Garden Tips

Dahlias are a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden, with their stunning flowers and wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. They are easy to grow and care for, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to plant and care for dahlias:

  1. Choose the right location: Dahlias need a lot of sunlight, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They also prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
  2. Prepare the soil: Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches and add compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil’s fertility. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
  3. Plant the tubers: Dahlias are grown from tubers, which look like small potatoes. Plant the tubers about 6 inches deep and 18-24 inches apart. If you’re planting multiple dahlias, space them at least 3 feet apart.
  4. Water regularly: Dahlias need regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Water deeply once or twice a week, making sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
  5. Fertilize regularly: Dahlias benefit from regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer, applying it every 4-6 weeks.
  6. Pinch and stake: Pinching the growing tips of young dahlias will encourage bushier growth and more flowers. As the plants grow taller, stake them to prevent them from falling over.
  7. Deadhead and prune: Deadhead your dahlias regularly to encourage more blooms. Prune off any dead or damaged foliage to keep the plant healthy.
  8. Overwintering: In colder climates, dahlias need to be dug up and stored over the winter. After the first frost, cut back the foliage and carefully dig up the tubers. Allow them to dry for a few days, then store them in a cool, dry place for the winter.

Dahlias are a great addition to any garden because they are easy to grow, come in a variety of colors and shapes, and produce stunning flowers throughout the growing season. They are an essential plant to add to any cutting garden.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the beauty of dahlias in your own garden. Whether you start from tubers, or from our selection of potted dahlias, you’ll be blown away by these prolific bloomers.

Spring is right around the corner, and with it comes the opportunity to start your vegetable garden for the year. If you’re a first-time gardener, don’t be intimidated! Starting a garden can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you get started early. In this article, we’ll explore some early spring vegetables to plant in your garden, and offer tips on how to ensure a successful harvest.

First, let’s talk about which vegetables are best for an early spring garden. Some vegetables are hardier and more cold-tolerant than others, which means they can be planted earlier in the season. Here are a few examples:

  • Peas: Peas are a great early spring vegetable, as they can be planted as soon as the ground can be worked. They prefer cooler temperatures and will grow quickly in the cool, moist conditions of early spring.
  • Radishes: Radishes are another vegetable that can be planted early in the season. They mature quickly and are ready to harvest in as little as 3-4 weeks.
  • Spinach: Spinach is a cold-hardy vegetable that can be planted as soon as the soil is workable. It’s also a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to any garden.
  • Lettuce: Like spinach, lettuce is a cold-hardy vegetable that can be planted early in the season. It prefers cooler temperatures and will grow quickly in the cool, moist conditions of early spring.

Now, let’s talk about some tips for success for first-time gardeners:

  • Start small: It’s easy to get carried away and plant too much too soon. Start with just a few plants, and then gradually add more as you gain confidence.
  • Prepare your soil: Good soil is essential for a successful garden. Make sure to amend your soil with compost or other organic matter to ensure it has the right nutrients and texture for your plants.
  • Water regularly: Vegetables need consistent moisture to grow properly. Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells, to ensure they stay healthy and productive.
  • Monitor for pests: Pests can quickly decimate a garden if left unchecked. Keep an eye out for signs of pest damage, and be prepared to take action if necessary.

Starting a vegetable garden can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you get started early in the season. By planting some of these early spring vegetables and following a few tips for success, you’ll be well on your way to a bountiful harvest in no time. Stop by the garden center and check out our wide selection of seeds.

The Pothos plant is one of the most popular houseplants for a good reason – it’s low maintenance and forgiving, making it the ideal choice for new gardeners. This lush, green plant can be grown in a variety of settings, from low light to bright, indirect light, making it ideal for any home or office.

One of the main benefits of the Pothos is its ability to purify the air. It naturally filters out harmful toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, making it a great choice for improving indoor air quality. This means that not only does it look great, but it can also improve your health and well-being.

Another great thing about Pothos is that it’s very hardy. Unlike other houseplants that require frequent watering and attention, Pothos can go a few days without water and still thrive. This makes it ideal for busy people who don’t have a lot of time to devote to plant care. Additionally, Pothos is resistant to pests and disease, so it won’t be prone to any major problems that could harm it.

Another aspect that makes Pothos the best houseplant for new gardeners is its ease of propagation. All you need to do is cut a stem, place it in water, and it will start to root. Once the roots are established, you can plant it in soil and it will grow into a new plant. This makes it easy to keep a large collection of Pothos plants in your home, without having to spend a lot of money buying new plants.

All this makes the Pothos is the perfect houseplant for new gardeners due to its low maintenance, air-purifying capabilities, hardiness, and ease of propagation. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of greenery to your home, or you’re looking to improve indoor air quality, the Pothos is a great choice. Its beautiful green leaves and ease of care make it a plant that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Starting a vegetable garden for the first time can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Here are some tips for starting your seeds indoors to give your plants a head start before transplanting them to your outdoor garden.

Seeds:

  • Choose seeds that are well-suited for your climate and the time of year.
  • Look for organic vegetable seeds as they are a great option for home gardens and provide healthier food options.
  • Read the seed packet carefully and follow the instructions for planting, spacing and depth.

Seed Trays:

  • Use seed trays that are specifically designed for starting seeds indoors. These trays have cells or compartments that are the right size for small seedlings.
  • Make sure the trays have drainage holes so that excess water can escape and prevent root rot.
  • Fill the trays with a quality seed starting mix, which is a light and well-draining mix of soil, perlite and vermiculite.

