Bearded irises (Iris germanica) are a star of the late spring garden. Their big floppy blooms come in a huge range of colors, capable of creating a rainbow of hues in the landscape. They are deer- and rabbit-resistant, and many varieties have a lovely but subtle fragrance. Though they are fairly easy to grow, it’s important to know when to cut back irises to maximize both the plant’s health and the appearance of your garden.
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How deep should a raised garden bed be?
As you research project plans for building a raised bed, or you’re considering kits to buy and put together, you may be asking yourself: How deep should a raised garden bed be? There isn’t really one universal measurement when it comes to designs. But I’m going to share some tips on how to figure out the right dimensions for your garden.
Plum tomatoes: How to grow plum tomatoes in gardens and containers
Plum tomatoes are the secret to an amazing homemade tomato sauce! The oval-shaped fruits have a sweet-acid flavor and meaty texture which cooks down into a thick, rich sauce. Plus the plants are easy to grow in garden beds and containers. When given sunshine, fertile soil, and consistent moisture you can expect a bumper crop of plum tomatoes for summer sauces. Read on to learn more about planting, growing, and harvesting plum tomatoes.
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When to plant pumpkins from seeds or transplants
Pumpkins are a fun backyard crop for home gardeners. Kids find great joy in watching the massive vines grow and then form orange orbs, ready for carving or pie baking. However, sometimes things don’t go quite right in the pumpkin patch. It’s disappointing when a pumpkin crop is ripe months before Halloween’s arrival. It’s also disappointing when homegrown pumpkins don’t ripen in time for the Thanksgiving feast. Knowing when to plant pumpkins so they’re ready to harvest at the perfect time is a major key to enjoying this vine crop. Let’s dive into all the factors that influence when to plant pumpkins. With this information, you’ll be able to determine the best pumpkin planting time for your region.
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Zinnia Profusion: Grow an abundance of these gorgeous annual flowers in gardens and containers
Zinnias are among my favorite summer flowers. I plant these bloom-filled annuals everywhere—my raised beds, my front yard ornamental garden, in pots. I like to plant a variety of colors and several plants, so that a few flowers can be snipped here and there for cut flower arrangements, while leaving enough to be enjoyed in the garden. There are many gorgeous varieties, but today I’m going to talk about the Zinnia Profusion series.
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The best vegetables to grow in raised beds: 10 delicious choices
Raised beds are a popular way to grow vegetables in home gardens and for good reason. They warm up earlier in spring extending the growing season, drain well, and allow you to control the soil. These advantages make it easier to grow crops like tomatoes, peppers, carrots, and melons which benefit from the warm loose soil. Read on to discover the best vegetables to grow in raised beds.
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