What is too hot? This will depend on the plants – Cool season plants like pansies, snapdragons, and veggies like broccoli, lettuce, etc. don’t like temps above 75. You will see those veggies bolt, (Go to flower and seed). Warm-season plants like tomatoes, peppers, squashes, zinnia, impatiens, & annual vinca love & thrive in warm temps (75-90). But when we get in the mid and upper 90’s to 100 even those can slow production or suffer. Newly planted perennials, trees & shrubs too…
Easily identify which plants survive and thrive best in your zone Garden Design website has a wonderful new tool to assist gardeners in identifying (and seeing beautiful pictures of) plants that will survive winters in our Zone 3-4 and thrive too. USDA hardiness zones are based on average annual minimum winter temperatures, but doesn’t account for other factors like heat, humidity, rainfall, and soil conditions. Their new online tool provides some of the most popular perennials, shrubs, and trees to…
Many grass species enter a state of dormancy during periods of extreme heat. Letting your lawn turn brown in summer is not only acceptable but also a responsible and sustainable approach to lawn care, particularly in regions prone to drought or where water conservation is a priority. One of the primary reasons for allowing your lawn to go dormant during the summer is to conserve water. Lawns, especially those made up of cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass, require significant amounts…
Investing in landscaping projects can significantly enhance the curb appeal and overall value of your home. Keeping up with landscaping projects around your home enhances the beauty and functionality of outdoor spaces, and makes living in your outdoor environment a pleasure. Considering trying some of these this summer or early fall (you don’t have to do all of them at once): 1. First and foremost, keep a Clean and Tidy Landscape A well-maintained landscape reflects positively on the overall property. Regular maintenance prevents…
Regular deadheading of any plant promotes healthier growth. Deadheading irises, which involves removing spent flowers, is essential for maintaining plant health and aesthetics. And did you know that some iris will bloom a second time in a season if deadheaded as soon as possible after bloom? The optimal time to deadhead irises is immediately after the flowers begin to fade and wither, typically in late spring to early summer depending on the variety and climate. Throughout the blooming season, regularly…
400 of the irises are rare historical varieties that otherwise might be lost to time. The iris collection at Chatfield Botanic Gardens are part of a nationwide horticultural heritage movement to preserve heirloom irises. Click here for more info. Note: this Botanic Garden location is closed May 28 – 29 for a private event.…
It can be difficult to know if stuff about gardening that we read on the internet (or hear from others) is true. In this article from The Old Farmer’s Almanac helps to dispel commonly believed myths related to gardening, and will save you time, money, and wasted effort too. Take a look at commonly held beliefs and garden advice topics, and see if you know which are true, and which are myths: Add sand to improve clay soil Water droplets…
Farmed as early as 12,000 years ago, this grain endures today. Einkorn wheat holds a significant place in the history of agriculture and human civilization. Believed to be one of the earliest cultivated grains, einkorn has a rich history dating back to the Neolithic period. Its cultivation began in the Fertile Crescent, a region encompassing parts of modern-day Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Iran, where it played a vital role in the development of early farming communities. Archaeological evidence suggests that…
There are those of us who don’t relish contact with insects and worms while working in the yard, but many of them are quite beneficial. For instance: Ladybugs and lacewings prey upon damaging aphids and whiteflies. Ground beetles eat caterpillars and Colorado potato beetles, which may serve an important function in your garden. By establishing your landscape, you’ve created an ecosystem, and many of those insects serve a purpose. If pests are damaging your plants, you can consult a landscape…
How to control grasshoppers in your garden and landscape Having a dearth of grasshoppers is understandably upsetting to any gardener – we know firsthand the damage they cause to the crops we’re working hard to cultivate. Controlling grasshoppers in the garden can be challenging, but there are strategies you can try to minimize their damage and keep their populations in check: Remove Habitat: Grasshoppers prefer to lay their eggs in undisturbed soil, so by tilling or cultivating the soil around your garden…
