-
Site Visit: National Herb Garden at the U.S. National Arboretum
The United States National Arboretum, located on the East Coast near Washington D.C., features 13 distinct gardens open to the public, including the Herb Garden. The Herb Garden is divided into 10 specialty gardens, each showcasing plants used for culinary, medicinal, industrial, and fragrance purposes. The vast assortment of plants includes those traditionally associated with…
-
Pruning for Perfect Tomatoes
Tomatoes are easy to grow and pruning is essential for optimal plant health and fruit production. Pruning encourages fruit growth and prevents diseases by limiting leaf contact with the ground. Determinant (bush) tomatoes require minimal pruning, while indeterminant (vine) tomatoes benefit greatly from it. Prune when plants are about a foot tall. Be mindful of…
-
Nourish to Flourish: A Gardener’s Guide to Fertilizer Labels
This article provides guidance on fertilizing your garden, starting with understanding your garden’s needs through soil testing. It delves into the significance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in fertilizers, as well as how to interpret their percentages on fertilizer labels. The article also highlights the importance of other ingredients listed on the label and provides…
-
Kale Craze: How to Cultivate Homegrown Kale from Seed
Kale has received a lot of hype in the last several years. In fact, it’s safe to say that kale has had something of a recent revolution in the foodie world. In our latest post, we’re delving into all things kale! Varieties, when to plant, when and how to harvest, and how to handle bolting.…
-
Site Visit: Japanese Friendship Garden of San Diego’s Balboa Park
It was a whirlwind of an April here in my world, but I’ve made the most of it by sneaking out during a work trip to visit the amazing Japanese Friendship Garden of San Diego, California! If you’ve never been, the Japanese Friendship Garden, situated in the greater Balboa Park, is an exquisite place to…
-
World Art Day 2024: A Garden of Expression
World Art Day, introduced by UNESCO, honors art’s role in advancing knowledge, creativity, and cultural diversity. Its theme changes yearly, with the 2024 focus on cultivating community through art. The date, April 15th, coincides with Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday. Anyone can participate in World Art Day, from simple sketching to botanical art. Realism, capturing the…
-
Your Hardening Off Handbook: Tender to Tough Before Transplanting
To ensure your young plants thrive when transplanted outdoors, it’s crucial to harden them off. This process toughens them up to handle the unpredictable elements outside. By gradually exposing them to wind, rain, and direct sunlight, their stems and leaves become more resilient. Skipping this preparation can result in transplant shock, causing wilted stems and…
-
Walking on Eggshells: Calcium for Your Garden
When you grow plants, they absorb nutrients and transform them into vegetables, fruit, and flowers. Harvesting removes these nutrients, so fertilizing your garden is crucial for its growth. Eggshells are an excellent source of calcium, vital for fruiting plants. Besides preventing issues like Blossom End Rot, eggshells benefit earthworms and help alkaline-loving plants. Sterilizing and…
-
Make it a Block Party: Soil Blocking for Spring Success
Soil blocking originated in Holland as a method to start garden seeds indoors before spring frosts. Growing in popularity starting in the early 2000s, it involves planting seeds in compacted dirt blocks. This technique offers benefits such as increased air flow, prevents root binding, and eliminates issues of a late spring start. Downsides include the…
-
Gnats No More: Getting Rid of Fungus Gnats in Indoor Gardens
Fungus gnats may be tiny, but they can cause big headaches for indoor gardeners. These pesky insects are common nuisances in houseplants and indoor gardens, but with the right knowledge and strategies, you can effectively manage and eliminate them. In this guide, we’ll explore what fungus gnats are, why they’re attracted to indoor plants, and…