Anticipating spring can be a long, tedious wait. Often the cherry blossoms are blooming in Vancouver, while here in Southern Ontario, we are still contemplating whether we should put our parkas away for good. As you patiently bide your time until you can head outdoors into the garden, consider the spring-blooming plants you may want to add to your must-have list, such as hellebores.
READ MORE » about Hellebores offer a welcome hint of spring
Best way to start seeds: Grow lights or sunny windowsills
When it comes to seed sowing, the big question is what is the best way to start seeds – with grow lights or sunny windowsills? Are grow lights worth the expense? If you’re serious about seed starting, the answer is yes. For me, the seed-starting season begins with early sowings of slow-growing plants like leeks, onions, geraniums, and pansies in mid-February. Today, I use a homemade three-tier light stand with simple four-foot long shop fixtures fitted with fluorescent bulbs. But, early on, I used my mother’s dining room table (sorry mom!).
READ MORE » about Best way to start seeds: Grow lights or sunny windowsills
Help fireflies by doing these things in your backyard
Most folks can probably identify an adult firefly, but can you identify a larval one? I found this little guy (or girl?) this past summer on a driveway in eastern Pennsylvania. These fascinating – and garden-friendly! – insects are facing massive population declines due to habitat loss, light pollution, and pesticide exposure. You might wonder how you can help fireflies. Well, as it turns out, encouraging them to take up residence in your yard is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
READ MORE » about Help fireflies by doing these things in your backyard
Paper wasps: Are they worth the sting?
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of accidentally encountering a gray, papery nest full of bald-faced hornets or running your lawn mower or string trimmer over the entrance hole of a nest of ground-dwelling yellow jackets, you’re well aware of how defensive paper wasps can be. Particularly in the autumn. But you’d be defensive too, if you thought your queen was under attack and you knew that the survival of your queen meant the survival of your species.
READ MORE » about Paper wasps: Are they worth the sting?
Growing citrus in pots: 8 simple steps
Though growing citrus in pots in the north isn’t easy, it is very rewarding. Imagine harvesting your own Meyer lemons, Bearss limes, and Satsuma or Calamondin oranges! Yes, they require a bit of care, but indoor citrus is oh so worth it. And here’s the kicker: Even if you never manage to harvest a single fruit, citrus plants are worth growing simply for their amazingly fragranced flowers and beautiful, glossy foliage.
To grow gorgeous citrus plants of your own, follow these steps.
READ MORE » about Growing citrus in pots: 8 simple steps
How long do seeds last?
In other articles, we’ve offered great tips for collecting seeds, saving seeds, sowing seeds, and even ordering seeds. But, if the question “how long do seeds last?” is on your mind, this article will offer you some answers.
READ MORE » about How long do seeds last?
