Monthly Archives: March 2024

Strawberries: Home Grown in Hanging Baskets

Do you grow strawberries? Ripe, sweet, juicy strawberries are the number one favorite fruit in the US and are definitely worth the garden space. However, if you have a small or limited growing space, raising strawberries in hanging baskets offers a creative and space-saving solution while adding a decorative touch to outdoor areas.

Benefits of Growing in Hanging Baskets

Space Efficiency: Hanging baskets utilize vertical space, making them ideal for small gardens, balconies, and such.
Ability to Relocate: If an unforeseen deep frost or a scorching day arrives, hanging baskets may easily be temporarily relocated to a frost-free or cooler location.
Pest Management: Elevating strawberries can help deter pests like slugs and snails, reducing the risk of plant damage.
Improved Air Circulation: Hanging baskets allow for better airflow around the plants, which can help prevent diseases such as mildew.
Increased Water Drainage: Water drains quickly and easily from most hanging baskets, helping to prevent root rot.
Easy Access: Harvesting strawberries from hanging baskets is convenient and doesn’t require bending or stooping, making it suitable for gardeners of all ages and abilities.
Aesthetic Appeal: Hanging baskets add visual interest to your garden or outdoor space, providing a beautiful display of cascading foliage and ripe berries.

Selecting the Right Varieties:

Choose strawberry varieties that are well-suited for container gardening, such as Alpine, Day-neutral, and Everbearing. Alpine types do not produce runners, while Day-neutral and Everbearing types produce few runners, thus putting their energy into increased fruit production. It is best to avoid June-bearing types when planting in hanging baskets, as they produce excessive runners at the expense of fruit production. Also, consider factors like flavor, size, and yield when selecting varieties.

Alpine

Alpine strawberries are delightful little fruits that pack a punch of flavor despite their small size. What sets Alpine strawberries apart is their intense sweetness and aromatic fragrance. They typically have a more concentrated flavor compared to their larger counterparts, making them a favorite among gardeners and fruit lovers.

These plants are also known for their ability to produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season, ensuring a steady supply of delicious berries for eager growers.

Here are three popular varieties of alpine strawberries that thrive in hanging baskets:

Alexandria
This variety is prized for its sweet, aromatic berries and vigorous growth habit. ‘Alexandria’ produces an abundant yield of small, deep red fruits that pack a punch of flavor. They have a lovely trailing nature, which creates an attractive cascade of foliage and fruit. With proper care, ‘Alexandria’ plants can produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season, providing a steady supply of delicious strawberries for snacking or culinary use.
Mignonette
Renowned for its intense strawberry flavor, ‘Mignonette’ Alpine strawberries are a favorite among gardeners. These petite, ruby-red berries boast a rich, complex taste reminiscent of wild strawberries, making them a delightful addition to desserts or salads or enjoyed fresh off the vine.
Ruegen
With its vigorous growth and prolific fruit production, ‘Ruegen’ Alpine strawberries are a popular choice for hanging baskets. This variety produces medium-sized, bright red berries with a sweet, tangy flavor that is simply irresistible. ‘Ruegen’ plants feature cascading stems adorned with delicate foliage and clusters of berries, creating a picturesque display in hanging baskets.

Everbearing & Day-neutral

Everbearing strawberries typically produce two to three harvests of fruit each year: one in late spring to early summer, another in midsummer, and sometimes a third in early fall. They initiate flower buds in response to day length, meaning they typically produce their main crop in the spring and a smaller crop later in the season. After the initial flush of fruit, everbearing varieties may produce sporadic berries throughout the summer and into the fall. However, their fruiting is influenced by day length, so they may slow down or stop producing during the hottest months of summer.

On the other hand, Day-neutral strawberries are less dependent than Everbearing strawberries on day length for flowering and fruiting. Instead, they produce fruit consistently throughout the growing season, regardless of day length. Day-neutral varieties initiate flower buds based on temperature rather than day length, allowing them to flower and fruit continuously as long as temperatures remain within their preferred range. This makes them ideal for regions with mild climates where temperatures stay relatively consistent throughout the year. Day-neutral strawberries typically produce smaller harvests of fruit compared to everbearing varieties but over a longer period of time.

Here are our favorite everbearing and day-neutral strawberry varieties popular for growing in hanging baskets:

Seascape
‘Seascape’ strawberries are prized for their exceptional flavor, firm texture, high yields, and compact size, making them a top choice for hanging basket growth. These berries boast a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making them excellent for fresh eating, preserves, or adding to desserts.
Tristar
Loved for its robust flavor and reliable performance, ‘Tristar’ strawberries are known for their intense sweetness and juicy texture, making them a delightful addition to salads and desserts or enjoyed fresh off the vine. ‘Tristar’ plants are compact and produce abundant fruit throughout the growing season, making them well-suited for small-space gardening and hanging baskets.
Evie-2
‘Evie-2’ strawberries are esteemed for their large, flavorful berries and vigorous growth habit. These berries are known for their sweet, juicy flavor and firm texture, making them perfect for eating fresh, baking, or preserving. ‘Evie-2’ plants are compact and produce fruit prolifically throughout the season.
Albion
‘Albion’ strawberries are known for their large, firm berries and high yields. They have a deliciously sweet flavor and are resistant to several common strawberry diseases. Their compact, runnerless growth makes them an excellent choice for hanging baskets where space is limited.
Quinalt
‘Quinalt’ strawberries are another everbearing variety that produces medium-sized berries with a sweet, juicy flavor. ‘Quinalt’ strawberries are also known for their high tolerance to heat, making them a great choice for growing in containers during the summer months.

