Summer

IS IT POSSIBLE TO KEEP YOUR GARDEN FREE FROM WEEDS?

Hmm. That’s a tall order. Weeds common to your garden are naturally suited to the sun, soil, and water conditions of this area. That’s why it’s so hard to get rid of weeds after they’ve taken root. But if you prevent weed seeds from germinating, your garden can be weed-free. Here are some tips to IS IT POSSIBLE TO KEEP YOUR GARDEN FREE FROM WEEDS?

Keep Coleus Looking its Best All Summer?

Coleus is probably one of the easiest plants to grow and propagate. In fact, the plants root so easily that you can even start cuttings in a glass of water. They can also be propagated by seed indoors about 8-10 weeks prior to the last expected spring frost.

WHAT THE HECK IS A BUG HOTEL? (A Tutorial)

Nature does a lot to help our fruits and vegetables along, especially by providing a bunch of beneficial insects to pollinate our crops and prey on pests. It’s impossible to say just how valuable these creepy crawlies are in keeping the cycle of garden life going, but we are very indebted to them!

ARE YOU MAKING THESE ROOKIE MISTAKES IN YOUR VEGETABLE GARDEN? Part I

Even the best vegetable gardeners can make rookie mistakes. Here are 4 no-no’s to avoid. Look for more mistakes in the next article.

WHO KNEW? EPSOM SALTS FOR YOUR GARDEN?

Most people have heard of Epsom salts and they typically associate it with baths, as this natural salt from Epsom, England is probably best known as a way to help relieve your body’s aches and pains. Or perhaps you’ve even been one of the unfortunate ones who’ve had to use Epsom salts as a laxative. WHO KNEW? EPSOM SALTS FOR YOUR GARDEN?

ARE THERE REALLY BATS IN NASSAU COUNTY?

(AND WHY SHOULD I CARE?) Common to Long Island from March through Halloween are the little brown bats and the big brown bats (only a half inch distinguishes the two). Numbers on mosquito munching vary, but 600 mosquitoes an hour was average, in addition to other nighttime insects. ”They’re in the air a lot, that’s ARE THERE REALLY BATS IN NASSAU COUNTY?

What is Companion Planting?

Companion gardening is the planting together of plants that have similar growing needs,  to maximize the production of both plants. It is still an experimental field with more research needed, but there are some things we do know and can pass along.

Tips for Container Gardening

Why Container Gardening? Perhaps you live in an apartment, have limited space in your yard, or just don’t want to have a full-scale garden. By growing in containers, you can have fresh vegetables and herbs just steps from your kitchen, and they can enhance your patio, deck, or balcony. Containers can also be moved to Tips for Container Gardening

Thinking of Starting A Compost Pile?

What is Compost? `   Composting is nature’s process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil known as compost. Anything that was once living will decompose, such as yard waste, plant trimmings, leaves, grass clippings, soil with microbes and wet kitchen scraps (but not fat and meat). Basically, backyard composting is an acceleration Thinking of Starting A Compost Pile?

To Mulch or Not to Mulch? And When?

What is Mulch and Why is it Important? Mulch can be anything that covers the soil. It ‘s purpose is to retain moisture and prevent weeds, and help maintain soil temperature. It can be applied at different times of the year depending on the purpose. Towards the beginning of the growing season mulches serve initially To Mulch or Not to Mulch? And When?

PROPER TIMING FOR PRUNING FLOWERING PLANTS

Suggested Pruning Time for Common Flowering Trees, Shrubs, & Vines Spring-Flowering Plants: Plants that bloom in early spring usually produce their flower buds the year before. The buds over-winter on the previous year’s growth and open in spring. Prune after flowering: Alternate-leaf Butterfly-bush (Buddleia alternifolia) Azalea (Rhododendron species) Beautybush (Kolkwitzia amabilis) Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) PROPER TIMING FOR PRUNING FLOWERING PLANTS

Bring in Your Tropical Plants Now!

Have you got hibiscus, mandevilla, or other tropical plants you don’t want to say goodbye to for the winter? Follow these simple steps and you will be able to enjoy your tropical plants again next summer.