Pay attention to geraniums, dry lawns
When geranium flowers wither, pinch off the flower with your fingernail an inch or so 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 you pruned properly. Perk up flowering...
Be careful not to over-water plants
Avoid over-watering in hot muggy weather, because it causes mildew. Powdery mildew often appears on zinnias, phlox and roses. I recommend using Bonide’s Infuse, Liquid Copper or Fung-onil, if plants are severely infected. Thin plants to allow better air flow. Be sure...
Containers ideal for herbs, vegetables, fruit
Many types of herbs, vegetables, and small fruits do very well in containers. Container gardening — ideally done in the second week of May — helps to solve space problems, and proper locations can help to utilize light and temperatures. Here are some suggested ideas:...
Remove all remnants of Boxwood Twig Blight
Keep a lookout for 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...
This month is when the magic starts
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...
Pruning, clean-up important in February
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...
There’s always work to be done with plants
A new year has begun and though it’s not the heart of the gardening season, there’s work to be done to get the best out of your plants this year. Here are 10 suggestions for care of your plants inside and out. • When the flowers on Christmas Cactus fade, pinch off the...
Save this Christmas cut-tree checklist
For many of us, it’s not Christmastime until the tree is in the house with decorations and ornaments. If you fall into that category, you’re probably itching to go out and select the perfect live tree for your space, if you haven’t already worked it into you...
Take steps to protect tools, products
The cold weather is setting in, but many plants still need attention to last through the winter. Even more than plants, tools and plant-care products should be stored properly to prevent damage or loss. It’s just as important to have those tools ready in the spring,...
Prepare soil to nourish wintering plants
Fall is settling in on us and that means it’s time for amending the soil for some plants to feed them into the new year and promote their next bloom. Start with poinsettias and roses then move on to the Christmas cactus and acid-loving plants. At the end of the month,...