Each of these strawberry varieties offers something unique, whether it’s compact growth, continuous fruiting, disease resistance, or ornamental appeal, making them excellent choices for growing in hanging baskets.

Hanging Basket

YOUR GARDEN CENTER offers a fantastic assortment of hanging baskets. When making your selections:

Opt for hanging baskets with sufficient drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Select a hanging basket large enough to hold your strawberry plant(s).
Ensure the basket is sturdy enough to support the weight of the soil and plants once they’re fully grown.
Choose a hanging basket color and style that goes well with your house.

Soil Mix

Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter.
If needed, incorporate perlite or vermiculite to improve aeration and drainage.
Consider adding slow-release fertilizer or compost for long-term nutrient availability.

Planting

Fill the hanging basket with the prepared soil mix, leaving enough space for the strawberry plants.
Gently remove the strawberry plants from their pots and carefully separate any tangled roots.
Plant the strawberries in the basket, ensuring the crown (where the roots meet the stem) sits just above the soil level.
Space the plants evenly to allow for proper growth and airflow.

Watering and Care

Provide adequate sunlight exposure, aiming for at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Water the strawberries regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not sopping wet.
Mulch the surface of the soil to help retain moisture.

Maintenance and Harvesting

Remove any runners (long stems that produce new plants) to encourage the development of larger berries.
Fertilize the plants every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Harvest ripe strawberries as they become ready, typically when they reach a deep, vibrant color and are firm to the touch.

Growing strawberries in hanging baskets makes cultivation and harvesting a cinch. Gardeners can enjoy fresh, flavorful berries while maximizing limited space. Why not give it a try this spring?

Square Foot Gardening

Square foot gardening is a highly efficient method that maximizes space, minimizes waste, and simplifies the gardening process. Mel Bartholomew popularized it in his book “Square Foot Gardening,” which was first published in 1981. Since then, it has gained widespread acclaim for its simplicity and productivity. Still widely used and as popular as ever, allow us to give you some insight into this resourceful and fun form of gardening.

The What and Why of Square Foot Gardening

Square foot gardening is a method of intensive gardening that utilizes space by dividing a garden bed into small, manageable squares. Each square foot section is carefully planned and planted with specific crops, allowing for efficient use of space and resources. This technique emphasizes close spacing, weed control, and soil conservation, making it an ideal option for urban spaces or anyone looking to grow a lot in a limited area. Here are some of the many benefits of square foot gardening.

Space Efficiency

Traditional row gardening can be space-intensive and inefficient. Square foot gardening optimizes space by growing plants in a grid layout, allowing you to grow more in less space.

Weed and Pest Control

With square foot gardening, the close spacing between plants helps to naturally suppress weeds by shading the soil and minimizing open space where weeds can take root. Additionally, it’s easier to spot and manage pests in a small, densely planted area.

Water Conservation

By concentrating plants in small, defined areas, square foot gardening reduces water waste by minimizing runoff and evaporation. This makes it an environmentally friendly option, especially in drought-prone areas.

Accessibility

Raised square foot garden beds are typically elevated off the ground, making them more accessible for individuals with mobility issues. Their size, no wider than 4 feet, also makes it easier to reach across, reducing the need for bending and kneeling.

Simplicity and Manageability

Square foot gardening is easy to learn and requires minimal upkeep. Its structured layout makes for efficient use of time and resources.

Steps to Start and Grow a Thriving Square Foot Garden

The first and most important consideration when beginning a square foot garden is its size. It should be manageable and easily accessible from all sides. A width of around 4 feet is often recommended to ensure you can reach the garden’s center without stepping on the soil or plants. In addition to width recommendations, the overall size of your square foot garden can vary based on factors such as space availability, personal preference, and maintenance considerations. Start with a size that fits your needs and gardening goals, and don’t hesitate to adjust or expand your garden as you gain experience and discover what works best for you.

After considering the size, the following list will help you establish your first-ever square foot garden.

