Member Ideas

Welcome to the Member Ideas area! This community feature is where our members can post their own ideas. These posts are unedited and not necessarily endorsed by the National Gardening Association.

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Pretty PetchoasPretty Petchoas
By LarryR on January 16, 2020

There's a new annual on the spring planting scene that's giving petunias and calibrachoas a run for their money. Meet the petchoa. The name looks and sounds strange, but it's merely the combination of the first part of "petunia" and the last part of "calibrachoa." The plant itself is a cross of the two.

(Full article8 comments)

Growing  Perennial Foods: A field guide to raising resilient herbs, fruits & vegetables: A Book ReviewGrowing Perennial Foods: A field guide to raising resilient herbs, fruits & vegetables: A Book Review
By Trish on May 9, 2019

Right from the beginning of the book, you really get the idea that not only does Acadia know what she's talking about, she is passionate about it! This book isn't technical, but also doesn't talk down to readers. Acadia is right there with you, explaining everything, encouraging you, and giving you all the info you need on growing various perennial vegetables. I love that she covers not just the details about varieties but how to grow and harvest each one.

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For Member Begonia LoversFor Member Begonia Lovers
By LAbegoniac on April 19, 2019

The Louisiana E-Branch of the American Begonia Society has a new website: www.bayoubegonia.com. We hope you will visit and don't forget the ABS site: www.begonias.org.

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100 Years of Celebrating the Iris100 Years of Celebrating the Iris
By dave on April 8, 2019

For 100 years the American Iris Society has been working with and for iris hybridizers, growers and iris lovers (irisarians) to promote and advance the "flower of the rainbow."

(Full article3 comments)

"Jumping Worms""Jumping Worms"
By marysp on March 27, 2019

"Jumping worms" is the new reality in Wisconsin

(Full article46 comments)

Propagating Amaryllis Seeds by FloatingPropagating Amaryllis Seeds by Floating
By cwhitt on September 21, 2018

Although an exercise in patience, growing Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) bulbs from seed can be advantageous and offers the opportunity to hybridize something new, exciting and different in the world of Amaryllis.

(Full article10 comments)

Three Ways to have a "Wild" Time GardeningThree Ways to have a "Wild" Time Gardening
By dave on June 15, 2018

Each year as we rediscover the emerging beauty of our gardens, we can also welcome and enjoy birds, butterflies, pollinators and other wildlife. Garden for Wildlife Month in May and National Pollinator Week, June 18-24, 2018 remind us to prepare our gardens as a habitat for wildlife. Here are starter tips for wild friendly gardening.

(Full article8 comments)

Reptile and Amphibian Public Opinion SurveyReptile and Amphibian Public Opinion Survey
By dave on November 20, 2017

As someone who enjoys gardening and probably encounters reptiles and amphibians in the course of their activity, the Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research invites you to take the 2017 Reptile and Amphibian Public Opinion Survey.

(Full article2 comments)

National Pollinator Garden Network Closing In on Million Pollinator Garden Challenge GoalNational Pollinator Garden Network Closing In on Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Goal
By dave on October 10, 2017

National, regional, conservation, and gardening groups fight the decline of pollinator species by calling on all Americans to do their part

(Full article8 comments)

Vegetable Gardening For DummiesVegetable Gardening For Dummies
By dave on September 26, 2017

Want to grow your own vegetables? You can do it the fun and easy way with this practical guide. From selecting the right spot to preparing the soil to harvesting, Vegetable Gardening For Dummies, 2nd Edition shows you how to successfully raise vegetables regardless of the size of your plot or your dietary needs.

(Full articleone comment)

Voting Open for National Garden Bureau’s 2017 Therapeutic Garden GrantVoting Open for National Garden Bureau’s 2017 Therapeutic Garden Grant
By dave on September 4, 2017

Grant aims to build and enhance therapeutic gardens across North America.

(Full article5 comments)

Organic Farmer and Gardener Apprenticeship in Ecological HorticultureOrganic Farmer and Gardener Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture
By dave on August 30, 2017

Aspiring organic farmers and gardeners are invited to apply for the 2018 Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Now celebrating its 50th year, the Apprenticeship is the longest running university-based organic farming training program in the U.S. Deadline to apply is September 30.

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Announcing the new Garden.org Ask a Question: KnowledgebaseAnnouncing the new Garden.org Ask a Question: Knowledgebase
By dave on August 24, 2017

We have launched a brand new Q&A feature for our members to enjoy. Ask questions, give answers, post comments on existing answers, and vote on your favorite items.

