As a beginner tomato grower one of the most exciting milestones is witnessing those very first yellow flowers. It’s a sign your plants are thriving and fruits are soon to follow. But just how long should you expect to wait between seeing those pretty blooms and harvesting ripe tomatoes? Let’s walk through the growth timeline. … Read more
The American Hosta Growers Association defines giant hosta as those that exceed 30 inches in height. There are several cultivars now that are in the 48 inch range. How big GIANT Hostas get in your garden depends on how much light they get, how much water they can get, and how deep and good the … Read more
It’s never a good idea to transplant raspberries in the summer, but if you have to do it for bramble bushes, these tips can help you do it as well as possible. As I dug a hole in the sod of our old front sheep pasture, I asked myself, “Is there ever a right or … Read more
When maintaining your landscaping, one of the most important projects you’ll do in the spring is mulching. People often ask if they should remove mulch from the previous year before putting down a fresh layer. Surprisingly, many gardeners answer this question with a resounding “no!”. As a passionate gardener, I use mulch liberally to suppress … Read more
Good soil prep is the key to successful gardening. Learn how to prepare a flower bed for planting. Some things we all heard a million times as kids were things like “Make your bed.” As gardeners though, this simple phrase has a different meaning. “Make your bed” is all about preparing the soil for planting. … Read more
Lily of the valley is a spring-flowering bulb that grows cute little bell-shaped flowers that smell very sweet. Lily of the valley is very easy to grow and may even become aggressive. However, the plant needs to be divided every so often to keep it from getting sick and crowded. Lily of the valley is … Read more
Daylilies are a popular perennial flower, prized for their bright colors, low maintenance, and ability to thrive in a wide range of climates While daylilies are winter hardy in most regions, providing some care in fall can help them survive harsh winters and return vigorously the following spring What are Daylilies? Daylilies, or Hemerocallis, are … Read more
With their similar names and starchy tubers it’s natural to wonder – can you plant sweet potatoes and regular potatoes together? The short answer is yes! Despite the name similarities, they are completely unrelated plants with different origins and growth habits. Growing sweet potato vines alongside potato plants works well However, some considerations for their … Read more
Chestnut trees are majestic nut-bearing trees that can thrive in many climates when cared for properly An important first step is knowing the optimal time to get young saplings in the ground based on your region Planting at the right time of year gives chestnut trees the best chance at developing a robust root system … Read more
Iris are stunning perennial flowers that bloom in a rainbow of colors. While most varieties thrive in zones 3-9, they do require some special care when cooler weather hits. Proper winter preparation is key to ensure your iris return healthy and vigorous the following spring. Here is a complete guide on how to get your … Read more