Prepare
Build or purchase a raised garden bed. Fill it with a high-quality soil mix containing equal parts of compost, peat moss, and vermiculite or perlite, or simply look for an already prepared, high-quality raised bed soil mix.
Divide
Using a grid system, divide the surface of your garden bed into square foot sections. You can mark these sections using string, wooden slats, or other suitable material.
Plan
Plan your planting arrangement, keeping plants with similar growing requirements together to simplify watering and maintenance. For example, place all lettuce squares together, all herb squares together, etc. Vertical space is exploitable growing space. Utilize trellises, cages, or stakes for vining crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, or pole beans to maximize vertical growing space. Plan for succession planting by staggering plantings of quick-maturing crops throughout the growing season. This ensures a continuous harvest and maximizes garden productivity.
Plant
Each square foot section can accommodate a certain number of plants, depending on their size. Consult an online square foot planting guide to determine the appropriate spacing for each type of vegetable or herb. For example, a single tomato plant may occupy one square foot, while several smaller plants like lettuce or carrots can be planted more densely. Don’t forget to tag your plants. Use labels and plant markers to identify each square foot section and keep track of what you’ve planted. We’ve provided a beginner’s growing guide below.
Maintain
Regular maintenance tasks include watering, weeding, and fertilizing as needed. Since square foot gardens are typically smaller, these tasks are more manageable and require less time and effort than traditional gardens.

Also worthy of consideration:

Succession Planting
As you harvest crops throughout the season, replant empty squares with new crops to maximize your garden’s productivity. Succession planting ensures a continuous harvest and keeps your garden thriving throughout the growing season.
Crop Rotation
Rotate crops within your square foot garden yearly to prevent soil nutrient depletion and minimize pest and disease problems. This involves planting different types of crops in each square foot section to maintain soil health and balance.
Season Extension
Consider using techniques such as row covers, cold frames, or hoop houses to extend the growing season and protect your crops from frost. This will allow you to enjoy fresh produce for a longer period.

Beginner’s Growing Guide: Easy Plants for the Square Foot Garden

For beginners starting with square foot gardening, it’s best to begin with easy-to-grow and versatile vegetables and herbs. Here’s a list of beginner-friendly plants and a simple layout to get started:

Lettuce: Varieties like leaf lettuce or butterhead lettuce are quick-growing and can be harvested multiple times throughout the season. Plant 4 plants per square foot, spacing them about 6 inches apart in a grid pattern.

Spinach: This nutrient-rich green is cold-hardy and can be harvested multiple times as baby greens or allowed to mature. Plant 9 spinach plants per square foot, spacing them about 4 inches apart in a grid pattern.

Radishes: Fast-growing and low-maintenance, radishes are perfect for beginners and add a peppery crunch to salads and snacks. Sow radish seeds thinly across the square foot section, allowing about 16 plants per square foot.

Carrots: Choose smaller varieties like ‘Thumbelina’ or ‘Paris Market.’ These are best for compact spaces. Carrots thrive in loose, well-drained soil. Sow carrot seeds thinly across the square foot section, aiming for about 16 plants per square foot. Thin out seedlings to ensure proper spacing as they grow.

Cherry Tomatoes: Compact varieties like ‘Patio’ or ‘Tiny Tim’ are well-suited for small spaces. Plant 1 cherry tomato plant per square foot. Support the plant as it grows using a cage or trellis.

Green Beans: Bush varieties of green beans are easy to grow and produce abundant yields. Pole beans are grown vertically to save space. Plant 9 bush bean plants per square foot, spacing them about 4 inches apart in a grid pattern. Plant 4 pole bean plants per square foot. Provide a trellis or support structure for the beans to climb as they grow. Space the plants evenly within the square foot section, allowing them enough room to spread out and climb the support structure without overcrowding.

Herbs: Basil, parsley, cilantro, and chives are among the easiest herbs to grow and are versatile in the kitchen. Plant 4 herb plants per square foot, ensuring they have enough space to grow and flourish.

Square foot gardening offers a practical and efficient way to grow a variety of vegetables and herbs in a limited space. As you gain confidence and experience with this gardening method, you can experiment with a wider variety of crops to suit your taste and perhaps even expand your growing space. These principles will assist you in creating a thriving garden that provides bountiful harvests year after year.

Pallet Gardening: Turning Trash into Treasure for Green Spaces

Pallet gardening has emerged as a creative and sustainable way to transform unused wooden pallets into vibrant, space-efficient gardens. This gardening trend has gained popularity worldwide for its accessibility, affordability, and versatility. Regardless of where you are in your gardening journey, pallet gardening offers an innovative solution for cultivating herbs, vegetables, and flowers in urban or limited spaces.

