As winter weather approaches, gardeners often ponder if covering beds with plastic sheeting over winter is beneficial. Black plastic mulch can warm soils, block weeds and potentially offer some frost protection. However, it also has downsides. Read on to learn whether covering your garden in plastic for winter is right for you. Reasons Some Gardeners … Read more
Have you ever thought about growing companion fruits? How do freshly picked strawberries and blueberries sound? If you have grown or picked either of these fruits, you may know that they don’t ripen at the same time, even though they show up in July 4th fruit spreads. These two plants go well together because they … Read more
Raspberries need consistent watering, especially during the growing season—but they hate wet feet. So it’s important to plant your raspberry plants in well-drained soil and water regularly, but not too much. A soggy raspberry patch is an invitation to rot and diseases. On the other hand, it’s important that you don’t let your raspberries dry … Read more
You can get back into the garden in January and get your roses ready for a burst of spring growth and bloom. Your roses may still be leafy and even blooming, but it is time to encourage them to rest. To do this you’ll need to prune them to push them into dormancy. Below are … Read more
Topiary trees are stunning garden centerpieces when shaped into spirals, pom poms, pyramids and more. But these meticulously trimmed shrubs require special care and protection to withstand freezing winter weather. If not properly prepared your topiary masterpieces could emerge from winter looking ragged misshapen or even dead. So do topiary trees last through harsh winters? … Read more
Encore azaleas are prized for their ability to rebloom in spring, summer, and fall. But do these popular shrubs also retain their foliage in winter? Or do encore azaleas lose their leaves when cold weather hits? I’ll explain what to expect so you can enjoy these beauties year-round. Why People Love Encore Azaleas Encore azaleas … Read more
At first glance, a tiny red ant might not seem dangerous, but its presence can have a big effect on the environment and on the places we live. Despite what most people think, tiny red ants are not just a problem outside; they can also get into our homes and be dangerous to our health. … Read more
Have you ever seen powdery mildew on a fiddle leaf fig? It can look like white, fluffy powder on the leaves of your fig. Your first thought might be mold, since it looks a lot like the fluffy mold that forms on bread or fruit that has been left out for too long. But you … Read more
White mold on orchid roots can be concerning for any orchid grower. However, there are a few key things you need to know to properly identify, treat, and prevent white mold on your orchid’s roots. What Causes White Mold on Orchid Roots? White mold on orchid roots is caused by a fungus known as Sclerotium … Read more
If your zucchini plants are turning yellow, don’t panic! It usually is a sign of a treatable problem. As a home gardener, few things are more frustrating than seeing your lovingly grown zucchini plants suddenly develop yellow leaves. This discoloration is not only unsightly, but can indicate underlying issues negatively impacting your plant’s health and … Read more