Category: Spring
The Scoop on Poop
Gardeners have long used manure from various farm animals to fertilize and enrich their soil. However, recent public awareness of food-borne illnesses has left many gardeners wondering if using manure is safe. There are a number of pathogens, including E. coli, salmonella, and listeria that can be transferred to humans from animal manure. Some animal manure may also contain parasites, such as roundworms and tapeworms. If fresh manure is applied to the garden […]
Tater Planting Time
Although some dedicated gardeners may have already planted their seed potatoes, for most of us, the ground has been a little too soggy. Some gardeners aim for planting on or around St. Patrick’s Day, while others of us will be lucky to have them planted by Mother’s Day! Potatoes are considered to be cool-season plants and can be planted just as soon as the ground has thawed and dried enough to safely work the soil. […]
So Long Suckers!
Some landscape plants produce vigorous, upright stems that become troublesome as they out compete better-formed branches and shade out the rest of the plant. These remarkably fast growing upright stems are called “suckers” if they come from the root system, and “watersprouts” if they originate from other stems. Ornamental crabapples are among the most notorious producers of these unwanted stems, but many other trees and shrubs can be afflicted, including contorted filbert, peach, apple and […]
Why Plants Fail to Bloom
Flowering plants that don’t bloom as promised can be a big disappointment in your garden. Reasons for lack of blooming are as diverse as the palette of plants from which to choose, but a little detective work can usually pinpoint the trouble. The most common factors associated with blooming, or lack thereof, include light, plant age, nutrition, extreme temperatures and improper pruning. Many woody plants must reach a certain age before they are mature enough […]
Gardeners Fret Over Freeze
Much of Indiana experienced freezing temperatures this week, causing concern among backyard gardeners. Though there’s not much we can do about the weather, many gardeners wonder if something can be done to help their plants recover and protect them from future frosts. Most gardeners are concerned with newly planted flowers and vegetables. Cool-season plants, such as broccoli, cabbage, peas, potatoes and pansies, should be just fine. Frost-tender vegetables and bedding flowers, such as tomatoes, peppers, […]
Vinca minor — Friend or Foe?
Vinca minor, more likely to be known as periwinkle, creeping myrtle or just myrtle is a commonly used trailing, mat-forming evergreen ground cover. This plant is not only grown for its attractive shiny foliage, but the common name perfectly describes the pretty bloom color. The flowers are most numerous in mid spring, but plants will re-bloom sporadically throughout the growing season. There are some cultivars selected for different bloom color and variegated foliage. The plant […]
Designing a Flower Bed with View in Mind
A private garden need only please its owner; after all, taste is very individual. But while beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, there are some basic garden design principles to keep in mind. An important consideration that drives the rest of the design is function. How will the garden be seen? Is this bed to be enjoyed primarily by those looking out the window from inside the house? Is it to be […]
Celebrate Arbor Day, April 29
There’s no better way to celebrate Arbor Day than to add beauty and value to your home landscape with a new tree. Trees can also provide shade and wind protection for many years to come, if given the proper start. The last Friday in April is both the national and the Indiana Arbor Day, so you have some time to plan. The first step should be thoughtful selection of an appropriate plant to match the […]
Treated Lumber and Alternatives in the Garden
Gardening in raised beds can be just the answer for would-be gardeners, who would love to grow their own vegetables and flowers, but lack the space or physical ability for a traditional garden. However, recent controversy regarding chemical wood preservation treatments has left many gardeners wondering about the safety of treated lumber. Many gardeners have made use of treated lumber in their raised beds, fences, benches, gazebos and other landscape structures. Up until about 2003, […]
Treated Lumber and Alternatives in the Garden
Gardening in raised beds can be just the answer for would-be gardeners, who would love to grow their own vegetables and flowers, but lack the space or physical ability for a traditional garden. However, recent controversy regarding chemical wood preservation treatments has left many gardeners wondering about the safety of treated lumber. Many gardeners have made use of treated lumber in their raised beds, fences, benches, gazebos and other landscape structures. Up until about 2003, […]