Benefits of Pallet Gardening:

Space-efficient: Ideal for small balconies, patios, rooftops, and urban settings where traditional gardening space is limited.
Cost-effective: Repurposes discarded pallets into functional and aesthetically pleasing garden structures, saving money on traditional planters.
Sustainable: Reduces waste by upcycling materials and encourages eco-friendly gardening practices such as composting and water conservation.
Creative expression: Offers endless possibilities for personalization and design, from rustic-chic to modern minimalist styles.
Educational and therapeutic: Provides opportunities for hands-on learning, stress relief, and connection with nature for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Getting Started

Before diving into pallet gardening, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials and plan your project. Here’s what’s required:

Pallets: Choose sturdy, untreated wooden pallets in good condition. Look for pallets labeled with the “HT” stamp, which indicates they’ve been heat-treated rather than chemically treated.
Tools: Gather basic tools such as a hammer, nails, screws, saw, drill, and sandpaper for disassembling and modifying the pallets.
Soil and Plants: Invest in quality potting soil and compost and select plants suited to your climate and sunlight conditions. Herbs, lettuces, strawberries, succulents, and flowers can all thrive in pallet gardens.
Optional Extras: Consider adding landscape fabric, weed barrier, and drip irrigation systems for enhanced efficiency and plant health.

Preparing and Customizing the Pallet:

Disassemble the pallet: Carefully remove the top and bottom boards using a pry bar or hammer, ensuring minimal damage to the wood.
Sand and clean: Smooth out rough edges and surfaces with sandpaper to prevent splinters and create a clean canvas for planting. If you plan to paint or stain the pallet, do so before planting, allowing it to dry completely.
Customize as needed: Depending on your design preferences and gardening goals, leave the pallet intact for vertical gardening or dismantle it further to create individual planter boxes.
Adding Landscape Fabric: Lay the pallet flat on the ground or work surface. Cut a piece of landscape fabric or weed barrier to fit the back and sides of the pallet, leaving excess fabric to fold over the edges. This will help prevent soil from falling out while allowing water drainage. Secure the fabric to the pallet using a staple gun or nails.

Orientating and Planting the Pallet Garden:

Orientation: Determine whether you’ll place your pallet vertically against a wall or horizontally on the ground. Vertical gardens save space and offer a striking visual display, while horizontal gardens are more accessible for maintenance.
Planting: Fill each compartment or slot with potting soil, leaving enough room for plant roots to establish and grow. You’ll arrange your chosen plants according to their spacing requirements and growth habits.
Secure and stabilize: To prevent the pallet from tipping over, anchor it securely to a vertical wall or fence or add support legs and braces if it is to be planted horizontally. Ensure stability to withstand wind and weather conditions.

Maintenance Tips:

Watering: Monitor soil moisture regularly and water your pallet garden as needed, typically once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and plant preferences.
Fertilizing: Regularly apply organic fertilizers or compost tea to replenish nutrients and promote healthy growth.
Pruning and Harvesting: Trim overgrown foliage and deadhead flowers and harvest ripe produce to encourage continuous growth and productivity.
Pest and Disease Control: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and caterpillars, and promptly address any signs of disease with organic remedies or cultural practices.

Plant Selection

Creating a pallet garden is a fantastic way to grow, especially if you’re short on space. When planting veggies, herbs, and flowers in pallet gardens, you’ll want to consider compact plants with shallow root systems that thrive in containers. Here are five suggestions from each category that are perfect for pallet gardens.

5 Best Vegetables for Pallet Gardens

Lettuce: Varieties like looseleaf, romaine, and butterhead thrive in shallow soil and can be continuously harvested.
Spinach: Another leafy green that does well in compact spaces and provides a steady harvest.
Radishes: These quick-growing root vegetables can be sown densely, making them perfect for pallet gardens.
Green Onions: Also known as scallions, green onions are easy to grow and can be harvested at various stages.
Cherry Tomatoes: Compact varieties of tomatoes, such as cherry or grape tomatoes, can be grown in pallet gardens with proper support or pruning.

5 Best Herbs for Pallet Gardens

Basil: A popular culinary herb that thrives in containers, basil adds a burst of flavor to dishes and can be harvested regularly.
Parsley: Both curly and flat-leaf varieties do well in pallet gardens and are versatile in cooking.
Thyme: This aromatic herb is drought-tolerant and grows well in small spaces, making it ideal for pallet gardens.
Chives: These are low-maintenance herbs that produce edible flowers and add a mild onion flavor to dishes.
Rosemary: While it can grow quite large in the ground, rosemary can be pruned to stay compact in a pallet garden, providing fresh flavor to dishes.

5 Best Flowers for Pallet Gardens

Calibrachoa (Million Bells): Calibrachoa is a beautiful and compact flowering plant that comes in a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, red, and yellow. It blooms profusely throughout the growing season and, due to its trailing growth habit, is well-suited for hanging baskets and pallet gardens.
Portulaca (Moss Rose): Portulaca is a drought-tolerant annual that produces vibrant, colorful flowers in shades of pink, orange, yellow, and white. It’s low-growing and spreads quickly, making it an excellent choice for filling in gaps and adding a pop of color to your pallet garden.
Nemesia: Nemesia is a charming annual flower that comes in a variety of shades, including purple, pink, yellow, and white. It has a compact growth habit and produces fragrant blooms that attract butterflies and bees. Nemesia thrives in containers and is perfect for adding beauty and fragrance to your pallet garden.
Dwarf Zinnias: Zinnias are beloved for their bright, cheerful flowers and long-lasting blooms. Dwarf varieties like the ‘Profusion’ series are ideal for small spaces like pallet gardens. They come in various colors and require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for beginners.
Verbena: Verbena is a versatile plant that works well in containers and garden beds. It produces clusters of small, colorful flowers in shades of purple, pink, red, and white. Verbena is drought-tolerant and attracts butterflies, making it a lovely addition to any pallet garden.

