Storing Tender Bulbs During the Winter

Posted on 4 December, 2015 in Gardening

Garden plants with ‘tender’ bulbs are plants that have bulbs, tubers, roots or corns that won’t survive the cold winter temperatures in USDA climate zone 6 or colder. The most commonly-planted ‘tender’ plants include cannas, callas, caladiums, dahlias, tuberous begonias, gladioluses, and tuberoses. Gardeners love these plants because they have decorative foliage and very showy flowers.

To prevent the plant from dying over winter, the bulbs are dug up when the foliage turns brown in the fall or at the latest, when the first frost occurs. The bulbs are stored inside during the winter and re-planted in the spring.

Here’s some tips on digging up tender bulbs and bulb storage over winter.

Using a garden fork or spade, carefully dig around the plant taking care not to damage the roots or cut the bulbs. Dig up the entire root ball.

With your hands, gently loosen and remove as much soil as possible from the roots.

Store the bulbs in a cardboard box and surround the bulb with vermiculite or peat moss (this prevents the bulbs from drying out.)

If you have more than one type of plant, write the name on the box or add a label so you can identify it in the spring.

Make sure the bulbs are stored in an area which will be above freezing all winter such as a garage.

In the spring after the last frost, the bulbs can be planted outside where you can enjoy the tropical foliage and large, bright flowers!

The Best Plants For Great Winter Color

Posted on 23 November, 2015 in Gardening, Landscaping

When wintertime comes, the garden is usually austere and bare, consisting of little more than empty tree branches and colorless evergreen plants with no flowers. That makes for a dull, drab garden indeed. Those long months with no color can drive a gardener crazy and leave them chomping at the bit for some color by the time spring comes.

There’s no reason to leave your garden drab and bare during the winter, though! With a variety of cold-hardy plants that grow lovely flowers, you can add vibrant color to that winter garden in no time.

Here are some of the best plants to consider growing during the winter. Just grow them in containers that can be put on your patio, balcony or porch and moved inside if there’s an extreme freeze coming.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula is a lovely flower that resembles a daisy. It comes in shades of deep yellow, cream or apricot with a match center. The plants grow anywhere from one to two feet tall and equally as wide, making wonderful container plantings or for growing in a flower garden. These flowers will require full sun and well-draining soil. Be sure to water enough to keep the soil moist, too. When you see dead or dying blooms, clip those off to encourage new, lively flowers.

Candytuft (Iberis)

Candytuft gets its name from the sweet scented white flower clusters that grow on its long stems. These babies can reach eight feet in height and just as wide. The leaves, which remain year-round, are a lovely shade of shiny dark green and quite narrow. Not so much of a sun lover, you’ll want to put this plant in a shady–or at least partly shady–place and be sure to consistently water it every few days. Like calendula, it will need well-draining soil and you’ll want to clip off the dead blooms to encourage new flowers to grow.

Cineraria (Senecio x hybridus)

Another shade-loving plant, cineraria blooms with intense colors of purplish blue, purplish red, white and pink. Typically growing to about two feet tall and wide, the daisies bloom in broad clusters that are between three and five inches in diameter. These bright, colorful flowers prefer rich, loose soil and will require consistent watering.

Cyclamen (Primulaceae)

Cyclamen provides a wonderful break from the bleak grays of wintertime with its soft whites, pinks, roses and reds. These two-inch-wide flowers are full of air-filling fragrance as well. Its lush green leaves are heart-shaped and have long six inch stems to hold up the flowers. This flower requires rich soil that is porous and drains very well. Be sure to add lots of humus for this one and put it in a place that is mostly sunny with some shade during the day.

English daisy (Bellis perennis)

Ah, the English daisy. Its bright, beautiful blooms are reminiscent of the English countryside. They come in a variety of colors ranging from rose to red or pink and white. These large, eight inch wide flowers grow on fairly short stems and are surrounded by full, bright green leaves. These daisies prefer sun with just partial shade and also need to have well-draining soil and consistent watering. You’ll want to deadhead the plants often to encourage new blooms to keep that color vibrant.

