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.

Want to share your own idea? Submit an idea here.
Garlic, Part IGarlic, Part I
By drdawg on May 4, 2015

I have grown heirloom, gourmet garlic for several years, and over that time have learned some of its history, some of the myths/misconceptions associated with it, and what garlic grows where. In a second article I will discuss some aspects of the particular varieties, how to grow it, and how to store it.

(Full article9 comments)

All About the Black Soldier FlyAll About the Black Soldier Fly
By orchidgal on May 3, 2015

The Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) is an insect that all gardeners should become familiar with. After my encounter with it, I did much research and I am happy to share the information that I've found with my fellow gardeners.

(Full article4 comments)

Where Is That Amazing Garden?Where Is That Amazing Garden?
By JKing on May 2, 2015

Gardeners are enthusiastic about our plants and our gardens. However, we see our own garden much differently from the way our friends view it. How often do we say "you should have seen my garden last week?"

(Full article23 comments)

Roses Celebration Week Wrap UpRoses Celebration Week Wrap Up
By dave on May 1, 2015

We had a good amount of activity centered around roses this week. Here is a report on some of the best photos, who posted them, who thumbed them, and how much activity was in our rose forum. We also announce today the new Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Microbadge!

(Full article7 comments)

ATP Podcast #88: Celebrating RosesATP Podcast #88: Celebrating Roses
By dave on April 30, 2015

Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, Albas, Grandifloras, etc etc etc. What do they all mean? In today's episode, Trish shares from her depths of knowledge about the various kinds of roses, and you're sure to be inspired. After that we have an interesting discussion about this new fad where companies unnecessarily label their plants as "non-GMO."

(14 comments)

Roses and Clematises in a Small Natural GardenRoses and Clematises in a Small Natural Garden
By Jasmin on April 29, 2015

If you want your small city garden to evoke natural spaces and offer something to wildlife, a classic combination of roses and clematises is perfect for you.

(Full article13 comments)

Pedro Dot and the Pernetiana RosesPedro Dot and the Pernetiana Roses
By zuzu on April 28, 2015

Pernetiana roses were in great demand in the first half of the 20th century, and although they have now been relegated to the hybrid tea class, many rosarians believe they should still be regarded as a class of their own.

(Full article14 comments)

My Experience with Rose Rosette DiseaseMy Experience with Rose Rosette Disease
By gemini_sage on April 27, 2015

I moved to my current home 8 years ago, and I brought almost every plant from my garden with me, including about 50 roses. It was an exciting time, as I had lived in a wooded, shady hollow, and I was happy to give so many sun-loving plants an appropriate home. I had chosen rose varieties for shade tolerance and disease resistance, because I knew the shade and moisture would be inviting for fungal diseases. Although we experienced a terrible drought that year, the roses did respond well to the sunny, open environment, and they settled in nicely in spite of the dry growing season.

(Full article31 comments)

Enjoying Roses in VasesEnjoying Roses in Vases
By Calif_Sue on April 26, 2015

Creating bouquets for the house is an added bonus to growing them in the garden, and roses usually are the main feature of my bouquets. Here are a few tips for cutting them and keeping them fresh looking.

(Full article5 comments)

A Week of Celebrating RosesA Week of Celebrating Roses
By dave on April 25, 2015

It's Roses Celebration Week, a week we've been looking forward to all year! This week we'll encourage everyone to share their photos, comments and information about roses. Let's open the week with a look at the top cultivars, top comments, most thumbed images, and more!

(Full article7 comments)

ATP Podcast #87: Dealing with Frost, and Hanging Baskets InspirationsATP Podcast #87: Dealing with Frost, and Hanging Baskets Inspirations
By dave on April 24, 2015

It's a double feature podcast. First Dave shares his tips on dealing with frost, followed by Trish giving her presentation on hanging baskets. If you're not dealing with frost, just skip about 25 minutes in to Trish's great talk about hanging baskets. You'll be inspired!

(11 comments)

Grow Eggplants in PotsGrow Eggplants in Pots
By Newyorkrita on April 23, 2015

Heat-loving eggplant thrives in containers. Take advantage of your sunniest location and use containers to grow eggplant.