Pallet gardening transcends its humble origins as a DIY trend to become a sustainable solution for urban gardening challenges and a source of inspiration for eco-conscious growers worldwide. By harnessing the potential of reclaimed materials and embracing innovation, gardeners can cultivate beauty, abundance, and joy in even the smallest of spaces.

Milkweed and Monarchs

In nature, few relationships are as intricate and essential as that between the Monarch butterfly and the milkweed plant. Famous for being the most recognized insect in the US, these vibrant winged beauties rely on milkweed not only for sustenance but for their very survival. Sharing this fascinating relationship between Monarchs and milkweed with you, we’ll explore how this plant supports every stage of the butterfly’s life cycle.

Birthplace and Sanctuary:
Milkweed, genus Asclepias, serves as the cradle of life for Monarch butterflies. Female Monarchs lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed plants, offering them a safe haven as they undergo their transformation from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly.

Caterpillar Cuisine:
Once the Monarch eggs hatch, the tiny caterpillars feast voraciously on milkweed leaves. These particular leaves provide the essential nutrients needed for the caterpillars to grow rapidly. As they munch on the leaves, they accumulate toxins from the milkweed sap, making them distasteful and even poisonous to potential predators. This unique adaptation is crucial for the survival of Monarch caterpillars in the wild.

Metamorphosis Station:
As the caterpillars mature, they undergo a miraculous transformation within their chrysalis, emerging as fully-formed adult butterflies. Milkweed habitats provide the ideal environment for this metamorphosis to occur. Not only is milkweed the favored source of food, but the structure of milkweed plants, with their sturdy stems and broad leaves, offers ample space for Monarch chrysalises to hang securely until the butterflies emerge.

Fueling the Journey:
During their remarkable migration journeys, Monarch butterflies rely on milkweed for sustenance. Nectar from milkweed flowers serves as a vital energy source, fueling their long flights across continents. As they journey thousands of miles from their breeding grounds to overwintering sites and back again, Monarchs depend on the abundance of milkweed along their migratory routes.

Conservation Connection:
The decline of milkweed habitats poses a significant threat to Monarch populations. Factors such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change have led to a decline in milkweed availability across North America. Efforts to conserve and restore milkweed habitats are essential for ensuring the survival of Monarch butterflies. By planting milkweed in home gardens, individuals can contribute to the preservation of this vital butterfly species. Selecting the appropriate milkweed species is crucial for attracting Monarchs. While there are over 100 species of milkweed native to North America, some varieties are particularly favored by Monarchs, and many are region-specific.

Milkweed Species for Northeast and Midwest

In the Mid-Atlantic States, there are several native milkweed species that are crucial for Monarch Butterflies. Here are some of them, along with their details:

Common Milkweed (A. syriaca)
Common milkweed is perhaps the most well-known milkweed species.

It typically grows in tall clusters and produces pink to purplish flowers. It is most often found in a variety of habitats, including fields, meadows, and roadsides.

Swamp Milkweed (A. incarnata)
As the name suggests, swamp milkweed is often found in wetter habitats like marshes, wet meadows, and along stream banks. It has clusters of pink to mauve flowers. Swamp milkweed is an excellent choice for wetter areas where other milkweed species might not thrive.

Butterfly Weed (A. tuberosa)
Butterfly weed is known for its vibrant orange flowers and is a favorite among gardeners. It prefers well-drained soil and is often found in dry fields, along roadsides, and in open woods. While it’s not as commonly used by Monarch larvae as some other milkweed species, it’s still an important nectar source for adult butterflies.

Poke Milkweed (A. exaltata)
This milkweed species has tall, slender stems and delicate, pale pink flowers. It’s typically found in shaded woodlands and along forest edges. While it’s not as widespread as some other milkweed species, it’s still an important host plant for Monarch caterpillars where it occurs.

Whorled Milkweed (A. verticillata)
Whorled milkweed is characterized by its narrow leaves and small clusters of white flowers. It’s found in a variety of habitats, including dry fields, open woods, and roadsides. While it may not be as common as some other milkweed species, it’s still valuable for Monarch butterflies, particularly in areas where other milkweeds may not grow as well.

These native milkweed species will not only provide an essential habitat for Monarch Butterflies but also support other native pollinators in your area. Make sure to choose species that are appropriate for your specific region and growing conditions.

