Good soil means good roses. However, what makes soil good is not simple; it is highly complex. \There are three possible sources from which root systems can extract their nutrients: the soil solution, the soil particles, and the readily decomposable minerals. All are equal in importance and relationship to the rose. Therefore, a general review … Read more
Once upon a time, there was a little boy who assured his mom he had not been “out back of the barn smoking again.” It was true. He hadn’t been back of the barn smoking. This time it was in the carriage shed. (I know this to be true for a fact. I’ve known the … Read more
During the growing process, all plant life progresses from the first stage of seed germination, through several degrees of development, to the final one of maturity, when it puts forth seeds for harvest or propagation. In this process, food nutrients are absorbed from the soil. One of these is nitrogen in the form of nitrates. … Read more
“Dear Heart,” exclaimed Grandmother as she saw my offering of a Madonna lily bulb, “we can’t put a lily in this garden. It just wouldn’t be happy here.” Grandmother knew that she couldn’t raise lilies, delphiniums, gardenias, and primroses in her garden, although she loved all of them. So it was useless to plant them. … Read more
In the world of gardening, no experience equals the ecstasy of the moment when pulling a green-leafed stem. The gardener finds on end a fat red radish, a tender turnip, a beet, or a carrot! It seems akin to the mystery of creation. Whether we are backyard gardeners or thousand-acre growers, there is nothing more … Read more
Lime may provide the key to better plant growth in sections where the soil is acidic. Therefore the gardener in such areas needs to understand how to use this indispensable material. Plants differ widely in their tolerance to acidity in the soil. A few, such as blueberries and evergreens, will tolerate extreme acidity. However, most … Read more
Soil formation is a slow process that requires 10,000 years or more to form one foot of depth. The host soils provide 10′ feet or more effective depth for the root zone. Rocks are variable in composition but contain minerals such as feldspars, micas, apatite, hornblende, and others that are important in forming soils. As … Read more
Agriculturists have long appreciated the important influence that the physical condition of soil has on plant growth. Old English expressions still commonly used in England refer to land as being in “good heart,” when the soil is in prime condition, and as being “out of heart,” when the soil condition is poor. “Land out of … Read more
A homeowner with a new yard to landscape thinks must select trees, shrubs and flowers to plant. A well-landscaped yard is not planned at a minute’s notice. It requires thoughtful attention and a plan on paper. You can get help in various ways. First, consult back issues of magazine articles on yard beautification. There are also … Read more
Spring-flowering bulbs you plant this fall burst into bloom next spring because food needed for flower development is contained in the bulbs at the time you plant them. For flowers in the second and succeeding springs, you must see at planting time that the soil contains nutrients that the plants can use to replenish the … Read more