Try creating a cold frame
Cold frames can give plants a head start on the seasons and sometimes even extend the season, and are great for starting plants from seeds. A cold frame is nothing more than a bottomless box sunk into the earth and roofed over with glass or plastic. The ideal position...
Fallen leaves are assets, but wisdom needed
Leaves are assets to your lawn. Not one should leave your property. However, matted leaves rob the grass of the sunlight it needs as it continues to grow through fall. Grass will continue to grow as long as the soil remains warm, which in our region is at least...
Moth crystals can prevent indoor whiteflies
To rid your houseplants summering outdoors of whiteflies before bringing them indoors, use moth crystals, because in my experience, insecticidal soap will not work! In the evening, drape a clear plastic bag over the whitefly infested plant, and place a small Styrofoam...
Teach yourself to harvest seeds
August is in many ways a transitional month. Many perennials are still blooming and need care, but other plants such as herbs are due for harvest and seed collection. Harvesting, drying seeds, herbs Harvest seeds that are ripe but not so ripe the seed heads drop or...
Time to pinch off geranium flowers
Let’s start with a few quick summer tips: When geranium flowers wither, pinch off the flower with your fingernail about an inch below the blossom. A few days later, tug out the dried, brownish stem at the top. A replacement stem and flower will grow quickly because...
Water those vegetable plantings
Summer weather has finally arrived and if you’re like me, you’re eager to get outside more and get work done. With a lot more people getting into gardening, see my recommendations for watering vegetables. The grass is growing fast as ever but that doesn’t mean it...
Plenty of gardening work needed in spring
A lot has changed in the last two months, but plants are still growing and will need your attention. Here are some tips for cutting, pruning and maintaining some common plants for spring. Harvesting Roses • Harvest roses early, before the sun bakes them (before 10...
Keep a lookout for boxwood twig blight
Boxwood Twig Blight! The fungus Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum first presents itself as leaf spot followed by rapid browning and leaf drop starting on the lower branches and moving upward in the canopy. The fungus can remain in fallen leaves, so be sure to rake up...
This is the best time for pruning trees
March is the month of preparation. Taking the time to prepare your garden for the growing season by checking soil pH and cleaning up winter debris is a perfect way to start. It is the best time for pruning trees and shrubs, especially for fruit and shade trees. If you...
Brace yourself for weather swings
February is a month where the weather can vary widely. 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. Pruning...
