FALL IS IN THE AIR WITH SHORTER DAYLIGHT HOURS AND COOLER TEMPERATURES Thank goodness for Tropical Storm Ian bringing us some much-needed rainfall. Up until Ian, September was very dry for us. As a matter of fact, as of September 28th, we have only had less than an inch of rain for the entire month … Read more
THE PROS AND CONS OF USING COFFEE GROUNDS AROUND PLANTS I don’t know about you but when I decided to write this blog on coffee grounds nostalgia struck me. When I was growing up both sets of grandparents had large gardens. It was only natural for my grandparents to toss their coffee grounds into the … Read more
UNDERSTANDING GARDENING TERMINOLGIES Professor Doug here. Our local schools are now back in session for the new year. I thought that it was only fitting that we do some school work as well with gardening terms. I always stress knowledge being a major key to being a successful gardener. Knowing plant terminology is a major … Read more
Do you have a hot, dry, very sunny spot in your landscape that you can’t seem to find any plant to live in? If you do, then I think you should consider planting some sedums—especially AUTUMN FIRE. Basically, all sedums could be looked at as being succulent. They need lots of sunlight and excellent draining … Read more
THE PLANT INDUSTRY LOOKS AT THE ENTIRE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER AS THE BEGINNING OF FALL We like to look at the fall planting season starting on the first of September and going through the end of November. Like the astronomical definition, our fall planting season begins with the autumnal equinox. Equinoxes are the result of … Read more
THE FALL PLANTING SEASON IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER Knowledgeable gardeners know that fall is the best season for planting trees and shrubs. The main reason is that our soil temperature is warm in the fall and our air temperature will be cooler. This combination helps to reduce the stress that plants can face while … Read more
AUGUST IS A GOOD MONTH TO THINK ABOUT DIVIDING PERENNIALS Here we are in the “Dogs Days of Summer”. It is hot. It is humid. And, it can be dry. Like us, plants too can struggle under these conditions. But, perennials that are over-crowded can be under more stress. Sometimes dividing perennials is needed in … Read more
Have you been thinking about building a raised garden bed? If so, August is a good month to do so and this will enable you to try it out come this fall. Here is what I suggest to customers who ask me about raised gardening beds: My first question is: What is it that you … Read more
AUGUST CAN BE A TOUGH MONTH FOR GARDENERS Yes, August can be tough for gardening mainly because of the heat and high humidity that makes being outside and working in the gardens a little unbearable. This may be the main reason to look at August as a planning month for the upcoming fall planting season. … Read more
BLUEBERRIES ARE OFTEN LABELED A SUPERFOOD – FOR GOOD REASON! I am a nut when it comes to blueberries. I LOVE BLUEBERRIES!! I eat blueberries every morning mixed with my oatmeal and have been for years. And, I love buying fresh, locally grown blueberries that are available at our farmers’ market. Blueberries are labeled a … Read more