Cultivating Milkweed for Butterfly Abundance
Are you ready to invite the mesmerizing beauty of Monarch butterflies into your garden? Cultivating milkweed isn’t just about growing a plant; it’s about fostering an ecosystem, supporting biodiversity, and witnessing the awe-inspiring journey of one of nature’s most iconic creatures – the Monarch butterfly.

Now that you’ve chosen your milkweed varieties, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get gardening! Here’s a general step-by-step guide to growing milkweed in the garden to create a haven for Monarchs.

Site Selection
Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. Although some exceptions exist, most milkweed plants prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Soil Preparation
Milkweed isn’t overly picky about soil type but does prefer soil that’s not too compacted. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 6 inches and amend with compost if necessary.
Planting
Sow milkweed seeds directly in the ground in early spring after the danger of frost has passed. If you prefer to start with seedlings, transplant them into your garden with plenty of space between plants to accommodate their mature size.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the plant’s early growth stages. Once established, milkweed is relatively drought-tolerant.
Maintenance
Milkweed is generally low-maintenance, but removing weeds around young plants can help them thrive. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding if desired.
Ongoing Support
Embrace the biodiversity that milkweed attracts by avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides in your garden. Encourage beneficial insects and pollinators to make themselves at home alongside your Monarchs.

As your milkweed garden flourishes, so too will the population of Monarch butterflies that grace your outdoor oasis. By cultivating milkweed, you’re not just growing a plant – you’re fostering a connection to nature, supporting wildlife conservation efforts, and creating a sanctuary for Monarchs to thrive. So, roll out the floral welcome mat and prepare to be enchanted by the majestic beauty of Monarch butterflies in your own backyard.

Enhance Your Garden with A Hedge Border

As avid gardeners, we tend to focus on individual plants’ colorful blooms and lush foliage: that specimen tree, the rare perennial, or the colorful flowering shrub. However, there’s one often-overlooked garden feature that can significantly enhance the beauty, functionality, and biodiversity of your outdoor space: the hedge. Hedges are not just for grand estates or formal gardens; they can be a valuable addition to any size property, adding structure, privacy, and habitat for wildlife. Here’s why you should consider planting hedges in your home garden:

Definition and Structure
Hedges may be short or tall and provide a sense of definition and structure to your garden. They can delineate boundaries, create outdoor rooms, or frame specific areas within your garden. By defining spaces, hedges add visual interest and help organize the landscape, making your garden feel more cohesive and intentional.

Privacy and Screening
In an era where outdoor living spaces are becoming increasingly important, hedges offer natural privacy and screening from neighboring properties or busy streets. Unlike fences or walls, hedges soften the landscape and create a green barrier that not only provides privacy but also absorbs noise and reduces pollution. Whether enjoying a morning coffee on the patio or hosting a backyard barbecue, hedges can create a secluded retreat right in your own backyard.

Wildlife Habitat
Hedges act as valuable wildlife habitats, providing food, shelter, and nesting sites for birds, insects, and other small creatures. Native species such as hawthorn, holly, and viburnum are particularly beneficial, offering berries for birds and nectar for pollinators. By planting a diverse mix of native shrubs, you can attract a variety of wildlife to your garden, creating a thriving ecosystem right outside your door.

Seasonal Interest
Many hedge plants offer year-round interest, with evergreen species providing structure and color even in the depths of winter. Deciduous hedges, on the other hand, provide a changing tapestry of foliage, flowers, and berries throughout the seasons. The traditional, formal monoculture hedge still has a place in the landscape; however, a mixed hedge allows you to select a combination of plants with varying textures, colors, and bloom times. The mixed hedge can provide visual interest and beauty year-round.

Low Maintenance
Once established, carefully selected species are generally low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care compared to many other garden plants. Regular trimming will help maintain the desired shape and density, but beyond that, most hedges are relatively self-sufficient.

Plant Selection
Creating a mixed hedge border is like composing a beautiful symphony of flowers, foliage, fruit, and such, with each plant playing its own unique role. We’ve provided some guidance on selecting and arranging plants for a harmonious mixed hedge border, incorporating short, medium, and tall plants to achieve a pleasant balance.

Before diving into plant selection, consider the purpose of your hedge. Are you looking for privacy, wind protection, or a garden structure, or are you simply looking to add aesthetic appeal? Knowing your purpose will help you choose the right plants for your hedge. It is best to first lay your design out on paper. This will ensure that you have enough room for your desired selections.

Also, while in the planning stages, consider factors such as sunlight and soil. Choose species well-suited to your climate and growing conditions, and aim for a mix of plants to maximize biodiversity and resilience. Consider incorporating fruiting and flowering species to attract pollinators and beneficial insects.

Short Plants (Under 3 feet)
Plants shorter in stature will form the front row of the hedge border. They may also be used as a monoculture to provide a structural border for an otherwise unruly flower bed or to line a walkway.

