Robby

When planning a shaded border, the first step is to analyze the specific conditions. Levels of shade vary from light to full, and soil moisture is also a factor. Dry shade under the canopy of trees is very different from the cool, moist shade on the north side of a home. Carefully evaluate both the … Read more

June and July are excellent months to start perennials and biennials from seed. At this time of year, the warmer soil temperatures help seeds sprout faster and plants grow faster. If you buy a small packet of biennial or perennial flower seeds, you can often get at least 100 starter plants. Starting perennials from seed … Read more

Onions are a great addition to any vegetable garden. They are easy to grow and very healthy. This article gives an overview of the plants that grow well with onions and those that don’t, as well as what you should think about when rotating crops with onions and an example planting plan for planting onions … Read more

Shed roofs, also known as skillion roofs, are a popular choice for small and modern home designs. This simple, sloped roof style pairs well with compact floor plans to create cozy yet contemporary living spaces. In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively use shed roofs on small homes. We’ll look at the benefits of … Read more

We are coming to the end of another growing season in Kansas. This year has been nice at the Arboretum. The amount of rain has gone up and down, but overall it has been a good year. The grasses are at their peak now with beautiful plumage and incredible fall colors. As we get our … Read more

Crab apple trees are common backyard plants. It’s common to wonder if the tiny apples from these trees are safe to eat. Gardeners are often puzzled when a small ornamental shrub suddenly produces bright red fruits resembling tiny apples. This phenomenon frequently stems from flowering quince (Chaenomeles species) But other plants also yield similar miniature … Read more

A must-have for even the smallest of ponds, water lilies need dividing every few years. Keep them healthy and prevent the pond from becoming overcrowded by dividing and replanting. You can get up to 25 new plants from one large rootball of a healthy water lily. That’s enough to turn your pond into a Monet-inspired … Read more

For garlic lovers, growing hearty hardneck garlic bulbs is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh homegrown garlic. Hardneck garlic (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon) produces large, easy-to-peel cloves and edible scapes, making it a favorite for home gardeners. Read on to learn everything you need to successfully plant hardneck garlic bulbs this fall. What is Hardneck … Read more

We provide a planting scheduling tool for maximizing yield! Find your zone by your city or zipcode! Companion planting for alyssum is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. Planting some plants next to each other has been shown to help each other, which increases the produce quality and quantity. Companion planting is not set in … Read more

When anyone first heard the word “deadhead,” did they think of a much more dangerous gardening task? Despite being the scariest word in the garden language, “deadheading” is actually a pretty easy task. Its not hard to do (although sometimes can be tedious). In fact, Ive decided to award it the “dont-even-need-to-wait-until-naptime” seal of approval. … Read more