Gardening Articles

Simply put, a fertilizer has nutrients to help plants grow. Many years ago, farmers found that composted manure from their farm animals were beneficial for healthy plant growth. Today, most of us buy fertilizer in bags and bottles at our favorite garden center. A trip to the store, however, can…

The key to successful gardening is “healthy soil.” This basic principle of organic gardening applies to all plants. Quite simply, when you feed the soil the proper nutrients, you let the soil feed the plants. So how do you “feed” the soil? First, you need to understand some elementary information…

Summer can be the most stressful time of year for landscape plants with heat and drought being the main offenders.  When not receiving sufficient moisture, plants are much more susceptible to insect and disease damage. Trees are the most valuable landscape plants and therefore should be given priority during periods…

Merriam-Webster defines Ergonomics as: an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely. Experts in the field of Ergonomics strive to design and produce items that better match the capabilities, limitations and needs of the people who…

Because plants require moisture to grow and thrive, your garden will probably suffer during periods of low rainfall and intense heat.  Insufficient soil moisture will result in smaller flowers and fruit, stunted plant growth, decreased root development and increased plant disease and insect damage.  Fortunately, there are many things that…

Spray Trees & Shrubs With An Anti-Transpirant If pruning, only remove dead material from trees and shrubs, anything more will encourage new growth. This takes energy that a drought stressed plant cannot afford. Instead, spray leaves with an anti-transpirant or anti-dessicant to help leaves retain what moisture they have. Water…

Strictly vegetarian, an average adult deer can eat between 4 and 6 pounds of food per day. Not only are they big eaters, they aren’t the slightest bit picky. Deer eat over 500 different varieties of plants, but, if they’re really hungry, they’ll eat just about anything in the garden…

Water slowly and thoroughly. Recycle water: Final rinse water (except loads with bleach) Drip from air conditioners (produces 5 gallons in a 24 hour period) Dehumidifiers Divert water from downspouts toward dry areas Used water from the kitchen (cooking, leftover drinking, etc.) Use Gator Bags (plastic bags that slowly release…

By gardening with your children or grandchildren, you can help give them an awareness and appreciation of nature and the world around them that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Even very young children enjoy helping with simple garden chores such as weeding, spreading mulch and…

Yellow means caution, even in the garden. While leaf yellowing, chlorosis may be a signal that there is a problem that requires attention, it may also be normal.  Chlorosis is the scientific word used to indicate the full or partial yellowing of plant leaves or stems and simply means that…