Plant Tips

Moist soil

2005-08-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, your poor container plants get dried out pretty well before you realize it. There is a new product on the market called Soil Moist that can be added to your plant's soil to help retain moisture. Apparently it's similar to a gelatinous bead that absorbs the water and then slowly releases it back into the soil. As Martha would say, "It's a good thing" and will sure save your container plantings.

Grasses are a gardener's best friend

2005-06-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

Have an area in your garden that needs some sprucing up but doesn't get much moisture or gets way too much sun? Try ornamental grasses. Many grasses are ideally suited to dry gardens and produce fan-like plumes that add color and grace to the planting bed. I particularly like varieties of Pennisetum and Miscanthus but there are many many more available to beautify your yard.

New plantings

2005-05-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

When adding new plants to the garden, pour some water in the hole before you place the plant. Especially at this time of year, it won't droop so quickly and will cut down on the amount of water and time needed to establish itself.

Eco-friendly tools

2005-04-25T17:09:00.000-07:00

I found this article on ENN: Environmental News Network describing various eco-friendly gardening tools. How about lawn-aerating sandals or a recycled bucket? Great way to protect the environment and enjoy what you love most.

Rootone

2005-03-27T17:02:00.000-08:00

Want new plants but don't want to spend the bucks? Try Rootone. It's a rooting hormone that allows you to start new plants with ease. Just take a fresh cutting of your favorite shrub, wet the end of the stem and dip it in Rootone. Shake off the excess and place in a good potting mix. Keep it watered and it won't be long before you have new plants.

Tetanus

2005-02-27T11:14:00.000-08:00

Did you know that you can get tetanus from the soil? If you're like me, this is a surprise to you. I always thought tetanus came from being punctured by a rusty nail. Not so according to the National Coalition for Adult Immunization. Apparently tetanus bacteria lives in soil, dust and manure. If you have a scratch on your hands and are working in the garden, you have the chance of contracting tetanus. I'm not telling you this to make you worry, just to make you aware. If you can't remember the last time you had a tetanus shot, talk to your doctor. Mine was proactive and asked me on my last visit so I'm good to go for ten more years. So check your medical records or ask the doc. It can't hurt. Of course the alternative is to always wear gloves in the garden, but there's always that pesky weed laughing at you when there are no tools in sight...

Lawn bling bling

2005-02-17T16:36:00.000-08:00

Bling bling - took me awhile to understood what that meant. I was reading an article recently about lawns and pesticides. The reason for the pesticides was to eliminate unwanted "weeds" like clover and dandelions in the grass. Clover is actually a good thing. Yes it spreads in the lawn. But it provides nitrogen to the lawn so you don't have to fertilize as much. It also makes your grass look green in the cooler months when everything else is brown, and it stands up to doggy urine. It's better for the environment and your health than all the chemical fertilizers and weed controls, and it isn't invasive. So you have a little clover in the lawn - sit back and enjoy.

High Country Gardens e-zine

2005-01-23T16:26:00.000-08:00

High Country Gardens puts out such a great e-zine I thought I'd put the link here for you to visit. If you like it, sign up to receive it each month at no charge.

Looking through the catalogs

2004-12-26T16:52:00.000-08:00

At this time of year I like to curl up with my hot cocoa and all the plant and seed catalogs I have. Burpee's, White Flower Farms and Forest Farm are the ones I have right now. Once the cocoa is finished I come back to the computer and search all over again at Spring Hill Nursery, Nature Hills, and Gurney's among many, many others. I don't know about you, but I don't seem to get as many catalogs in the mail as I used to. I enjoy looking things up on the net, but nothing beats the combination of a seed catalog and hot cocoa in the winter. I have noticed many companies do have a place to order their catalog, so I plan to request a few more - you know I need them - and then I'll really get my gardens planned. Back to the net -- Burpee's has a garden wizard function now. It's a 3 step process. You choose whether you're interested in veggie/fruit or flowers, then answer a couple of other questions and they suggest plants that will work for your exposure and amount of care you want to provide. It's a cool tool so go check it out when you run out of cocoa.

Save your seeds

2004-11-25T16:20:00.000-08:00

My zinnias recently stopped blooming and all the remaining flowers browned. That gave me a bounty of zinnia seeds. How? Take the dried flowers and, using a newspaper to contain the seeds, crush the flowers in your fingers releasing the seeds. Place the seeds in an envelope, store in a dry place and, in the spring, you'll have free flowers!

