If it's exceptionally dry, water again a few hours later to recharge all that valuable soil moisture. This extra layer serves a few purposes: it shades the soil from the sun, helping to keep it cooler, and it acts as a lid on the soil, dramatically reducing...
A mature plant, grown in a sunken container, will occupy a space 18" (45 cm) square. When grown in containers, gradually shift plants to a container at least 12" (30 cm) in diameter.
Underground, the beetle larvae (curled white grubs) can be serious pests of germinating corn. Sometimes they will settle into a fruit tree and remove thousands of leaves. Preventing Problems: In areas where this pest is common, many gardeners monitor...
Harvesting Cut daffodils to use as cut flowers when the buds are full and almost ready to open. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Thin layers of glass clippings make excellent mulch It's important to add grass clippings thinly – aim for no more than an inch (3cm) deep. It makes a great path surface if replenished annually, but if using it on beds let it rot down first.
Follow up with two applications of insecticidal soap, one week apart. Encourage beneficial insects including lady beetles, syrphid flies, and lacewings, which are important aphid predators.
Spacing Single Plants: 5" (15cm) each way (minimum) Rows: 5" (15cm) with 5" (15cm) row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant Soak the hard roots in water overnight before planting. Crop Rotation Group Miscellaneous ● Soil Average to gritty garden soil with excellent...
Feeding Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil prior to planting. Notes Dusty miller plants that survive winter produce clusters of small yellow flowers in spring.
When populations are high, they can devour garden plants. Damage: Grasshoppers chew large holes in leaves. Preventing Problems: Keep grassy weeds controlled, as they are grasshoppers' preferred host plants.
Spacing Single Plants: 9' 10" (3.00m) each way (minimum) Rows: 9' 10" (3.00m) with 9' 10" (3.00m) row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant Set out plants grown from rooted cuttings in late winter or early spring.
Plant seeds in soil or in containers about 2 inches (5 cm) apart and one-half inch (1 cm) deep. Pull up the plants in mid to late summer, when they no longer look attractive. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant...
Naturally you don't want pests to destroy the crops that you've worked so hard to grow, but reaching for the bug spray is not a good option, and it's ultimately self-defeating. Or, if you keep chickens let them search and destroy for you! Healthy soil...
Crop Rotation Group Miscellaneous ● Soil Average garden soil with excellent drainage. Companions Daylily, Catnip, Bells of Ireland and Salvia. Position Full sun. Clear primary colors create a festive effect in a mixed planting.
Siberian iris roots should be planted 6in (15cm) apart. Crop Rotation Group Miscellaneous ● Soil Rich, fertile soil with excellent drainage. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Broadcast seed into cultivated soil so that the seeds are about 1 inch (2 cm) apart and one-fourth inch (.5 cm) deep. The clippings make excellent mulch. Notes Mature annual rye plants can be difficult to dig out.
Wild Mediterranean rosemary can be grown from seeds or plants. Frost tolerant Hardy only to about 10 degrees F, though winter protection can help. Harvesting Gather sprigs as needed in the kitchen.
Crop Rotation Group Miscellaneous ● Soil Rich, well-drained soil with compost dug in. Feed plants again in early summer, just after the first big flush of blooms. A slightly acidic pH of 6 to 6.5 is preferred.
Managing Outbreaks: Diamondback moths have become resistant to most pesticides, including Bt. Hand picking is a better option, and can make a big impact when you check your plants every day.
Tall gladiolus make great plants for the back of a sunny bed. Discard corms that show signs of rotting, as well as those from stunted plants, which may be infected with any of several viruses.
Crop Rotation Group Miscellaneous ● Soil Fertile, well drained soil. Companions Cabbage, Lettuce, Spinach, Calendula, Cilantro, Feverfew and Mint. Harvesting Cut branches when they are holding numerous open flowers, and hang in small bunches to dry.
Preventing Problems: Use row covers (garden fleece) if you often see leaf miner damage in spinach or chard. Tips: Many tiny wasps are leaf miner predators. Leaf miner damage on tomato leaf [Credit: Ana Keliikuli ] Leaf miner damage on tomato leaf [Credit:...
Crop Rotation Group Miscellaneous ● Soil Any average, well drained soil Position Full sun to partial afternoon shade Frost tolerant Hardy in cold climates provided plant is well-rooted and mulched.
Harvesting Snapdragons make wonderful cut flowers. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. Feeding Encourage fast growth by mixing a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil before planting.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. Blossom clusters make beautiful but short-lived cut flowers or edible garnishes.
Allow 4in (10cm) between bulbs. Frost tolerant Excellent. Expect snowdrops to spread when planted in a hospitable spot. Position Full sun in late winter, partial shade in summer. Snowdrops are hardy to -25F (-32C).
Red spider mite webbing Red spider mite webbing Red spider mites leaf damage Red spider mites leaf damage Red spider mites webbing on leaves Red spider mites webbing on leaves Red spider mites Red spider mites Usually green but turn red as they approach...
