Decreasing amounts of natural habitat, greater exposure to pesticides, and a dearth of nectar and pollen sources have put a dent in our pollinator population numbers. By establishing a thoughtful mix of annual and perennial plants for bees in our gardens, we can make sure that honeybees, moths, bumblebees, and other valuable pollinators have access to the nectar and pollen they need nearly every month of the year. I love seeing the bees at work in my gardens, from the first ones I spot on my winter aconite in late February or early March, to the last ones foraging for pollen in late fall.
READ MORE » about Plants for bees: Four seasons of choices for a pollinator garden
When to plant canna bulbs in gardens and containers
If you’re planning to plant canna lilies in your garden beds or containers, you first need to know when to plant canna bulbs. These beauties will bloom regularly throughout the summer with the right care, which begins at planting time. Unless you live in a tropical location, you’ll have to dig up each bulb—technically a rhizome—at the end of the growing season and replant them in the spring. Because canna rhizomes spread, you’ll be able to divide them before replanting and have even more bulbs to plant or to share. In this article, I’ll cover information about canna lilies in general, where and when to plant canna bulbs, how to plant them, and a little bit about general canna lily care.
READ MORE » about When to plant canna bulbs in gardens and containers
The best potting soil for vegetables
Whether you plan to grow tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, or cabbage in containers, it’s important to choose the best potting soil for vegetables prior to planting. As a former organic market farmer, I’ve grown just about every veggie under the sun in pots over the years, and I can assure you that using the right potting soil for vegetables makes a huge difference in plant health and yields. In this article, you’ll learn what to look for in packaged potting mixes, how to improve them, and I’ll even share my own recipe for a great DIY potting soil for vegetables.
READ MORE » about The best potting soil for vegetables
Growing poppies from seed: Expert tips for success
Poppies are fantastic garden plants adding vibrant summer color to flower and vegetable beds and the papery blooms are pollinator-friendly, attracting many species of bees to your yard. Growing poppies from seed is easy and it’s the best way to enjoy the many types and varieties of poppies in your garden. In this article you’ll get expert tips on when and how to plant poppy seeds, the best types of poppies to grow from seed, and how to care for the seedlings.
READ MORE » about Growing poppies from seed: Expert tips for success
Raised flower bed designs: From easy DIYs to kits
My garden has become a wonderful mix of raised beds that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. And there are no rules for what is planted in them. I like to grow lots of flowers among the fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Not only do flowers add color and vibrancy to my vegetable gardens, they attract valuable pollinators. However, if you only want to plant flowers in a raised bed, that’s okay, too! In this article, I’m going to share some inspiration for raised flower bed designs—no matter how you decide to plant them.
READ MORE » about Raised flower bed designs: From easy DIYs to kits
Pepper plants not producing? 7 reasons and solutions for vegetable gardeners
Growing peppers isn’t difficult with the vigorous plants producing a heavy crop of sweet or spicy fruits. However, pepper plants take time to size up, flower, form fruits, and then mature those fruits for harvesting. And sometimes that process is interrupted by weather, pest, or disease issues. If you’re having trouble with your pepper crop, I’ve got solutions. In this article you’ll learn 7 common reasons for pepper plants not producing and what to do about it.
READ MORE » about Pepper plants not producing? 7 reasons and solutions for vegetable gardeners