It's lemon-aid

2004-11-11T13:39:00.000-08:00

We have some friends who have a lemon tree and every year they wonder what to do with all the lemons. The first choices are obvious - make lemonade, use them with seafood, etc. Well, here's a tip I recently came across. Use lemons to dissolve soap scum. Apparently a halved lemon with baking soda sprinkled on top will scrub dishes and stains. The juice can also be mixed with baking soda to make a cleaning paste for sinks and surfaces. This one I've heard of with oranges - put a whole lemon peel through the garbage disposal to freshen the drain and the kitchen. Enjoy those lemons.

Bring your tender plants inside

2004-10-31T08:59:00.000-08:00

I was watching Paul James, the gardening guy yesterday and he was talking about bringing plants inside the house that you want to protect from the winter weather. That brought back memories. I can still remember all the hours I spent bringing in my plants, throwing away dead plants, emptying terra cotta pots for the winter and storing them in the basement. The problem I always had was trying to keep the bottoms of the pots off my wood floors. I wound up finding these plastic saucers that worked like a charm and that's what Paul was recommending as well. Now the kind I used was a clear plastic but they do come in a terra cotta color as well. Anyway, the point is if you're going to bring your plants in you need to do three things: 1-check for critters - you don't want to be bringing any bugs or animals in the house. 2-clean off your pots. Wipe them down with a vinegar solution to get rid of any fungus and crud that has collected over the summer months. 3-find a spot that provides the same light exposure that the plant had outside. That way you'll be sure the plant would be too shocked as it settles into its new digs. Make sure you use those plastic saucers and you won't have to be concerned about damage to your floors or rugs.

Plant Tips

2004-09-29T15:23:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again - clean up and prep for winter. In the northern climate, it's time to get the bulbs planted and the beds cleared out for winter. Mums are a great choice for color at this time of year and will come back again next year. Here in the south, we're planting cool-weather annuals and favorite veggies. Roses will also bloom again if all spent blossoms and hips are cut off.

Pinch 'em

2004-08-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

QUICK TIPS

Are your coleus getting leggy as the summer wears on? Do you want to see the full and healthy-looking plants you purchased? Pinch 'em. Pinch back the stems and eliminate all the flowers. By reducing the size of the plant and getting rid of the inconsequential blooms, you allow the plant to put its energy back into building leaves. Within a few weeks you'll be surprised by the difference.

Tips

2004-07-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Plants should be placed in the garden in odd numbers of 3, 5 or 7. If flowers are planted in an even number, the eye has a tendency to split the group in half. Using odd numbers will create a pleasing and filling palate for the eye.

QUICK TIPS

Are some of your plants at the end of their season and it's too hot to clean out the gardens? And of all things, there's a big garden party planned at your house? Fill in with silks. Silk plants are very realistic looking and come in a variety of flowers and greens. Get them already arranged in pots and hanging baskets and arrange in your garden. No one will know the difference and they will all admire your green thumb.

Tips

2004-07-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Some plants love the evening and provide a delightful fragrance after the sun goes down. Some good picks include nicotiana, sweet alyssum, evening primrose, and moonflower. The best way to enjoy these plants is to cluster them in pots and place out of direct sunlight. Keep watered so they don't dry out and, in the evening, sit back and smell the flowers!

QUICK TIPS

Want to add some color to your summer garden? Plant marigolds. Marigolds love the heat and are drought tolerant. Pinch off fading blooms to encourage more flowers.

Tips

2004-06-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Weeds are a gardener's thorn. Hard as we try, they continue to sprout and flourish. Did you know that many weed seeds hitch a ride on your favorite pet to spread throughout your yard? Many weeds produce seeds that stick in your pet's coat. To deter the hitchhiking, get rid of the weeds before your pets roam. Or keep them groomed so weeds can't catch a ride.

QUICK TIPS

When looking for a centerpiece for your garden party, instead of using flowers try a flowering plant. You can use one plant or a variety of containers to add interest and complement your theme. Whatever you choose, stay within a foot in height so your guests can see each other.

Tips

2004-06-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Deciduous plants lose their leaves at the end of their growing season and renew them at the beginning of the next. Semideciduous only lose some of their leaves, and evergreen plants stay ever green. When creating a private or screened garden area, plan accordingly. Many deciduous trees and shrubs such as eucalyptus or birch offer contrast in the winter through the beautiful color in their bark and stems. Paired with yews, holly, or pyrancatha you will have color and interest all year round.

QUICK TIPS

Love water gardens but hate the upkeep? Make it a container garden. Purchase a decorative sealed container, add water and a plant or two and you have a great container water garden. You can even add a small pump for the soothing sound of a waterfall. For more detailed information, visit The Water Garden. They sell everything you'd ever need for a water garden and provide a free email newsletter for your enjoyment.