Grow Lights:

  • If you don’t have access to natural sunlight, consider using grow lights to provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow.
  • Place the grow lights about 2-4 inches above the seedlings and adjust the height as the plants grow taller.
  • Choose grow lights with a spectrum of light that is suitable for plant growth. LED grow lights are a great option as they are energy-efficient and provide full spectrum light.

In conclusion, starting seeds indoors is a great way to get a head start on your vegetable garden. Our garden center has a great selection of seeds, including many organic and non GMO options. By choosing the right seeds, seed trays and grow lights, you can give your seedlings the best possible start and ensure a successful harvest. Happy gardening!

In general, plant foods fall into one of two categories: (1) Synthetic Fertilizers and (2) Natural Organic Fertilizers. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

SYNTHETIC PLANT FOODS

Synthetic Fertilizers are materials that are manufactured chemically as opposed to found ready made in nature. In general, synthetic fertilizers fall into one of two categories: (1) Water soluble and (2) Controlled release fertilizers.

Water Soluble Plant Fertilizers. Water soluble plant foods completely dissolve in water and release their nutrients immediately thereafter. They are ideal when you need a quick solution to a problem and for nursery growers who have a drip irrigation system. The trade-off for rapid response is that the feeding is generally short lived, lasting approximately a few weeks. Frequent applications are required as well as mixing with water. Leaching can also be a problem, especially in sandy soils or under high moisture conditions. And burn (dehydration) potential is higher due to solubility and high salt index. Examples of water solubles include: urea, ammonium sulfate and ammonium phosphate.

Controlled Release Fertilizers contain a plant nutrient in a form that delays its availability for plant uptake significantly longer than a water soluble fertilizer. The delay occurs by one of two mechanisms: (1) Coating a water soluble source such as urea with molten sulfur, wax, or plastic. The thicker the coating, the slower the release. Examples include sulfur coated or polymer coated urea. (2) Chemically combining materials to form insoluble polymers, which release nutrients more slowly as the length and number of polymers increases. Ureaform is an example of this. While both types give plants a long lasting feeding, neither contains all of the advantages that you will find with natural organics.

NATURAL ORGANIC FERTILIZERS

Although no universal definition exists for the term “natural organic”, our guiding definition is any material derived from plant, animal or mineral origin that contains one or more essential nutrients for plant growth. While it is true that all fertilizers ultimately feed nutrients to plants in the chemical form, it is the process by which they are delivered that makes natural organic plant foods superior to others.

“Feed the soil that feeds the plants”. Plant growth is dependent on the health and vitality of the soil surrounding it. The process by which natural organic fertilizer  deliver their nutrients enhances the fertility and structure of the soil. Natural organic fertilizers are digested by soil microorganisms, which then release the nutrients in a form available to plants. This process produces humus, a spongy material that improves soil structure. When you improve soil structure, the soil is better able to hold the proper balance of water, air and nutrients until they are required by plants. Plants respond by developing larger root systems. Larger roots support more vigorous top growth and make plants less susceptible to drought. And by stimulating a healthy population of beneficial microorganisms in the soil, plants become more resistant to insects and diseases.

Slow, steady feeding, as the plants require it. The nutrients in natural organic fertilizers are not in a readily available form for plants to use until they are digested by beneficial microorganisms in the soil. This process is slow and largely dependent upon three factors: the microbial population in the soil, moisture, and soil temperature. A healthy population of microbes in the soil is necessary for the digestion process. Moisture is required to sustain microbial life as well as to keep nutrients flowing into the plants root zone. And soil temperature is critical because as it rises, plants require nutrients more rapidly. Fortunately, microbial activity mimics these requirements and also increases as soil temperature rises, so that plants can be fed the needed nutrients, as they require them.

The safest choice for your plants and the environment. Unlike synthetic plant foods, natural organic fertilizers have an extremely low salt index , which means there is little to no risk of burning (dehydrating) plants in periods of extreme drought or when over-applying. Natural organic plant foods are generally very resistant to leaching out of the soil, so their nutrients stay in the root zone until the plants need them. And since most natural organic ingredients are byproducts from commercial farms and meat processing plants, the utilization of them for feeding plants is really a system of recycling much like composting.

Soil and plants receive much more than just the primary nutrients. With natural organic fertilizers, they receive organic matter containing millions of beneficial microbes (bacteria, fungi and protozoa) that help improve soil structure for better moisture retention, nutrient retention, aeration and drainage. They receive secondary and trace nutrients as well as vitamins, minerals, and plant growth hormones that promote plant growth and improve resistance to insects, diseases and climate extremes.

Examples of natural organic ingredients include: bone meal, blood meal, kelp meal and greensand. It is for all of the above reasons that we have always used natural organics as the primary source of nutrition in our Tone line of products. It has established the Espoma Tones as the finest, safest, and most reliable plant foods available.

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Now is the time to put the holidays behind us and start dreaming about your home and garden landscape. Gardening magazines are a great source of inspiration and ideas. There are also thousands of websites, photo sharing sites and social media links that are loaded with ideas. With that in mind we thought it might be a good source of inspiration for your garden. Bear in mind not all plants are available or appropriate for all areas, but they can help with color and texture combinations that we can help you achieve in your garden. Take a look and let us know what you think!

Garden Design

The Spruce

Country Living

House Beautiful

Proven Winners

Monrovia Nursery

Burpee Seeds

We invite you to stop in and talk over your ideas for your garden. We know the right plants for our area and our staff has years of experience with plants and garden design. We’re always here to help!