About Those USDA Climate Zones The familiar United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map is based on the average annual minimum temperature for each zone. Needless to say, some years a zone will get a minimum temperature lower or higher than the average. Nevertheless, the average minimum temperature is a fairly good indicator […]
We prune our trees and shrubs to control their size, shape and scale within our landscape. Proper pruning also stimulates flowering and fruiting and helps to keep shrubs and trees healthy and vigorous, thus reducing the likelihood of future problems. There are two main kinds of pruning: Thinning and Heading. Thinning Thinning cuts […]
Frost and Cold Protection Frost is the enemy of most flowers and some leaves. A dusting of frost can kill blossoms and even the leaves of many kinds of plants. Frost forms on surfaces when the temperature goes below water’s freezing point of 32°F (0°C). Note that the temperature at ground level and on plant […]
Vegetable gardens in the summer can be frustrating, especially in the South. The heat and humidity make for great growing conditions for molds, funguses, viruses and bacterial diseases. Vegetables, not so much. The cooler days of fall promise a respite from the heat and humidity and better growing conditions for many of our favorite vegetables. […]
Consider the potato. Round, brown (typically), and a staple on most tables. If you believe the Earth is round and the sky is blue, then chances are you’ve consumed a potato. Predating the New Testament (somewhere between 8000 and 5000BC), the potato was first domesticated in the region of modern-day southern Peru and northwestern Bolivia. Today there […]
The tomato is so much more than just your French Fries’ best friend or the third metric when making your favorite sandwich. It’s farm to table, to palate. Done. Simple, effective, easy to grow, with ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’-type outcomes. There are many different kinds of tomatoes out there to cultivate in your garden. Each […]
When you think of the tomato what comes to mind could very well be “I could sure go for a BLT,” or “Why is Pico de Gallo the best thing about my burrito?” But it typically isn’t “Man, tomatoes sure do have versatility, don’t they?” But that’s exactly why we love tomatoes so much – besides […]
In case you missed Vegetable gardening for beginners – Part 1, be sure to check it out to get answers to other frequently asked vegetable gardening questions! Vegetable gardening is a pastime that brings with it many perks and benefits. Not only can it save you money by providing a fresh, free and home-grown selection of […]
Having your own vegetable garden can be beneficial in a variety of ways. For starters, a vegetable plant you buy at the store for $3 can provide you with pounds of fresh produce over the course of the season. On top of that, gardening is fun! It’s a great way to get out of the […]
Container, or flower bed, gardening is a great way to liven up your landscape while still keeping it trim and tidy. Even if you have limited landscape space, containers allow you to enjoy planting and growing in places where it might otherwise be thought impossible. Container gardening has become increasingly popular—and for good reason! You […]
The month of March brings with it a fresh breath of spring air and a new season for gardeners to put their green thumbs to work. Typically by March, temperatures have risen to a crisp 70 degrees (at least), and plants and blooms have defrosted and shaken their stiff limbs loose from the harsh winter […]
Sure, growing and maintaining a beautiful garden during the spring, summer and autumn is a piece of cake – you have the warm temperatures and sunny skies on your side. Once the winter season rolls around, it can feel impossible or useless to keep up with all your hard gardening work – it doesn’t have to be […]