Scotch heather (Calluna vulgaris)

The needle-like leaves of this low-growing, colorful shrub produces small, bell-shaped flowers in cream, orange, pink or yellow. You’ll want to grow them in an area that receives at least half a day of sun and be sure to use a soil that is sandy and has lots of organic matter added to it. Don’t let the soil dry out with this one either. You’ll want to water it consistently.

Indeed, there’s no reason to drive yourself crazy with desire for color in the winter. With flowers like these in containers for easy transporting, you can keep your yard bright and beautiful all the way to spring.

About the Author

Jonathan Leger is a gardening enthusiast. He runs a small site dedicated to the education, history and care of a

variety of roses at CabbageRoses.net.

Flower beds – Fall Cleanup

Posted on 20 November, 2015 in Gardening, Landscaping

Cleaning up flower beds can be done all season, but it’s a good idea to do a final cleanup in the fall. Some perennial plants look great during the winter, for example rudbeckia seed heads are decorative when topped with snow or ice. If the plants look OK, you can leave them intact.

Other plants die back after the first frost; the foliage becomes brown & messy. Trim back any stems or leaves and add them to your compost pile.

If any plants were diseased or had a lot of insect pests, cut the stems/foliage back to a few inches above the ground and dispose of the plant material in the trash, not the compose pile. This will help prevent a recurrence the following year.

If you have any invasive weeds such as Japanese Knotweed, Oriental Bittersweet or others, you can begin the removal process. Dig them up and/or use a herbicide. Be sure to follow the directions on the label of the herbicide, this will prevent overuse of and exposure to the chemicals. Remove smaller weeds or tree seedlings by hand to prevent them getting established next spring.

Finally add a layer of mulch of bark or leaves to the soil, a two inch layer is sufficient. The mulch conserves moisture and prevents ‘frost-heave’ where the freeze-thaw process forces plant roots to surface of the soil.

These steps will ensure a healthy flower bed for the following year.

Top Shrubs for Fall Color

Posted on 13 November, 2015 in Gardening, Landscaping

There are several shrubs which have beautiful foliage in the fall and are the right size for home gardens or yards. We’re sharing our five favorites with you here.

Burning bush (Euonymus alatus)

This shrub is named for it’s bright red leaves in the fall. It’s easy to grow and does well in most soil types. Thrives in sun to partial shade. Full height is about 9′ it has an open rounded shape. USDA zones 4 – 8.

Spirea (Spirea)

There are several varieties of spirea so it’s easy to choose the ideal size, leaf and flower. They are native to the US, very easy to grow and drought-tolerant once established. They do best in USDA zones 3-8.

Korean Spice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii)

Covered in intensely fragrant white flowers in the spring and beautiful red-yellow leaves in the fall. There are many cultivars that vary in height from 3′ to 10′. Grows best in full sun. USDA zones 5 – 8.

Ninebark (Physocarpus Coppertina)

Ninebark is grown primarily for its foliage color and decorative peeling bark. Foliage color varies from burgundy, yellow or red depending on the variety. They grow about 8′ to 10′ tall but can be kept smaller with pruning. Tolerates moist soil conditions. USDA zones 3-7

Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)

These shrubs vary in height from 4′ to 15′ depending on the cultivar. They have showy, large flowers and a long bloom time. Add to this the attractive fall foliage and you have a shrub which looks great all year. USDA zones 5-9.

When summer flowers have gone, these shrubs will add a bright burst of color to your garden!

First Frost Date and Related Garden Tasks

Posted on 6 November, 2015 in Gardening

Frost is a thin layer of ice which forms outside when the temperature is below freezing. The ice will cover everything at ground level and any low-growing plants and shrubs.

The ‘first frost date’ is the average date when frost is likely to occur in a region. To find the date for your area, do an online search. So what is the significance of the first frost date for gardeners and landscapers? There are several jobs around the garden that should be completed before the first frost date.

Tender house plants should be brought inside the house where they are protected from low temperatures. Also, tender bulbs should be dug up and stored inside.