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Dwarf Korean Lilac (Syringa meyeri)
Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)
Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox)
Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’)
Blue Star Juniper (Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’)
Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’)
Rock Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis)
Dwarf English Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’)

Medium Plants (3 to 6 feet)
Medium-sized plants form the middle layer of the hedge, adding depth and texture. They provide a transition between the shorter and taller plants, and this is where many flowering species may be incorporated.

Spirea (Spiraea spp.)
Viburnum (Viburnum spp.)
Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)
Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius)
Potentilla (Potentilla fruticosa)
Weigela (Weigela florida)
Dwarf Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus compatus)
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Dogwood (Cornus spp.)

Tall Plants (Over 6 feet)
Tall plants are positioned at the back of the hedge border, providing structure, height, and a backdrop for the garden.

Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
Privet (Ligustrum spp.)
Holly (Ilex spp.)
Elderberry (Sambucus spp.)
Summersweet Clethra (Clethra alnifolia)
Tall Fescue Grass (Festuca arundinacea)
Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)
American Holly (Ilex opaca)

Hedges are a versatile and valuable addition to the home landscape, offering beauty, function, and ecological benefits in equal measure. Whether you’re looking to create privacy, attract wildlife, or add structure to your landscape, planting a hedge is a worthwhile choice. So why wait? Get out there and start planning and planting your hedge today, and watch as your garden transforms into a vibrant and biodiverse oasis for both you and your local wildlife to enjoy.

Baptisia Briefing: Growing A North American Native

Baptisia australis, commonly known as false indigo or wild indigo, is a stunning perennial plant beloved by gardeners in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9. It offers numerous benefits, from environmental to aesthetic, while also being relatively easy to care for. Here are some reasons why adding Baptisia to your garden can be a great choice:

Baptisia Benefits

Native Plant:
Baptisia australis is native to North America, making it well-suited to local environmental conditions. By planting native species like Baptisia, you can support local ecosystems and provide habitat and food for native wildlife, including pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Soil Health:
Baptisia is a nitrogen-fixing plant, meaning it has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria that allows it to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by plants. This helps improve soil fertility and overall soil health, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Beautiful Flowers:
Baptisia australis produces stunning spikes of deep blue to purple lupine-like flowers in late spring to early summer, adding a vibrant splash of color to the garden and bouquets.

Attractive Foliage:
The foliage is equally appealing as the flowers. With blue-green eucalyptus-like leaves, Baptisia adds texture and interest to the garden even when the plant is not in bloom. The leaves are a long-lasting cut foliage for summer bouquets.

Architectural Form:
The upright, bushy growth habit of Baptisia australis adds structure and architectural interest to garden beds and borders. Even when not in bloom, its foliage provides a handsome backdrop for other plants in the garden.

Seed Pods:
After the flowers fade, Baptisia develops interesting seed pods that persist into fall and winter, adding visual interest and texture to the garden landscape.

Low Maintenance:
Once established, Baptisia australis is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. It is drought-tolerant and thrives in a wide range of soil types, including poor, sandy, or clay soils. It is also relatively pest and disease-resistant, further reducing the need for human intervention.

Longevity:
Baptisia australis is a long-lived perennial, providing decades of beauty and enjoyment in the garden without the need for division or replacement.

Planting and Growing Baptisia

When growing Baptisia, selecting the right location is crucial for its success. Baptisia thrives in full sun to partial shade, preferring at least six hours of sunlight daily. Ensure that the soil is well-draining, as Baptisia does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. While it can adapt to various soil types, it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. This large perennial can grow up to 4 feet wide and tall, giving you a generous bang for your buck. Make sure that you provide it with the room it needs to grow to full maturity as it resents being moved or divided.

Spring or fall is the best time to plant Baptisia. Begin preparing the planting area by loosening the soil and incorporating organic matter such as compost. Dig a hole slightly larger than the plant’s root ball and place the Baptisia at the same depth it was previously growing. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the plant, and water thoroughly. Adding a layer of mulch to the surrounding soil will help prevent the newly planted perennial’s roots from drying too quickly.

Once established, Baptisia is relatively low-maintenance. Water newly planted Baptisia regularly during the first growing season to help it establish a robust root system. Afterward, Baptisia is drought-tolerant and typically only requires supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells.

In early spring, before new growth emerges, prune Baptisia by cutting back the previous year’s growth to the ground. This encourages healthy new growth and helps maintain the plant’s shape. At this time, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate the roots.

Baptisia Garden and Landscape Design

Baptisia can be used in a variety of ways to create stunning effects. It works well as a border plant, edging pathways, or defining garden beds. Planted en masse, it can create a bold statement in the landscape. Planted alone, it will provide a striking focal point. Baptisia also pairs beautifully with other perennials and shrubs, adding depth and dimension to mixed borders and perennial gardens.

For a naturalistic look, Baptisia can be incorporated into prairie or meadow-style plantings, where it can mingle with grasses and wildflowers to create a relaxed atmosphere. It can also be used in other informal designs, such as densely planted cottage gardens, where it will capture attention in the early part of the growing season. Give it a try in formal borders, where its upright habit and structured foliage provide a sense of order and balance. Overall, Baptisia is a plant that finds its way to work well in just about any garden situation.

