Now is the perfect time to observe the evergreens in our landscapes. You may be growing evergreens or would like to grow them. Either way, there are ample benefits to having these unique plants. The leaves of evergreens conserve moisture during summer and winter, allowing them to photosynthesize and provide greenery year-round. You can find evergreens in northern and southern climates. Today, we’ll focus on species suitable for the north, where winters are long and cold. The majority of these conifers are native to the U.S. Arborvitae (Thuga occidentalis) White cedar is a common name for this popular tree. In […]
Category: Winter Gardening
Creating Winter Interest In Your Landscapes
Winter can be dreary but also beautiful. In the Midwest, we enjoy the snow that blankets our gardens, creating a peaceful scene for us to enjoy. However, our long winters often have us looking for additional beauty in our landscape. You can use a variety of trees, shrubs, and perennials to add interest to the garden using features that include peeling bark, seedheads, or colorful stems. One example is the River Birch (Betula nigra). My parents have this tree in their yard, and it always stands out when I visit them. The peeling bark is also multicolored, adding to its […]
Winter Sowing Garden Guide
The cold has arrived. As gardeners, we find ourselves longing for spring, when our gardens come back to life and we can spend time outside. It’s tempting to believe we can’t plant anything now, but there is a way to plant seeds for next spring. Winter sowing is a type of planting that involves planting seeds outdoors in winter. It sounds too easy, but it works! Many hardy annuals and perennials can be sown in winter to give plants a head start in spring. What is Winter Sowing? To answer this question, we’ll look at the basics of seed physiology. […]
4 Festive Holiday Plants
The weather outside is frightful, but the indoor temperature is delightful. As you head to the nursery this time of year, you’ll see an assortment of plants produced for the Christmas season. Among those plants are poinsettias, a popular shrub known for its red bracts (a type of leaf). There are other species you can grow this time of year too. As a bonus, many of these plants can be grown as houseplants throughout the year. Let’s examine the various holiday plants and consider how to make them thrive beyond Christmas. Poinsettias Poinsettias are popular for a good reason. They […]
How To Create Winter Container Displays
November is a quiet time in the garden. The perennials, trees, and shrubs have entered dormancy and show few signs of life. Birds have migrated, and the pollinators have begun their hibernation. If that’s not enough, the days are cold and dark, making it difficult to enjoy the outdoors. Fortunately, there’s a way to create a festive look in the landscape this time of year, especially with containers. Winter containers are gaining popularity as gardeners realize their unique contribution to the landscape. Container displays can brighten your patio, balcony, or driveway. You can also display containers in your garden. Here’s […]
Extend The Growing Season: Using Row Covers & Other Techniques
Keep Growing Fresh Vegetables All Year Long! Want to extend the growing season? You can grow fresh vegetables well into the fall—or even all year long—by protecting them from the cold with a simple row cover, grow tunnel, or DIY cold frame. With all the hard work you did upfront, let’s keep your plants going strong! Learn more. Where To Grow Late Summer Or Fall Vegetables Before we talk about using season extenders, let’s take a moment to think about where you grow the vegetables you want to keep producing in the colder months. Here are some ways to use your garden’s location to your advantage: […]
An Easy Guide To Forcing Bulbs
Every year I look forward to planting bulbs in the fall. However, waiting for them to bloom requires patience. Fortunately, you can enjoy flowers in the middle of winter without traveling to a warm climate. Many of your favorite bulbs can be forced indoors, allowing you to keep away the winter blues. Before we dive into the specifics, we’ll look at the basics of bulb physiology. The bulbs we plant in fall require a cold period to bloom, which occurs during winter. Bulbs can also receive this cold period through other means, like a refrigerator. Forcing bulbs involves planting them […]
Pruning Shrubs In Winter
The weather outside may be cold, but there is something that can be done in the garden this time of year. Winter is an ideal time to prune your shrubs, for several reasons. The lack of foliage on the shrubs allows you to view their structure, giving you an idea of how much pruning is needed. Pruning shrubs during dormancy is less stressful for the plant, compared to pruning during the growing season. Pruning in late winter allows the wounds left by the pruning cuts to heal quicker, reducing potential disease or insect problems down the road. Why Prune Shrubs? […]
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 […]
4 Gorgeous Plants That Bloom In Winter
We don’t necessarily think of winter as the ideal season for gardening. This is particularly true if you live in a relatively cold part of the country. However, while it is true that gardening tends to be an activity reserved for the warmer months, it’s still possible to do some gardening in the winter. Many flowers and plants actually bloom during this season. The following are a few examples to keep in mind! Tip: Winter is also a good time of year to confirm you have all the lawn and garden equipment you need. Restock now to avoid realizing you’re […]