As the weather warms up, queen wasps emerge from hibernation to start new nests. You may encounter one of these large, slow-flying wasps while working or relaxing outdoors. Which naturally raises the question – should I kill a queen wasp? This issue is more nuanced than it first appears. There are ethical considerations about needlessly … Read more
With their delicate bells and striking foliage, coral bells (Heuchera) are a beloved staple of gardens across North America While these compact perennials are relatively low-maintenance, transplanting them occasionally helps maintain their vigor. Proper timing is key tosuccess when dividing coral bells. In this article, we’ll explore when and how to transplant coral bells for … Read more
With their sumptuous, romantic blooms in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow, peonies are one of the most beloved perennials for the late spring garden. But there’s more to peonies than just the flowers. The plants’ deep green, divided foliage provides an attractive backdrop for the blooms and remains throughout the growing season. But … Read more
The Netherlands is world famous for its vibrant fields of tulips in springtime. But those dazzling displays don’t happen by accident. Tulip bulb production is a complex process that starts long before the first sprouts emerge. Planting Tulip Bulbs Tulip bulb production begins in the fall when bulbs are planted in prepared fields Fields are … Read more
Have you ever thought that your morning coffee could also help your flowers? Today we have a really great question: Can coffee grounds help Dahlias grow? While we’re at it, let’s talk about the best fertilizers that will make your dahlias the talk of the town. So grab your trowel and coffee cup and let’s … Read more
Few flowers announce the arrival of spring as vibrantly as tulips. Their brightly colored cups seem to glow with optimism after a long winter. But just how long do tulips last once they start blooming? In this guide, you’ll learn how factors like tulip type, weather and care impact bloom time both in the garden … Read more
Because its pattern is so simple and easy to recognize, the daisy is the most recognizable flower of all. For generations, crayon-drawn daisies have been on people’s fridges, and the plant has become a part of pop culture, everyday language, and even politics. Some flower lovers think that the phrase “fresh as a daisy” comes … Read more
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Want to add more clematis (or KLEM-a-tis, as some people prefer) to your collection? This summer, try growing new plants from seeds. Once the seedheads turn brown, shake out the seeds and collect the fatter, swollen ones … Read more
Just when you thought you were done with harvest season and all the picking and storing, it’s time to plant garlic! Before you plant garlic in the fall, let’s talk about hardneck vs. softneck garlic. Garlic is one of my favorite crops to grow because it is no-nonsense. It grows almost anywhere, and once you … Read more
“I have some large compost bins, which produce a lot of compost. What kind of “dirt” with inorganic materials do I need to plant things in order to get the best results? How much inorganic material do I need? This question came from Naomi or Oakdale, California. Answer: Congratulations on your composting success! Compost is … Read more