Ewwww ….!! It’s an earwig! Or what some people call “one of those pincher bugs”! A balance of earwigs in your garden can actually be beneficial as they will eliminate other pests such as aphids, mites and insect larvae. Earwigs can look frightening, but they are pretty much harmless to us. In the garden though, an abundance of earwigs can …
Heat Stress on Plants
When temperatures in the summer start creeping up, you’re not the only one who can get stressed. A lot of plants will suffer when the weather turns hot out. Irreversible damage can occur to the plant with decreased functions in growth, failure to flower, or failure to produce seeds. However, with adequate care, outdoor plants in the extreme heat, and …
Watering Tips
After all the trips you’ve made to the garden center, and all of the flowers and vegetables have been planted into the garden, many gardeners feel that their work is done. Now is the time to sit back and enjoy all your hard work. Yet, when Mother Nature turns up the heat in your garden, it’s time to get watering! …
Plants that keep those pesky bugs away!
Summer is almost here, and you’ll want to spend more time outside and in your gardens. Unfortunately, so will those pesky bugs! Many aromatic plants can deter insects that might otherwise attack your plants. Fragrant herbs like mint, sage, and basil are useful for repelling insects. Planting herbs and certain flowers will help to repel those bugs, including irritating …
To Deadhead or Not?
First, what exactly is deadheading? This gardening term simply means to remove the old spent blooms including any developing seed from a plant to help keep it blooming longer. Why does a plant bloom more if you remove old flowers? Flowers are a means to ensure the continued survival of the plant and the next generation as well. In some cases, …
Garden Answers
Hobby gardeners often do not have experienced gardeners around who are able to answer all of their questions that they may have on any given day or throughout the season. You can find answers to some common gardening questions by trading tips with friends who are seasonal gardeners or by searching through gardening guides online. Plus, there are likely some …
Fertilizers
Fertilizing your plants can sometimes be a bit overwhelming if you are unsure of what to use. It is essential though to use fertilizers when you are looking to get the best out of your plants, as most soils will not provide the essential long term nutrients needed for full plant potential. Whenever you see a fertilizer product, it will …
Pollinator Gardens
Butterflies and flowers were made for each other, and there are certain flowers that butterflies absolutely love to be around. Different species of butterflies have different preferences of nectar, in both colors and tastes. Searching for nectar they help pollinate plants, ensuring seeds for future generations. Planting a wide variety of plants will give the greatest diversity of visitors in your garden. …
Gardening in the Shade
Every yard has its own special challenges, but it’s nothing a little pop of color can’t fix. There are many flowers that can grow and flourish in shade. A few shade tolerant flowers whether perennials or annuals, planted in the right places can bring color to a dark corner. Every plant needs water and sun to survive, but not all of them …
Growing Side By Side
Seasoned gardeners know that a diverse mix of plants makes for a healthy and beautiful garden. Many believe that certain plant combinations have extraordinary powers to help each other grow and thrive. Gardening wisdom says that certain plants, when grown together, improve each other’s health and yields. For instance, some plants attract beneficial insects that help to protect a companion plant, …