Here are some examples of the words and terms you’ll come across when gardening. Learn what they mean here. Heel In When nursery stock cannot be planted for several days, heel it in by digging a shallow trench in a well-drained location. Place the plant or plants lengthwise in the track and cover the roots … Read more
Whether you need an extra 4’ feet of indoor gardening area or an entire room, it can be acquired by installing fluorescent lights. Artificially lighted indoor gardens can be made in closets, attics, and basements; cabinets, bookcases, and planters; and in various kinds of lighted plant carts available by mail and locally, ready to use. … Read more
The mark of an enthusiastic hobbyist is his constant search to learn more about his hobby. This is certainly true of an enthusiastic gardener. Witness the abundance of good gardening literature on the market and the attendance at garden forums and flower shows. Or go by any good nursery and watch the amateur gardeners browse … Read more
Regarding labor-saving devices, the amateur gardener has not been forgotten. Hoping for a break from the elements is as passe as the recipe that calls for a dash of this and a pinch of that. Nevertheless, uncertainty is rapidly disappearing in the growth of seedlings. An article appeared in the January 1918 Flower Grower entitled … Read more
The art of grafting has been known for over 2,000 years. In ancient times, those who knew this method of plant craft did not share their knowledge freely, for it seems to have been considered a mysterious process possible only by those who possessed the almost supernatural ability. The object of graftage is to unite … Read more
A study of heredity in plants almost always begins with a look at the work of Gregory Mendel. With no knowledge of exactly how it happened within the plant, Mendel was able to reason out the inheritance mechanism by observing and keeping careful records of the behavior of garden peas. A review of some of … Read more
MAY 18 – First flowers opened on ‘Little Gem’ alyssum in bed bordering rear walk-30 clays after sowing. Plants have a height and spread of three inches. May 25 – First flowers opened on ‘Little Gem’ alyssum edging rear walk 30 days after planting. Plants have a height and spread of two inches. I would … Read more
So many times during my recent stay in the United States, gardeners asked me if I knew Maye Bruce and what she is like. I was happy to answer then that I know her, and nothing gives me greater pleasure now than to pay tribute to this great enthusiast who is one of our pioneers … Read more
Would you like to speed up the propagation of a favorite plant? Grow a few “hothouse” plants in a “cool” greenhouse. Accelerate growth on plants in outdoor frames? Get a head start on your seed-grown annuals and vegetables, or hasten the sprouting of patio plants grown from bulbs or tubers? If you answer yes to … Read more
Snow may come and go during the month of December, but except for the far north, it seldom stays throughout the month. Consequently, it cannot be depended upon to protect gardens, trees, and shrubs. Mulching with tree leaves or covering hay always is necessary for our area. This protective mulch may not be necessary until … Read more