Cultivars

Baptisia australis is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike. Although the straight species sports blue to purple flowers, there are approximately twenty other Baptisia species, all native to North America, and numerous cultivars available in a variety of colors.

Here is a list of ten popular cultivated varieties of Baptisia that show off the plant’s diversity in color and size:

Baptisia ‘Blueberry Sundae’: This variety features rich, deep blue flowers and compact growth habit, 2.5 – 3 feet tall and wide.

Baptisia ‘Cherries Jubilee’: Known for its striking reddish-purple flowers, this variety adds a vibrant touch to the garden, size 2 – 3 feet tall and wide.

Baptisia ‘Lemon Meringue’: A unique variety with lemon-yellow flowers, adding a bright pop of color to the landscape, size 2 – 3 feet tall and wide.

Baptisia ‘Twilite Prairieblues’: This cultivar boasts deep violet-blue flowers with a yellow keel, creating a stunning contrast, size 3 – 6 feet tall and wide.

Baptisia ‘Pink Truffles’: Offering soft pink flowers, ‘Pink Truffles’ brings a delicate and charming look to garden beds, 3 feet tall and wide.

Baptisia ‘Carolina Moonlight’: Featuring creamy yellow blossoms, ‘Carolina Moonlight’ can brighten up a garden with a cheery splash of color, size 3 – 4 feet tall and wide.

Baptisia ‘Purple Smoke’: Renowned for its smoky violet flowers, this variety adds an ethereal quality to garden landscapes, size 3 – 4.5 tall and wide.

Baptisia ‘Solar Flare’: With vibrant orange-yellow flowers, ‘Solar Flare’ is a bold and eye-catching choice for gardens, size 4 feet tall and wide.

Baptisia ‘Midnight Prairieblues’: This variety showcases deep blue flowers and a compact, bushy growth habit, 3 – 4 feet tall and wide.

Baptisia ‘Dutch Chocolate’: A unique cultivar with rich, chocolate-colored flowers, adding a touch of drama to the garden, size 2.5 – 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide.

These varieties offer a range of colors and characteristics, allowing gardeners to choose the perfect Baptisia for their landscape design.

Beautiful Baptisia should grace every garden! Not only does this perennial provide unique and vibrant flowers, foliage, and seed pods on a plant with a lovely architectural form, but it also offers environmental benefits, such as supporting native wildlife and improving soil health. Its ease of care makes it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners looking to create a sustainable and visually appealing landscape. Plant a few today!

Early Spring Gardener’s Calendar

* Plan your summer vegetable and herb garden. We offer a wide selection of seeds that include all of your favorite annuals, perennials, vegetables and other novelties as well as many hard-to-find selections. Inventory your pots and flats and discard unusable ones. Make a list of the supplies you will need. Have your garden soil tested for nutrient content. We offer a variety of do-it-yourself soil test kits.

* Prune woody plants while dormant, including fruit trees, summer- and fall-blooming shrubs and vines. Limit pruning of spring-blooming trees and shrubs to the removal of sucker growth and rubbing or broken branches. Spray trees and shrubs with year-round horticultural oil to reduce insect population.

* Sharpen, clean and oil tools and lawn mowers. Begin heavy annual pruning of shrub roses as new leaves appear.

* Plant pansies, English daisies and primrose as soon as the earth is workable. Plant strawberry plants. Sow cool-season vegetables and herbs in the garden.

* Start spring cleanup and begin major lawn work. Remove debris, dethatch your lawn or aerate compacted areas to improve water penetration.

* Spray needles and limbs of Arborvitae, Cryptomeria, false cypress, fir, hemlock, Juniper, pine, yew and spruce (except blue spruce) for spider mites with year-round horticultural oil.

* Apply fertilizer to perennials and roses with. Feed berry bushes, grapevines, rhubarb and asparagus a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer before new growth begins. Fertilize trees and shrubs.

*Apply crabgrass preventer with fertilizer to feed the lawn and control crabgrass. Do not use on newly seeded lawns.

* Continue spring cleanup. Cultivate to remove winter weeds and debris from the planting beds. Apply corn gluten or a pre-emergent herbicide with fertilizer specified for gardens and scratch it in to prevent future weeds. Do not use in gardens where you will be direct seeding.

* Reseed bare spots in established lawns. Keep the area moist until seedlings appear, then mow when the new grass is 3? high.

* Prune forsythia and other spring-flowering trees & shrubs after the flowers fall.

* Dig and divide crowded early spring bulbs after they finish blooming. Enrich the soil with bone meal.

* Plant and transplant trees and shrubs, including roses, ground covers, and perennials.

* Transplant cool-season seedlings into the garden. When the soil temperature reaches 60 degrees, sow warm-season vegetable and herb seeds.

* Place gro-thru sets over peonies, grasses or any other perennials in need of support.

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