When you were stringing the Christmas lights on that big evergreen or along the yew hedge in your front yard, did you notice that it was a little shaggy or misshapen and think it could use a little pruning? Don’t worry, it’s not a chore that needs to be finished along with the last minute [Continue]
When I first heard the term “rain garden” I thought it was something for people in Seattle. I was wrong. Rain gardens are a way all of us can improve the water quality of our Wisconsin lakes, streams and groundwater. Rain gardens are just that – gardens that soak up rain water from roofs, [Continue]
During gardening season, my philosophy on housecleaning is this: it can wait until just before company comes. Many gardening chores are not as forgiving as dirty floors and dust bunnies, however. For example, when a plant starts getting too tall or top heavy and needs staking, don’t wait to do the job. A day’s [Continue]
This is the busiest time of year for gardeners and everyone is looking for tips to make this year’s garden the best one ever. Here are a few things that have worked for me. If your soil is rock-hard clay like mine, it is very difficult to plant a row of seeds and cover them [Continue]
There are many ways to grow enough vegetables to feed a family and even a few flowers for the centerpiece in a very small area. The concept is called “intensive gardening.” One method of intensive gardening is called succession planting. In early spring, plant crops that like cool weather and are ready [Continue]
Like many fads of the 1970s, terrariums are making a comeback. Today they are called glass gardens, and this time they are in country-style reincarnations using household containers, antiques and flea-market finds. You can use the old fish tank from the ‘70s or try something new – how about a glass water pitcher or [Continue]
About six weeks after I plant my vegetable garden in the spring, I usually get very discouraged because everyone else’s garden is doing better than mine. My garden soil is solid clay and takes a long time to dry out in spring and a longer time for the soil to warm up. Six weeks [Continue]
In Wisconsin, roses must be protected against not only low winter temperatures but also fluctuating temperatures and winter winds. Different types of insulators such as soil, cones, and mulch can provide the necessary protection. To protect roses using soil, mound soil 8-10 inches high around the base of the canes after the first [Continue]
This time of year the tops of the leaves of many plants and shrubs become covered with a dull white dusty substance called powdery mildew. This frequently happens to roses, lilacs, phlox, honeysuckle and zinnias, but many other plants, shrubs and even trees are affected. This fungal disease usually occurs during periods of cool [Continue]
When the seedlings pop up they first develop cotyledons, which look like leaves but are really food storage cells. Next a set of true leaves will form. At this point, the seedlings need fertilizer. Use a half-strength fish emulsion, compost tea or manure tea for the first three weeks. After that, use full strength fertilizer [Continue]