Click picture to enlarge What you need: Vermicomposter Bedding (coco-fiber, Canadian sphagnum moss, shredded newspaper) Newspaper Red wiggler worms Kitchen scraps You’ve heard about composting with worms (known as vermiculture), but have you tried it? It’s an effective way of composting kitchen scraps. Earthworm castings are considered the most beneficial of all soil amendments. Here’s […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Water plant basket or pot Soil-less water plant mix Pruning shears Washed gravel This marginal is a Siberian Iris. Before being placed in a water garden it will need to be repotted into a suitable container. First, trim off any dead or dying foliage. Click picture to enlarge […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Create a guide for your drill with two stakes and a length of twine. Using a triangular hoe, form a shallow drill the length of the twine. Click picture to enlarge Sprinkle the seeds over the length of the drill. Click picture to enlarge Cover the seeds with […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Sharp knife Clay pot Cactus soil mix After several years, a bromeliad will outgrow its original pot and form multiple plants that can be divided. Click picture to enlarge In order to divide a bromeliad, first remove the plant from its pot. Use a clean, sharp knife to […]
Click picture to enlarge There are a few basic things to keep in mind when building any birdhouse. First, a roofline that overhangs the entrance by 1-2″ will help keep rain out of the nest. It will also make it harder for predators to attack resident birds. Click picture to enlarge The wood should be […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Small dibbler Spray bottle A pack or small pot filled with potting soil Water the tray of seedlings thoroughly to loosen the soil. Using a small dibbler, extract the seedling from the tray. Click picture to enlarge The seedling should have a small amount of soil still attached […]
Click picture to enlarge Deadheading your clematis will extend its blooming throughout the summer season. Simply prune off any spent flowers. Click picture to enlarge When you’re finished, there should only be buds or newly forming flowers remaining
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Plastic or clay pot Medium fir bark or sphagnum moss Phalaenopsis are fast growing orchids that should be repotted about once a year when they are young, and less frequently as they get older. Click picture to enlarge Choose a pot, either plastic or clay, that is large […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Sharp, sterile pruning knife Rootstock Scion material Grafting tape or plastic wrap In whip and tongue grafting, fruit tree scions are grafted in the dormant season on rootstock whips of similar diameter that have been growing at least one season. Collect scions about 9 in. long and – […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Ivy plugs Metal wreath form Coco-fiber liner Time release fertilizer Potting soil The items needed to make your own ivy wreath can be purchased at most garden centers. You will need a coconut fiber liner, a wire form, and ivy plugs. The first step is to soak the […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Large pot Rich potting soil Compost Fertilizer Gravel or crocks Assorted vegetable seeds or transplants Even gardeners with limited gardening space can enjoy growing vegetables in containers. Vegetables that are well suited to container growing include lettuce, various herbs, leeks and onions, compact varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, […]
Click picture to enlarge What you need: Compost Garden fork Green sand and rock phosphate Pruners Shovel Tarp Weeding knife or trowel Perennial borders benefit greatly from complete renovation every few years, especially where tenacious perennial weeds such as grasses have taken hold. This is best done in fall in warmer climates, or in spring […]
Click picture to enlarge There are many different types of media available for potting orchids. This is a list of some of the more commonly used materials. Click picture to enlarge Fir bark is probably the most frequently used and readily available material for potting orchids. It comes in various grades. In general, the larger […]
Click picture to enlarge Western exposure is brightest in the afternoon. It can be a hot spot, so is not suitable for some plants. Cacti love the sun and heat. They are good candidates for this exposure. Click picture to enlarge Succulents can also take the heat, making them another good choice. Click picture to […]
