GardenSpotlight

Super plants; for many years, plants have been used medicinally.   In medieval times, a person carried with them small bunches of flowers called “nosegays” because they made the nose “happier,” allowing for ease in breathing.   Now there are a group of plants known as “super plants.”   These super plants have been recognized for being able to help clear the air in our homes. Our homes, while being more energy efficient and air tight, tend to hold in the toxins rather than allowing them to escape our homes.   The EPA states that the air in our homes is up to 5% more polluted than the air outside.   There are many toxins in our homes, stemming from household cleaners, furniture, carpeting and more.   Many people suffering with allergies and asthma probably suffer from these ailments because of those common household products.     Formaldehyde is a big offender in many homes.   It is a colorless, strong smelling gas that can irritate the bre...

I thought it would be a good idea to go over some basic plant maintenance for this issue, being that many of you have your plants already planted and are in the process of maintaining them.   Fear not, if you haven’t planted yet, you still can.   It’s not too late and many growers still have great plants to choose from.   It’s sale time too….we don’t want to maintain spring plants in the greenhouses any longer than we have to and many growers are looking to get rid of them as quickly as possible. I cannot stress enough….and my husband tells me to mention it in every article….plants need to be fed on a regular basis for best performance in your gardens and pots.   There are many people that still do not realize that very important but simple concept.   Plants need their nutrients just like people do, especially if they are expending all that energy flowering or producing a quality crop to harvest.   I have mentioned before, during the heat of the summer,...

Good drainage is essential to planting a successful garden or landscape.   Plants’ roots (and this goes for ALL plants) need oxygen.   If plants are kept in an area that is continuously wet, the roots will be starved for oxygen and the plant(s) will eventually die.   There are many different ways to improve the drainage around your yard and gardens. If you have potted plants or container gardens, make sure you have several drainage holes in the bottom of your pots.   If you have ceramic pots, adding gravel or styrofoam peanuts in the bottom of the pot prior to adding planting mix will also help.   Prior to planting your garden, you should till the soil well.   This will loosen the soil and break up any large clods.   The soil will be better able to drain this way than if it were left hard and compacted.     Rototilling in between the rows of an already established garden not only removes weeds, but also increases drainage and encourage...