s roots have become so large they fill all the space in the pot, they can become stressed and won’t perform well, when it’s time to move them into the garden. To maintain proper growth and health for your plants, their roots require good air circulation and sufficient moisture for proper nutrient uptake. Before they become root-bound, make a plan for transplanting your plants into larger individual pots. Choose pots that are 2″ to 4″ in diameter and height or use the general rule that their new pots should offer about 25% more root space than it presently […]
Seed Starting FAQ
Many types of seeds are easy to grow, but some may require specific temperature, light, or darkness. Detailed germination information is included on our seed packets, and carefully following these instructions is recommended. If no light requirements are stated, light does not play an important role in germination. Remember to plan ahead. It takes 2½ to 4 months for most annuals to bloom from seed. Seedlings are ready to set out in about 8 to 10 weeks. It’s a good idea to keep a garden journal. Keeping track of start dates, growing conditions, and transplant dates is always helpful for […]
Companion Planting Guide
When planning your vegetable garden, it is beneficial to learn the principles of companion planting to help you design a successful garden. What is Companion Planting? Companion plants are neighboring plants that will provide each other with additional beneficial nutrients and can provide an easy pest management strategy to help your garden flourish. Be careful, however, as some neighboring plants can have the opposite effect on each other. Before you start planting your garden, it is important to learn what plants should and should not be neighbors in your vegetable garden. Companion Planting Favorites Two plants all vegetable gardens can […]
Guide to the Meaning of Rose Colors
The traditional gift on Valentine’s Day is a bouquet of roses. Roses come in a wide variety of colors. Each rose color has a unique meaning. Listed below are the most popular 11 rose colors and what they symbolize. The red rose is the most popular color given on Valentine’s Day. It symbolizes love, romance, and beauty. A red rose is a perfect gift for your loved one. Pink roses are another popular choice of Valentine’s Day. The pink rose means grace, elegance, and admiration. White roses are often used for weddings or other special events. The meaning of white […]
Popular Rose Types
Roses are called the “Queen of Flowers” for the beauty they provide to the landscape. They need proper care to ensure that they produce the best possible display each season, but the rewards are well worth the effort. The American Rose Society classifies roses into three main groups; Species Roses (wild roses), Old Garden Roses (existing prior to 1867), and Modern Roses (varieties created after 1867, when the first man-made hybrid tea ‘La France’ was created). Within these groups of roses, home gardeners will discover very special, unique features and a plethora of growth characteristics, to make roses a wonderful […]
Small Berries and Tips on Growing Them
Blueberries Blueberry Variety Perpetua Blueberry The Perpetua Blueberry is an attractive fruiting shrub. It produces two crops of fruit each season. The plant is bushy and vase-shaped. It will grow small sweet berries in mid-summer, then flower, and produce a second crop in the fall. Its glossy, dark green foliage changes to a reddish hue in the fall making it highly ornamental. Since it grows to 4 to 5 feet tall, this blueberry can be planted in the ground or a patio container. This blueberry would grow well in Zones 4 – 8. It loves full sun and acidic soil. […]