Any summer vegetables (tomatoes, summer squash) should be harvested. Alternatively, they may survive the first frost if they are covered with a protective material such as garden fleece fabric.

Dig up and dispose of any diseased plants and weeds to prevent recurrence the following year.

Add compost to the soil followed by a layer of mulch. The compost makes the soil more fertile and the mulch prevents roots from being lifted by the ‘freeze/thaw’ process during the spring.

Now is the time to create new planting beds by removing any grass and covering the area with a layer of compost and leaves. In the spring the beds will be ready.

Plant spring flowering bulbs – daffodils, snowdrops, tulips and hyacinths. Add a sprinkle of bulb food to the planting hole to give the bulbs a good start.

Sow seeds for cold weather vegetables and make a note of where existing crops are planted so crops can be rotated next year.

Rodents and rabbits sometimes gnaw the bark of trees and shrubs during the winter, so it may be a good idea to encircle the trunks with a fine-mesh wire fence.

It’s a busy time – there’s plenty to do before the first frost to prepare a healthy, productive garden for the following year.

The Benefits of Using Lawn Edging

Posted on 30 October, 2015 in Edging

Lawn edging is a permanent divider between the lawn and another area in the yard, such as a flower border, play area or path. There are several different styles of lawn edging. For example, low-profile aluminum or flexible strips of faux rocks. Choose a style that compliments your house and yard.

Here’s a quick review of the advantages of using of lawn edging:

1. Provides a neat, crisp border.

2. Stops turf grass from growing into flower beds and other areas.

3. Prevents flowering plants from growing into the lawn by providing a barrier for the plant roots.

4. Keeps mulch or other material such as gravel in place.

5. Defines different areas of the garden and enhances the overall design.

6. A visual barrier – can direct people to walk in certain areas and not others.

7. Draws attention to an attractive focal point such as a specimen tree or shrub, which can be surrounded by ‘tree ring’ lawn edging.

8. Stops weeds from growing into flower beds.

Lawn edging enhances curb appeal and reduces garden maintenance chores. It is a great resource for home owners, garden designers and landscape companies.

Buy yours today at YardProduct.com!

Cleaning Bird Feeders and Bird Baths

Posted on 23 October, 2015 in Landscaping

We enjoy seeing beautiful birds in the yard and they are helpful too because insect-eating birds reduce the population of insect pests. Now is the time to prepare bird feeders and bird baths for the winter months ahead.

It’s important to keep bird feeders clean so they are free of bacteria. To clean a feeder, use water and liquid bleach. (One part bleach mixed with nine parts water). Dunk the feeder in the liquid so it is entirely covered for about three minutes. Then scrub away debris with a brush and rinse well with clean water. Wait until it is completely dry before filling with birdseed.

Store birdseed in a waterproof container such as a metal trash can (this keeps rodents out) and keep the seed dry. Throw out any damp, moldy seed.

Providing fresh water for birds throughout the winter months is important. One option is to have a shallow dish of water in the yard. However if the water freezes, you will need to refill it with running water.

There are several options to prevent water freezing. Use a bird bath and a pond aerator or drip system. Or use a bird bath with a built-in heating element. Be sure to follow installation instructions very carefully if using a heating element. To keep the bird bath clean, use the same method as for bird feeders.

Providing food and water for garden birds helps preserve the local bird population so that you can enjoy them in your yard the following year!

Fall Lawn Care

Posted on 16 October, 2015 in Landscaping

Fall maintenance is key to having a beautiful lawn, here are eight tips that will keep your lawn looking great.

Rake and remove Leaves and Moss

If you have a small lawn, you can do this with a hand rake. Alternatively use a lawn mower with a bagger or mulcher. Removing the leaves allows sunlight and rain to reach the grass and prevents the grass from dying. Put the leaves on a compost pile to create free compost for your garden.

Remove weeds

Apply a lawn herbicide according to package directions. If you want an organic garden, pull weeds by hand, or use an organic herbicide.

