Saturday, August 4, 2012
Year-round plants often get neglected during vacation season.
While gardeners reap the benefits of long, warm days tending to the outdoor garden, landscapes, and lawns, it's often easy to forget about those indoor plants that give residents loyal and continual pleasure 12 months of the year. While the vegetation inside appear to be maintenance free, the “indoor landscape” has requirements that need to be met to keep them happy and healthy. The good news is, following some of the basic tips below and applying some preventative care, many common problems can be avoided or corrected. Nourishment The summer season is the time that that indoor plants need fertilizer the most. The longer days with extended sunlight create key opportunities for plants to thrive so don't deny plants the food they need to …
Saturday, July 21, 2012
The garden can be a valuable weapon in the fight against mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes season has arrived in New England, marked by an incessant buzzing from dusk until dawn. While these seasonal critters are definitely considered to be a nuisance, they also carry a health threat as a common carrier of both EEE and West Nile. There are many ways to shield and protect the body from these summer pests. Common deflectors include insect repellants, foggers, mosquito traps, protective clothing and more, but there are many surprisingly organic remedies many gardeners may not realize are right at their fingertips that can also help prevent and reduce mosquitoes. Water Reduce any standing water in the garden. Mosquitoes breed in standing water and a female mosquito can lay up to 400 eggs at a time but do need a water …
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Believe it or not, there is still time to plant perennials, annuals and even some vegetables.
Test your Patience with Perennials July is a great time to consider long-term plans for the garden. Take a minute to look at the landscape and try to recall which months has blossoms and which periods looked a little bare. Are there times in between weeks, months or seasons when the garden could use a little more oomph? Examine the colors thriving throughout season. After a close inspection, it may be determined that there are some times of the year to add certain colors to the yard. This might also be a good time to consider adding more perennials into the scenery. While creating a garden with perennials is an exercise in patience, it can also pay off for years to come. Why Perennials Unlike annuals that can bloom all summer long, …
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Sometimes watering less often and deeper is better during the summer months.
Beat the Heat Summertime temperatures have started to soar, with several days topping out at 90º + and more such days likely on the way. While many people feel uncomfortable in such heat, plants are more tolerant and can thrive in such conditions as long as they are well cared for. Without proper attention, however, containers, window boxes, hanging baskets, flower gardens and the lawn may suffer damage. Here are some tips on how to help the garden beat the heat. Containers Need Extra Care and Water Container-based plants are often the most at jeopardy in high heat. The reason for their elevated risk is that the planters hold limited moisture and during a heat wave they can heat up and contribute to accelerated evaporation, leaving the …
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Use this holiday week to create a celebration of nature.
The 4th of July is right around the corner, and whether hosting company or celebrating elsewhere, now is the time to finish your garden with a pop, bang and wow with color and decorative accents. Many gardeners consider the 4th of July to be the height of the season; and believe it or not, days are already getting shorter as the season creeps toward fall. So leading up to the forth, take a quick walk through the gardens, review the initial design and look for plants that maybe just didn’t turn out as planned. Remember to take a holistic view of the garden. This is a personal paradise and notice what colors might still need to be added to achieve that individual haven. After review, pay a visit to the local greenhouse, nursery or garden …
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Wherever they come from, strawberries are a delectable treat this time of year.
While it is early in the harvest season, one local fruit that can be enjoyed right now is the strawberry. There are many ways to get fruit into the kitchen in June, by the home garden, local farm or the grocery store, but any source is likely to deliver a delicious, juicy and a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Pick Your Own For those looking for freshly harvested and enjoy the experience of picking strawberries directly off their vines, there are a few quality farms that offer pick your own strawberries and provide a fun event the entire family can enjoy. Just to name a few: Quonset View Farm, in Portsmouth and Sweet Berry Farm, in Middletown and Schartner Farms, in Exeter. The Home Garden Strawberries are fun to grow at home as they …
Sunday, June 17, 2012
A tomato plant is the perfect solution for the Dad who has everything.
Is your dad a big fan of steak? Does he like them juicy, and a bit red in the middle? Well this is the perfect time of year to plant some steaks for dad—Beefsteak Tomatoes that! If your dad has a green thumb, or simply just loves his tomatoes, a tomato plant might be a fantastic Father's Day gift. Container or Garden? Containers offer the convenience and flexibility to transfer if necessary and is a good option for the new gardener. This route can also be advantageous in extreme weather conditions or for those who do not have the space for an in-ground garden. One thing to keep in mind when choosing a container for a tomato plant, however, is the final size of the plant. When transplanting a tomato plant to a container, choose one with …
