Tomatoes and pumpkins are two vegetables we get calls on in the fall. We haven't reached the growing season's end yet, but it's only a few weeks away. If there are still tomatoes or pumpkins in the garden to harvest, follow these recommendations to ensure a successful end to your harvest season. As tomatoes ripen,... Continue Reading →
Bringing Houseplants Indoors
Many houseplants thrive outside during summer, growing well with the brighter light intensity, but it will soon be time to bring them back indoors. Most plants grown as houseplants originated in the tropics, so nighttime temperatures dipping into the 40's and 50's F mean it's time to bring them inside. These plants won't survive frost... Continue Reading →
Uses of Compost in the Landscape
Compost is used as a soil amendment to improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils. Over time, yearly additions of compost will improve your landscape or garden soil in many ways. Fall is a great time to build a compost pile. So, before your trees begin to lose their leaves this fall, consider all the great uses for compost in your landscape. Compost can be used... Continue Reading →
Woody Weeds – Controlling Volunteer Trees
A weed is any plant growing where it isn’t wanted and, although they are less common than other weeds, trees and shrubs can also become weeds. Usually, these plants get started through seed dispersal by wind or wildlife and they can pop up in the most inconvenient places – fence lines, right next to a... Continue Reading →
Volunteer Trees – Saving the Good Ones
When working in the landscape it’s common to find a surprising treasure – a healthy little tree. Usually, they were planted by squirrels or birds so aren’t in an ideal location, but it is possible to relocate and grow them into large shade trees. First, consider which seedling trees are worth saving. Choosing the... Continue Reading →
Hosta: A Shade-loving Garden Perennial
Hosta, or plantain lily, is one of the best, most reliable, plants for home gardens. They thrive in shade – often a challenging area for any gardener - have few pest problems and are reliably hardy in cold climates. There are hundreds of cultivars available offering a wide range of plant sizes, leaf shapes and... Continue Reading →