Articles listed under “basics”
Secrets to dividing in summer — August 10, 2010
If you’re noticing fewer flowers, a dead center or a plant that is shrinking, it may be time to divide. And while spring and fall are traditionally the best time to divide, many plants take summer division just fine as long as you follow a few tips.
Shape up your container: pinching — July 20, 2010
Some common container plants, like the coleus here, are fantastic growers. But the flip side is that they can get a bit leggy and start taking over the entire container.
How to build a retaining wall — June 29, 2010
If your front yard is built on a slope, leveling it out and adding a garden full of flowers creates a lot of curb appeal.
Berm basics — June 8, 2010
Building a berm is a big project. Consider these basics while you’re planning.
Plant a hanging basket — May 18, 2010
Planting a hanging basket isn’t so different from planting a regular container. But because hanging baskets are often shallower than standing pots, and are placed in different locations, they have slightly different needs.
Whimsical frame planter — May 4, 2010
Some paintings look so real they seem to burst from the frame. Here’s something that really does!
How to buy a foxglove — April 27, 2010
When you’re shopping for a foxglove at the garden center, how do you know which plants are a good buy and which plants to pass by?
Five tips for a weed-free path — April 20, 2010
A good way to make a garden more easy-care is to grow plants close together. This tends to shade out weeds, and any that do take hold are spindly and easy to pull.
Time to cut the grass — March 16, 2010
Ornamental grasses add interest to a garden through winter, but in spring they need to be cut back to make way for new growth.
Tree pruning tools — February 23, 2010
Whether you’re new to tree pruning or have been doing it for years, you’ll find that one of the best times to start is when plants are dormant in winter or early spring.
Which fertilizer do your need? — February 2, 2010
Ever wonder if you’re feeding your garden right? What plants need fertilizer? What type and how much should you apply?
Make your own pot feet — January 12, 2010
Designer pot feet look great but they can get expensive if you have a lot of containers.
Dress up black nursery pots — December 29, 2009
Do you have a stack of plastic nursery pots in your garage? Well, start now and by next spring you can make them into a stack of attractive pots.
Twice is nice — December 15, 2009
Would you like the amaryllis you’re growing right now to bloom again next summer? And did you know spring-started amaryllis can bloom all summer and then again indoors in winter?
Get perennials ready for spring — November 24, 2009
As the season dwindles down, garden tasks often seem to increase. But your work doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Tips to bring in the birds — November 10, 2009
Have you ever watched a robin splashing enthusiastically in a birdbath? Or witnessed a young bird step from a branch for its very first flight?
Caging hyacinth bulbs — October 20, 2009
Rabbits and deer rarely munch on the bulbs, flowers or foliage of hyacinth. However, underground critters tunnel around the bulbs and leave air pockets that can stunt the growth.
Storing calla tubers — September 22, 2009
If you overwinter your callas, they’ll get bigger and bigger, producing a better show every year.
Light up your garden — September 8, 2009
Remember how you hated to go when your mom called you inside as it got dark? With landscape lighting, you can stay outside and “play” in your garden a lot longer!
Easy bulb planting — September 1, 2009
Not many flowers rival the welcome splash of color that spring bulbs can give you. But if you’ve ever planted them in fall, you can appreciate the effort that goes into planting.
Metal ornaments in the garden — August 18, 2009
If you like the look of rusted metal ornaments in your garden, you’re in luck. Left unprotected, anything made of iron or steel will rust naturally when exposed to air and water.
What kind of bee? — August 4, 2009
Not sure what kind of bees you’re seeing? Here are some ID tips.
Save marigold seeds — July 21, 2009
Did you know that you could save seeds from this year’s marigolds for next year’s flowers? Marigold seeds ripen easily on the plant if you don’t deadhead all of the spent flowers.
Garden access paths — July 7, 2009
Whether your garden is large or small, you need to be able to get into it without crushing plants, compacting soil and stepping on dormant bulbs or new transplants.
Creative staking — June 16, 2009
Sooner or later, you’re going to have a floppy plant that needs some help standing tall.
Video: Getting to the roots — April 28, 2009
When you shop for perennials, how do you know which plant is the best value? Our video tells you what to look for on your next trip to the garden center.
Soaker hose tips — April 7, 2009
Soaker hoses are a gardener’s best friend. Just set them in your flower garden once in spring and don’t move them again until you put them away in fall.
Pick a pack of peppers — March 24, 2009
Starting the seeds of flowers or veggies indoors in early spring is a great way to get a lot of plants for not much money.
Pruning conifers — February 24, 2009
There’s a conifer for almost any landscaping situation. They can be mixed into perennial gardens or foundation plantings.
Birdbath basics — February 3, 2009
Some types of birdbath are more attractive to birds, and safer for them, than other designs.
