Growing ferns from spores is one of the most interesting experiences imaginable, and not at all difficult. Spores are nature’s way of multiplying ferns, just as seeds are produced to multiply flowering plants. Fern spores are so small that only when they are crowded together are they visible to the eye. They are light or […]
Archives for January 2009
Potted Bulbs Time for Northern Gardens
Hyacinths, tulips, daffodils and other bulbs that were potted in October and stored in a cold, dark place have developed enough roots so that they can be started into growth and forced into flower. Generally, it does not take more than ten to twelve weeks in cold storage for the bulbs to develop enough roots […]
Garden Catalogs – January Means Seed Time for Northern Gardeners
To home gardeners the arrival of seed catalogs is a sure sign that January is here and that spring will not be far behind. Seed catalogs are full of down to earth information and ideas; they are indispensable to modern gardening. In them the beginner learns about plants and the simple facts of their culture. […]
The Constant Gardener Always Looking to Improve
The winter months are a good time to think over your garden problems – why this plant didn’t grow, why that shade tree is standing still, no bigger than when it was planted. The experienced gardener soon realizes that when plants are put in the ground deeper than they were growing before, so that their […]
Gardening Tips Plan Now for Garden Improvement
It is nice we are starting our gardens together. It is early enough that we can plan some things we are going to do, or would like to do and possibly some that we should not do. In the Midwest where the corn grows tall and the summer nights, as well as days, are hot, […]
Annuals Give Landscape Colors of the Rainbow
For an awful long time and for as long as anyone can see into the future, the big three annuals of the garden world have been and will be zinnias, marigolds, and petunias. For many landscape color fanatics they are eminently capable of carrying the spring and summer color load. If you want variety beyond […]
Sweet Peas
After years of failure with old-time varieties of sweet peas, I am glad to say, based on several years’ experience, that we can grow these fragrant flowers in the Midwest. For years, British seedsmen visiting us were amazed when we refused to get excited over their new varieties of sweet peas for growing out of […]
Growing The Friendly Marigolds
Plant a bed of Marigolds this spring, and you’ll discover one of the most rewarding annuals that can be grown in America. No green thumbs are needed to grow armfuls of marigolds. Because of their hardiness they may be planted early in the spring, and will keep blooming right into the cold nights of early […]
Passion Flowers and Fruit Ancient Favorites Popular Again
Passion Flowers (Passiflora), delightfully different old world vines are staging a comeback. These easy to grow plants with their starry jewel like flowers make top notch pot plants as well as handsome climbers for the outdoor garden landscape. Sixteenth century monks began the association of passion flowers with the passion of our Lord. The fancied […]
Success with Plants Inside and Out
A window sill of healthy house plants adds to the decor of any room, and to the enjoyment of your family and friends… this is good, but many window sills of house plants could hardly be called attractive. Here is the all too common picture: the geraniums have shed their last leaves, the angel wing […]