Author: Joseph Greenfinger
Fresh produce is plentiful in August, which is great for the enthusiastic cook, but increases the need for regular picking to ensure the plot doesn’t become cluttered. Summer pruning is also high on the list of priorities, so keep an eye on trellises, fans, vines and climbing vines. Perennials also need a little extra care in late summer, removing dead flowers to keep the plants going and ensure you have beautiful flowers as we head into autumn. Daffodil Bulbs to Plant: Daffodils are the most cheerful flowers of spring and early fall is the best time to plant them. Here…
Hanging a lavender wreath around your garden might be just the aromatherapy boost you need to help relieve stress after a long day, or maybe it just makes you smile. Either way, this lavender wreath is a quick weekend project that will help calm you down enough to read a book in the afternoon or get a good night’s sleep at night. To keep your lavender plants neat and tidy, it is important to prune them. Two prunings per season are best—once in early summer and again in August. The great thing about pruning lavender is that you can harvest…
When someone mentions bees, most of us picture honeybees, wasps, or those aggressive carpenter bees that drill holes into wooden surfaces. There are actually four thousand native bee species in the United States, and a quarter of them are ground nesting. Often grouped together and referred to as ‘digger bees’, they include 70 different species with the largest numbers found in the western states. Digger bees belong to the family Apidae. Other bee-like insects that nest underground include wasps and yellow jackets. It is important to identify exactly which species are burrowing in your garden so that you can manage…
Hello GPODers and welcome to GPOD After Dark! In case you missed it yesterday (you should definitely go back and check it out here), we visited Terry Redling’s New Jersey garden which was filled with flowers, including a variety of lilies and zinnias. Hi, my name is Terry Redling and I live in Gillette, NJ, a semi-rural suburb about 28 miles from New York City. Previously living in a 6b zone, we now have a 7a garden. I am a geriatrician by day (and on call at night) and enjoy the meditation and beauty of the garden to relieve stress…
Common name Devil’s Backbone, Zigzag Plant, Redbird Cactus, Slipper Flower Botanical name Euphorbia tithymaloides Family Spur Plant type Perennial, succulent Adult size 2-10 ft tall, 1-2 ft wide Bask Whole, part Soil type Good drainage Soil pH Neutral Tolerance zone 9-11 (USDA) Native area North America, Central America Toxicity Toxic to pets, toxic to humans Devil’s Spine Care Here are the main care requirements when growing cacti: Plant in well-drained soil mix.Choose a location with strong, indirect light.Water once every one to two weeks; allow soil to dry between waterings.If desired, fertilize houseplants at half strength during the growing season.…
If you are wondering whether you should prune your chrysanthemums, the simple answer is yes. There are over 20,000 varieties of chrysanthemums, and most benefit from prune them. The more important question is how to prune your chrysanthemums properly. Here’s everything you need to know about how and when to deadhead chrysanthemums to keep them healthy and blooming year-round. Should you prune dead chrysanthemums? Removing spent flowers from your chrysanthemums always improves their appearance. It stimulates new growth, which encourages the plant to produce larger, more beautiful flowers over a longer period of time. Since chrysanthemums are prone to self-seeding,…
Fungus gnats are one of the most common problems for indoor gardeners—and one of the most difficult to deal with. When these little flying insects attack, you want them gone fast—but it took me several failed attempts before I was able to get rid of the problem for good. There are a lot of fungus gnat treatments out there, and I’ve tried most of them in my quest to eradicate these pesky bugs from my 60-plus houseplants. Here’s what I learned about how to get rid of fungus gnats—and how to prevent them from affecting your plants in the first…
There are a few different ways to water houseplants. Maybe you take a watering can and give your seedlings a little sip of water, or you water them deeply every now and then to really hydrate the soil. Maybe you fill a sink or bucket and let it soak up the water from the bottom. However, when it comes to water, chances are you’re using tap water. But is that always the best option? Is tap water safe for your plants? Here’s what a gardening expert says, along with tips for ensuring your water keeps your houseplants happy and healthy.…
As a master gardener, I enjoy growing many types of flowers. One flower that holds a special place in my heart, especially during hot summer days, is the periwinkle. Whether you are interested in annuals or perennials, sun-loving periwinkles can produce stunning blooms that last all season long. These flowers are beautiful, showy, and showy. I recommend displaying them in flower beds, containers or hanging baskets in your garden. They are perfect as fillers for any sunny spot in your garden. In this quick read, I have compiled everything I have learned about growing and caring for periwinkles, along with…
You can use any type of material to create effective raised garden beds, but many people prefer wood. Wood is easy to work with and is a natural choice that is well suited to organic gardening. However, wood decomposes easily and may need to be replaced after a few years.Other options include composite wood, metal, stone, and concrete block. When choosing a material, consider factors such as cost, ease of use, durability, and any chemicals that may leach into the soil. If you choose wood, you still have many options and considerations.Does bed type matter when choosing the best wood…