Average frost dates–the last frost in spring and the first frost in autumn–can be used to set seed starting dates for the crops you plan to grow. They can also be used to set harvest dates and to plan the extension of the growing season–both early and late. Most crops grow best during the frost-free […] More
December brings to a close the garden year, but there are still things to do in the garden. In warm climates, gardeners are still busy planting perennials and cool-weather annuals. In cold climates, winter plant protection can be put in place and the soil can be prepared for next spring–even frozen ground can be sheet […] More
November brings the end of the growing season to most gardens in the Northern Hemisphere. Daylight grows shorter and temperatures steadily cool. But the soil is still warm from summer and planting of shrubs and trees can be done this month. Most perennials and annuals are fading; that means garden cleanup should follow and initial […] More
Here is a zone-by-zone to-do list for your October flower garden. You’ll find planting and garden care tips for tree and shrubs, perennials, annuals, bulbs, the lawn, and houseplants. Use the USDA Hardiness Zone Map to check your zone if you are unsure. Now is the time to get the garden ready for the coming […] More
This map of climate zones will help you select plants for your garden that will survive a typical winter in your region. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) developed the map. The ones are based on the average lowest temperatures across the United States. Zone 1 is the coldest region and Zone 11 is […] More
Staking is a way to support tall and rangy plants. Stakes keep plants from bending and breaking and they also keep foliage from brushing the ground. Staking includes keeping individual plants off the ground with a single stake or with several. It’s best to put stakes into position as soon as the seed is sown […] More
Mulch is any material laid on the surface of the soil. It can be organic, such as compost, shredded leaves, or lawn clipping, or inorganic or synthetic, such as coarse sand, gravel, or plastic. During the growing season, mulch can slow evaporation, inhibit and control weeds, and regulate soil temperature. In winter, mulch can protect […] More
There is an art to watering plants: when, where, and how are lessons learned over time. Watering plants requires more understanding of fundamental principles, more judgment, and more skill than any other gardening practice, yet it is perhaps more wrongly done than any other gardening task. First-time gardeners tend to water frequently and lightly. When […] More
Stephen Albert