Aerate to improve soil structure

Aerating should be done every 2-3 years or when the soil has become compacted. Aerating removes small plugs of soil and improves the soil structure. If you have a small lawn, use a garden fork or aerating sandals to make the holes. For larger areas, rent an aerator or hire a landscape contractor.

Apply top dressing

Top dressing is a prepared mix of sand and soil. After raking and aerating, apply top dressing and use a garden broom to bush the dressing into the aeration holes. Top dressing is available from garden centers, it provides nutrients for the lawn grass and improves the soil texture.

Feed your lawn with lawn fertilizer

Fall is the best time to fertilize the lawn. Choose a high-nitrogen lawn fertilizer and apply it while the grass is still green and before the ground freezes.

Add seed to thin spots

If the weather is warm enough for germination, sprinkle grass seed over bald patches or areas where the grass is thin. Water the area if you do not get any rain. Cover the seed with a thin layer of hay to prevent birds eating the seed.

Drain the lawn irrigation system

If you have an in-ground irrigation system or lawn sprinkler, drain the system to avoid pipes bursting when the water freezes.

Continue to mow

In the fall, grass grows more slowly but it’s a good idea to keep mowing as needed. Cut the grass shorter but make sure it’s at least two inches tall. The closer cut allows more sunlight to reach the base of the plant and this encourages healthy root growth.

Follow these simple fall lawn-care steps and you will be rewarded with an attractive lawn the following year!

11 Fall Chores That Are A Must!

Posted on 25 September, 2015 in Gardening, Landscaping

This Wednesday was the first day of Fall. If you’re anything like me, you’re super excited for cool weather, sweaters, autumn leaves and campfires. To celebrate the season, we have found a list of specific jobs to do during the fall.

1. Plant bulbs

This is the time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils. Get them in the ground before it freezes! Put in a little effort in the fall, and you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous color in the spring.

2. Store tender bulbs

Before the ground freezes, dig up and store your non-hardy bulbs like gladiolus, dahlias, cannas, and tuberous begonias.

3. Prepare your pots

Empty terra cotta and other ceramic and stone flower pots and store them in a garden shed or other covered spot. Leaving them out all winter will allow moisture to get inside, and as the weather warms and cools, the moisture will expand and contract, which could cause the pots to crack.

4. Rake, rake, rake!

Keep the leaves raked up from your lawn and gardens. Composting is a great way to get rid of all those leaves, while turning them into something useful for your garden.

5. Cover it up

Consider planting a cover crop in your vegetable garden. This can help break up clay soil, enrich sandy soil, and get your garden ready for next year’s vegetable crop.

6. Put your tools to bed

Give your garden tools a good cleaning and store them in a shed for the winter. Removing any dirt and chemicals will help prevent rust and corrosion.

7. Give trees a drink

Once the ground freezes solid, your trees and shrubs won’t be able to get any extra water until it thaws. To make sure there’s enough water in the soil, give them a big drink now, and add mulch to help keep the soil moist.

8. Under wraps

Consider wrapping the trunks of newly planted and thin-barked trees like linden, ash, and maple. You can use plastic winding tubes or a brown paper wrap. This prevents the bark from cracking due to the contracting and expanding that comes with freezing and thawing.

9. Prudent pruning

In the late fall, you can prune many types of trees. The sap loss is minimized during colder weather, which means there’s less stress to the tree. Flowering trees like cherry, peach, and plums, however should NOT be pruned in the fall. It’s best to prune them near bloom time.

10. Spring green

If your lawn has bare spots, this is the time to overseed. It’s not as simple as just tossing seed onto the lawn and hoping for the best, though. You need to get the seed down to the soil level, or it will just germinate in the thatch layer and die.

11. Tuck your strawberries into bed

The growing season is over, but your strawberry plants have already set their flower buds for next spring. For a good harvest next year, make sure the berry plants have a snug bed this winter.

Do you have any other landscaping or gardening chores that should be done in the fall?

Share them in the comments below! We want to hear from you!!

A version of this post was originally shared on “Living The Country Life.“