Tips

2004-06-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Mosquitoes love to bug us in the summer and we've all heard about the dangers of West Nile Virus. But did you know our beloved pets are at risk as well? According to Drs. Foster & Smith, the nation's first documented case of a dog's death attributed to West Nile Virus was confirmed at the University of Illinois in 2002. So how do we protect our four-footed kids? Obviously, try to keep them indoors at dawn and dusk. Flea and tick products also contain pyrethrins that keep the pests at bay. So, as you protect yourself before going out do the same for your pets. They'll love you for it.

QUICK TIPS

Want information about plants that grow in your area, but not exactly sure where to turn? Look to your local extension service. They provide all sorts of resources to answer your questions and some may even provide classes to become a Master Gardener.

Tips

2004-05-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Lucky Bamboo isn't bamboo at all. It's a type of dracaena much like the common houseplant of the same name. Regardless of what it's called, the plant is undemanding and easy to grow. In fact, it grows in any type of light, adapts well to average household temps, and doesn't need fertilizer. Just give your "lucky bamboo" fresh water each week.

QUICK TIPS

Have you ever purchased plants in containers and, when ready to transplant found them rootbound? No problem. Loosen the soil as best you can and trim off any roots permanently kinked. Spread the roots out when planting and backfill. The plant will become better established and reward you with luscious growth.

Tips

2004-05-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Broccoli is actually part of the mustard family. It is partially frost hardy and grows best in the Spring and Fall seasons. Broccoli needs full sun, good soil, and lots of water to grow well. Like cabbage, the leaves and flowers need constantly available moisture to form their heads. To harvest, cut off the central head at its base, leaving as many leaves as possible on the plant. New baby heads will then form and grow from the original plant. Broccoli provides a large number of heads from one plant if well cared for. It's rich in vitamins A, B, and C and is full of flavor when picked straight from the garden.

QUICK TIPS

Speaking of broccoli, listen to your mother and eat your vegetables. Cruciferous veggies such as broccoli and cauliflower are believed to reduce the risk of cancer. A diet high in fruits and vegetables is also thought to contribute to a decreased risk of Alzheimer's. As research continues, doctors (and mothers) all agree: a low-fat, high-vegetable diet is good advice.

Tips

2004-05-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Certain plants can be poisonous and make you nauseous, cause rashes or make breathing difficult. They include: azalea, hydrangea, dieffenbachia, daffodil, and tulip bulbs to name a few. Be careful where you place these plants, and keep toxic plants out of reach of children and pets.

QUICK TIPS

Need to provide moisture and humidity for your indoor plants? Go to the bathroom. Steam from the bath will provide the ideal conditions for tropical plants such as ferns. And it'll give you something to look at when you're soaking in the tub.

Tips

2004-05-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Lobelia's common name is cardinal flower. The story goes that in 1629 Queen Henrietta Maria of England broke out laughing when she saw the plant, saying that the color reminded her of a cardinal's scarlet stockings. I don't know about the stockings, but it's color is crimson and the plant flowers from mid-summer into autumn.

QUICK TIPS

Cacti are fun and easy to grow, but very difficult and painful to move. The next time you need to relocate a cactus plant, use kitchen tongs. The ends are wide so won't harm the plant and will give you a better grasp of the subject!

Tips

2004-05-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Coleus makes a colorful plant in the garden. And the beauty is in the leaves. Considered an annual in northern climates, coleus offers a wide range of foliage color in reds, purples, yellows, and greens. It is easy to grow and will thrive just as well in a container as in an open bed. To propagate, remove a healthy 4-6 inch piece from the plant, place in water, and roots will develop within a few days. When the cuttings are well rooted, plant and enjoy.

QUICK TIPS

Vines are not just for climbing vertically anymore. Some climbers can also be used as ground covers. Plants such as clematis not only provide a beautiful carpet of color, but can help block out weeds. Visit Spring Hill Nursery for jackmanii, warszawska nike, crimson star, and nelly moser varities.

Tips

2004-05-10T18:26:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW

Green is an often overlooked color when people plan their garden. Most gardeners think of various colors such as yellows and pinks, but don't realize the number of plants that can provide a beautiful and effective garden through their green color. Examples include varigated leaves on many plants such as liriope, yellow and blue hues of plants such as hosta, and silver green varieties like lambs ear. Remember the green when creating or enhancing your gardens.

QUICK TIPS

When buying ornamental grasses, you can get two for the price of one. I usually purchase 3 gallon sizes. When I get the grass home, I take it out of the pot and lay it on its side. Using a sharp knife, I cut the root ball down the middle and separate the two pieces. Plant each section as you normally would and watch the beautiful grass grow.