The Great Big Greenhouse Gardening Blog

This time of year, I watch the birds. I also feed them. Because there aren’t many insects available over the winter, most birds that winter here are seed eaters. Some seeds are better than others, however. Seeds and nuts with a higher fat content are best for winter feeding—black oil sunflower seeds and even peanuts. … Read more

With Thanksgiving this Thursday, I decided it was time to write down a list of the things I’m thankful for this year in my garden. I’m thankful for how gorgeous my bulbs were this past spring. I may not always be grateful for chilly gray winter days, but spring finally comes. And as hungry as … Read more

‘Tis the season to give or receive holiday plants so here is a quick care guide. How to Care for Those Holiday Plants Poinsettias Poinsettias will be happiest if set in a fairly bright location. Water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. If it is wrapped in foil, poke drainage … Read more

Is anything prettier or more dramatic than amaryllis in full bloom? What we call ‘amaryllis’ are really ‘hippeastrum’—members of the amaryllis family. The plants that are really ‘amaryllis’ are the Amaryllis Belladonna and relatives. These days, however, hippeastrum has been called ‘amaryllis’ for so long, we’ll never be able to get people to call them … Read more

I’ve pulled up all my spent summer veggies—the tomatoes that were “done”, the squash that looked, well, squashed, and the last crop of bush beans that had given out about a month ago. I’ve already planted some fall vegetables—I have some fat little kale plants, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli in right now. But these cool-season … Read more