Let heat, humidity dictate water usage
Understanding how heat and humidity affect your perennials helps you to water correctly. If nature does not provide water then your plants are counting on you to do it. The hotter and drier the air, and the windier the weather, the more water your plants need. Only...
‘Mow it high and let it lie’
To thrive in summer, lawns need water every week. When you water, imitate a slow, soaking rain. This allows the water to penetrate deep and the roots will grow down, away from the heat and drought at the surface. When you water, lay down 1 1/2 inches slowly and...
Maintain the beauty you’ve created
The calendar may not say so, but many other signs show summer is in full swing. If you were successful in getting all the plants planted that you wanted and beds in shape around your home and property, now begins the time to go back through your work and maintain the...
Start growing your summer food
Try growing some of your own food this summer. Enjoy delicious produce, save money, and reduce climate-warming gas emissions associated with long-distance transportation and packaging of store-bought foods. Most vegetables and annuals can be planted this month. Keep...
April is when it really starts to count
This month really kicks off the gardening season most years and this year is no different. Plants are ready to break out of their trays and flourish in the ground. The weather wakes up perennial flowers and shrubs. And, unfortunately, the weeds and pests show up for...
This is the month for preparation
March is the month of preparation. Take the time to prepare your garden for the growing season by checking soil pH and cleaning up winter debris. March is the best time for pruning trees and shrubs, especially for fruit and shade trees. If you have fruiting or...
You can still prep, clean up in February
February is a month where the weather can vary greatly. Even though it may still be cold, damp, snowy and sometimes miserable outdoors, occasionally Mother Nature will bless us with a day or two of sunshine, which inspires us to go outside and work in the yard....
Know how to handle winter chaos
Assess any chaos caused by winter weather throughout your yard. For instance, branches harmed by the elements should be carefully removed. Allowing broken limbs to stay intact encourages bark tearing. Always remove heavy snow from evergreens and shrubs, always...
Placement matters with poinsettias
Keep poinsettias in an average room temperature of 65 degrees to 70 degrees during the daytime and 60 degrees to 65 degrees at nighttime. Avoid drafts from registers, radiators, baseboard heat and open doors. Locate plants in bright indirect light (never full sun). It...
Fall is an ideal time for planting
November is another good month for planting and continued fall maintenance. Here’s a good breakdown of what to target: Week 1 • Cut a few stems of holly with berries for making Christmas garlands. It’s early, but now’s the time to do it, before the birds eat all the...
