The cucumber is one of our important vegetable crops for both the commercial grower and the home gardener. History tells us it has been in cultivation for thousands of years. Early American colonists grew cucumbers, and so did the American Indians before them. Ideal Soil For Cucumbers Cucumbers are a warm-season crop. Like pumpkins, melons, … Read more
It is later than you think! During thaws along the Ohio River the sap is already stirring. Starting Seeds Indoors The inexperienced gardener should not attempt to start seeds indoors unless a really sunny window is available. Poor transplants make slower progress in the garden than do seedlings sown directly where they are to grow. … Read more
Though Chilly and damp weather prevails in most of the West in many places the weather brings suspense and surprise to the garden. For example, in the favored spots such as west of the Cascades winter and spring weather are in a delicate balance. In California and the Southwest there is already a mildness in … Read more
Fertilizing Trees And Shrubs In all parts of the South trees and shrubs should be fed now. A few gardeners remember to feed the shrubs. but most neglect the trees. Fertilizer that is applied now, when most species are developing leaf buds, is taken up immediately. When applied in the fall or early winter, much … Read more
Midwinter is a favorable time to repot house plants. But do not move the plants to larger pots unless their roots are so crowded that they really need more room. Often it is possible to merely top-dress the plants. To do this, scrape away as much as possible of the surface soil without injuring the … Read more
A quick search on the web will help beginning West Coast gardeners with a good supply of information on what to do and when and how to do it. Plus there are many gardening books which tell the newcomer to the Coast how to grow the plants found at their local nursery. Although the gardening … Read more
This month the fragrance of tea olives, the Christmas rose of China and the lovely small tree Chimonanthus praecox (Meratia praecox), fills the air with delightful aromas. Camellias, with their fine forms and colors, lighten up the borders, dotted with the berries of nandina and hawthorn. How the birds love to feast on the berried … Read more
We are already looking ahead to spring. Former disappointments are forgotten, and they should be, except insofar as they keep us from repeating the same mistakes. Soon, the flower catalogs will be arriving. Although we know very well that we won’t grow all the intriguing things they offer, nor really believe all the glowing descriptions, … Read more
Gifts for Gardeners Garden tools, gloves, fertilizer, and plant and bulb gift cards are but a few of the unusual gifts that will be appreciated by gardeners. Prune Fruit Trees Peaches and nectarines should be pruned severely this month. Apricots, apples, and pears require only the removal of dead wood, crossed branches, and water sprouts. … Read more
Holly The Christmas season highlights holly. Although hollies do not grow too successfully in the Midwest, more and more plants are appearing in the gardens of skillful gardeners. Ilex opaca, American holly, is about the only species worth much in the area represented by a line drawn from Springfield, Illinois, to Columbus, Ohio. Spraying the … Read more