A Quick Tip About SquirrelsI have a big problem with squirrels, AKA tree rats or varmints, getting into seedlings or cuttings. When I trim the rambling rose I put the trimmings around the babies to help deter them from getting dug up or eaten. Not 100% squirrel proof, but it does help.
Grow Your Own Turmeric from the Grocery StoreIf you've ever eaten East Indian food, you've probably tasted turmeric, the bright yellow, pungent spice. It's usually found in powdered form, but it can also be eaten freshly sliced from the root. Would you believe that you can grow it yourself from tubers that are found in most international markets? If that doesn't catch your attention, you can also grow these same tubers/rhizomes into lovely blooming gingers for your summer garden before you harvest the roots in fall for turmeric.
Clean Your HouseplantsHouseplants with large leaves and smooth foliage, such as schefflera, philodendrons, and rubber plants, benefit from periodically washing the leaves to remove dust buildup, helping to keep the leaf pores open.
Tutorial ~ How To Make a Hollow Concrete SphereConcrete statuary in some of the gardens I've visited has always captivated me. Unfortunately most statuary I've priced is quite expensive and with my tight budget the chances were slim that any of these creations would ever find themselves in my gardens. However, several years ago I was intrigued when I stumbled upon instructions for making "hollow concrete spheres". I was pleased to learn the cost of materials is fairly inexpensive and last year successfully completed my first sphere. I'd like to show you how easy it is and hopefully inspire you to create your own hollow concrete sphere!
Keep the Blooms ComingDeadhead your spent blooms to promote a second flush of flowers.
This Isn't the Color It Was Supposed To BeYou buy a young potted plant at your local garden center that is not yet in bloom. The tag in the pot pictures a beautiful blue-colored flower. Much to your later dismay, the flowers aren't blue at all, but a purplish lavender. What gives?
Protect Yourself from the Sun When GardeningWhen working in the sun always wear a hat and sunscreen.
Trap Earwigs in BambooGot earwigs? Nope, folks, not small toupees one wears on their ear bones but rather small brown bugs, usually scary looking because they sport pincers on their hind end. Although they normally eat decaying plant matter and certain insects they’re also known for feeding on lettuce, corn and potatoes. Try trapping them in a section of bamboo laid in the garden. They’ll crawl inside for cover and then you can dispose of them any way you choose.
Scare Away the Birds and RodentsHang empty aluminium pie plates around your vegetable garden to deter birds and rodents.
Garden Tours: kqcrnaWe are going to Ohio this week to spend some time with Karen (kqcrna) in her lovely gardens. Be sure to click on each image so you don't miss a thing. You will love all the color combinations.
Water for CuttingsBe sure to take a container of water with you when taking cuttings for rooting. Throw the cuttings in the water to keep them from getting dehydrated.
No More Fading Labels in Your GardenFor no-fade labels, use an Industrial Sharpie Marker (more UV resistant than a standard Sharpie, which will fade in the sun). An oil based paint pen also works. This is especially important on those winter sowing jugs, so you don't end up with thousands of mystery seedlings!
Grow a Pineapple PlantGrow a pineapple plant. Twist the top off a fresh pineapple and remove the lower leaves. Let the bottom part of the pineapple dry out for several weeks. then plant. Be warned that the leaves do have sharp thorns on the ends.
Knowing the Names of Plants That Share Your WorldTo know the names of the plants with which you live, is to have an intimacy with the land that few find.
Dry Hydrangea Blooms for Indoor Winter ArrangementsDry your hydrangea blooms for a winter arrangement. Cut the blooms when they are fully mature, leaving a stem. Pull all the leaves off the stem and place stems in a vase -- no water, and the hydrangea bloom will soon dry and can be used in an arrangement.
Care for Nitrile GlovesNitrile-coated gloves like these Atlas 370 garden gloves go through the wash just fine. They'll be OK in the dryer, too, but they will last longer if you hang them to dry. "Update: An Atlas representative recommends putting their gloves in the dryer to re-activate the slightly "sticky" feel of the nitrile surface."
Sculpted Forms: a New Look for a Favorite PerennialThe American Hemerocallis Society, the International Cultivar Registration Authority for the genus Hemerocallis, recognizes for registration groups of daylilies with different and distinctive flower shape as Forms. Daylily form refers to the shape or structure of the flower. Currently, there are six distinctive forms of daylilies, single, double, polymerous, spider, unusual form and the newest, sculpted form.
A Quick Seed Viability TestNot sure about your saved seeds' viability? A bit of water and a few seeds placed in a resealable plastic bag can be used to test for germination. Results are usually apparent in just a few days.
Cheap and Easy Weeding ToolAre you tired of hand weeding tools that aren't up to the task? A pair of gloves and piece of inexpensive reinforcing rod cut into 15" sections works wonderfully! It can't break, it doesn't bend, and it won't harm the roots of your desired plants.
Garden Tours: mcash70Come with us now as we travel to Canada to view the gorgeous gardens of Margaret, (mcash70). Short growing seasons and long cold winters don't seem to mar the beauty of her landscape. Be sure to click on the images to enlarge them. You are going to love what you see!
Best Time To Use ChemicalsIf you have to use a chemical spray, do it very early or very late in the day, when bees and other pollinators are less active.
Atlas Glove Sold from Cooper Safety - A ReviewI wear gloves around the farm about as often as I wear shoes - never. These particular gloves, however, just might make me change my mind.
Heucheras Tolerate Some Sun.Heucheras (Coral Bells) actually like more sun than previously thought. If your Heuchera is not doing well, move it into a sunnier location and see whether that will help!
Squash Bug EggsIf you find squash bugs on your squash or other veggies in the garden, make it a point to look on the underside of the leaves where they have likely left eggs which will hatch in 5 to 10 days! Don't forget to remove the bugs and the eggs!
What's Blooming in AprilLike many other parts of the Midwest, our spring came early in Iowa this year, with temperatures approaching those of summer. Unfortunately, we are back to reality now, with three successive nights of temperatures in the upper 20s. Some plants suffered visible damage, but many that I expected to see damaged breezed through the cold spell with nary a blemish! Come on into the garden and see what our early spring has wrought.