(Full article9 comments)

Grow Your Own Herbs for Mexican CuisineGrow Your Own Herbs for Mexican Cuisine
By pod on April 22, 2015

Some of the herbs commonly used in Mexican cuisine are bay, basil, rosemary, oregano, and sage. Most of us are familiar with these herbs and many grow them in their own herbal gardens.

(Full article9 comments)

A Favorite Spot by the Pond in SpringA Favorite Spot by the Pond in Spring
By Newyorkrita on April 21, 2015

Gardens are constantly changing. They need weeding and pruning, but every once in a while for a frozen moment in time, everything looks just perfect.

(Full article12 comments)

Thinking Outside the Box! Re-Purposing Stock Tanks as Raised Garden BedsThinking Outside the Box! Re-Purposing Stock Tanks as Raised Garden Beds
By Ecograndma on April 20, 2015

Do you have limited gardening space? Do you have poor gardening soil? Would you like to limit water use? Is it necessary for you to garden in a seated position or are you tired of stooping over a garden bed? Re-purposing stock tanks as raised garden beds might work for you while avoiding the high cost of labor and materials in traditional construction.

(Full article19 comments)

7 Gardening Tips for Spring7 Gardening Tips for Spring
By PAgirl63 on April 19, 2015

With springtime here now, here are seven gardening tips that might seem weird, but they actually do work!

(Full article13 comments)

Celebrating the Best Rhododendron Photos from This WeekCelebrating the Best Rhododendron Photos from This Week
By dave on April 17, 2015

Let's finish off our Celebrating Azaleas week with a look at some of the most thumbed pictures in our Rhododendron Database.

(Full article3 comments)

Top 5 Reasons You Should Grow AzaleasTop 5 Reasons You Should Grow Azaleas
By Trish on April 16, 2015

I think everyone should grow Azaleas and Rhododendrons! Here are my top 5 reasons why they belong in your garden.

(Full article12 comments)

ATP Podcast #86: Azaleas and Rhododendrons and So Much MoreATP Podcast #86: Azaleas and Rhododendrons and So Much More
By dave on April 15, 2015

We packed a lot into this episode. The first half is about rhododendrons and the second half is about a whole mix of different topics, especially about the plants database at ATP and our various plants we grow here, and much more.

(3 comments)

Azalea: Spectacular Shrub of the SouthAzalea: Spectacular Shrub of the South
By SongofJoy on April 14, 2015

One of the most popular shrubs in the South, the Azalea is spectacular when in bloom.

(Full article8 comments)

A Photo Tour of the Best Rhododendron Photos on ATPA Photo Tour of the Best Rhododendron Photos on ATP
By dave on April 12, 2015

Our Rhododendron Database has over 700 photos, and most of them are beautiful and worth viewing. Come on in and check out the top 20 most thumbed images in the rhododendron database, and learn about a mini contest for this week!

(Full article6 comments)

The Top Azaleas and RhododendronsThe Top Azaleas and Rhododendrons
By dave on April 11, 2015

It's Rhododendrons Celebration Week! Let's open it up with a look at the top species and cultivars from among this collection of vibrant and beautiful plants.

(Full articleno comments)

Try out Malabar SpinachTry out Malabar Spinach
By dave on April 10, 2015

There's so much to love about this useful plant. Let's look at Malabar Spinach, how to grow it, why you should grow it, and all the wonderful qualities it brings to your garden.

(Full article23 comments)

Remember the Cymlin?Remember the Cymlin?
By farmerdill on April 9, 2015

Back when I was a barefooted kid, all the old folks grew cymlins. Sometimes they might use the term 10 toes, but the official name was cymlin. As I grew up and encountered new folks, I heard the term patty pan used. Today we usually know them as scallops. The White Bush was what folks grew in my youth.

(Full article19 comments)

ATP Podcast #85: Bulbs to Plant in the SpringATP Podcast #85: Bulbs to Plant in the Spring
By dave on April 8, 2015

There's a vast selection of bulbs that are meant to be planted in the spring and that's what we're talking about in this week's podcast. Join us and be inspired as we share our favorite spring-planted, summer blooming bulbs.

(9 comments)

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