(Full article9 comments)

All-America Selections Now Accepting Herbaceous Perennial Entries for TrialingAll-America Selections Now Accepting Herbaceous Perennial Entries for Trialing
By dave on August 11, 2017

All-America Selections, the only non-profit trialing organization for plants that demonstrate great garden performance throughout all of North America, is now accepting entries into their 2018-2021 (three winter) Herbaceous Perennial trial.

(Full articleone comment)

Bloomberg Reports Bees Are Bouncing Back from Colony Collapse DisorderBloomberg Reports Bees Are Bouncing Back from Colony Collapse Disorder
By dave on August 10, 2017

The number of U.S. honeybees, a critical component to agricultural production, rose in 2017 from a year earlier, and deaths of the insects attributed to a mysterious malady that’s affected hives in North America and Europe declined, according a U.S. Department of Agriculture honeybee health survey released Tuesday.

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spoga+gafa 2017 - Garden Trade Fair in Cologne, Germanyspoga+gafa 2017 - Garden Trade Fair in Cologne, Germany
By dave on August 3, 2017

From September 3rd through 5th, in Cologne, Germany, over 2,000 exhibitors from around 60 countries will be presenting their innovations for the green oasis to almost 40,000 international trade visitors. Free tickets are available to interested members of NGA.

(Full article3 comments)

Dave Reviews the New CobraHead "Mini" Weeding ToolDave Reviews the New CobraHead "Mini" Weeding Tool
By dave on July 12, 2017

We are quite excited about this new (and we think improved) version of the CobraHead weeding tool. In this video, Dave demonstrates the tool and gives his opinion. The raffle going on right now features this tool as one of the prizes!

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Overview of Pterostylis Pollination (Orchidaceae) in VictoriaOverview of Pterostylis Pollination (Orchidaceae) in Victoria
By dave on July 11, 2017

Rudie Kuiter, a professional wildlife photographer living in Victoria, Australia, has devoted much of his current time to recording the pollination of native orchid species. Here is his latest publication.

(Full articleno comments)

The Best PesticideThe Best Pesticide
By Anderwood on June 30, 2017

Everyone wants to get rid of garden pests, but what is the best pesticide? Read more to find out!

(Full article12 comments)

Repurposing a Prefabricated PondRepurposing a Prefabricated Pond
By beckygardener on June 29, 2017

What to do with a leaky prefabricated pond? Repurpose it into a large garden container or small garden bed!

(Full article14 comments)

Overwintered Peppers, Thinking Ahead.Overwintered Peppers, Thinking Ahead.
By DaisyRyder on June 28, 2017

Last year I dug up my pepper plants and overwintered them in a greenhouse. I like being the first among my garden neighbors to have big healthy tomatoes and peppers in the garden AND I can also say I started them from seed. I plan on overwintering these peppers again, but there has to be an easier way -- a way that can keep them happy all spring and summer but doesn't hurt my back in fall. So I had an idea and I'm feeling pretty positive about it.

(Full article5 comments)

Dress Up Your Doggie Yard with Container PlantsDress Up Your Doggie Yard with Container Plants
By JB on June 27, 2017

If your dog's fenced-in yard is attached to your favorite deck, it can be a boring view as the months go on. I found a way to make me and doggie happy.

(Full article3 comments)

So THIS Is "Harvest"?So THIS Is "Harvest"?
By Dirtlings on June 26, 2017

Given any length of time spent in garden forums, YouTube, or social media, certainly you have drooled over documented mounds of brightly-colored, fall garden harvests or splendid spring baskets spilling nasturtiums and zucchini, but that's NEVER how harvest happens for me and my "plodding" garden.

(Full article6 comments)

Harvesting Potatoes from Ornamental Sweet Potato VinesHarvesting Potatoes from Ornamental Sweet Potato Vines
By scflowers on June 25, 2017

Many of us are familiar with rooting cuttings of ornamental sweet potatoes to make more vines, but why let the end of summer be the end of your vines? Use this easy method to harvest sweet potatoes (made by your own ornamental vines) to propagate next season's plants, and save money by turning this annual into a perennial.

(Full article18 comments)

Battling Pesky Garden Bugs: My Worst ThreeBattling Pesky Garden Bugs: My Worst Three
By DaisyRyder on June 24, 2017

There are subtle things in nature we overlook when cultivating our own gardens. We know what we want and what we want to grow but a garden based solely on desire will have its flaws. To grow a healthy ecosystem, we have to take a few notes from the wild. Incorporating knowledge in a desire makes dreams a reality.

(Full article5 comments)

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