… Sow seeds in March and April for a fast, flavorful harvest. It will be a few months before we can safely plant tomatoes, peppers, beans, and squash. But you can start a crop of cool-season greens such as spinach, lettuce, collards, mustard greens, Swiss chard, and kale as soon as the soil thaws. Lettuce and Swiss chard seeds, for example, start to …
Type: Plant Info
… suburbs of Chicago, skeptical of the food system (eating a lot of processed foods) and loving learning. When asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" she thought about … creative performance spaces for marginalized musicians and artists in Columbus, Ohio . In service of food access in urban agriculture since 2020, Joshua works to further assist the … are the many intersections between health, nutrition, community, and social equity. In his free time, Marcus likes to go biking in the woods, skateboard around the city, and find new …
Type: Page
… lawn renovation in spring, but in fact this work is better done in fall once summer's heat and drought have passed. In fall, cool air temperatures and warm soil are perfect for seed germination, whereas in spring the cool soil and chilly air … just to reseed. If conditions are generally good but your grass is thinning and weedy with bare spots, it is probably time to renovate. Tips for Renovating your Lawn in Fall If you have …
Type: Plant Info
… A smart gardener's secret ingredient at the holidays Vegetables fall in and out of favor over time. Fifty years ago, iceberg was often the only lettuce found at grocery stores, along with two "kinds" of peppers—red and green. Rediscovered today, heirloom lettuce varieties are avidly discussed by chefs and … that we added two more varieties this year. 'Albion', like most parsnips, is disease- and pest-free, and also resistant to the cankers that can affect some other varieties. 'Lancer' has the …
Type: Plant Info
… in the Garden is all about anticipation, with each day bringing new discoveries, news oohs and aahs. What a magnificent season to walk the cultivated gardens and the natural areas, seeking both the brash and the modest — plants whose tropical colors take … with all companions. What would spring be without pansies? The sweet star of the troughs is Free-Flowering, a lovable orange viola. The Formal Circle Garden In the more formal, full-sun …
Type: Walks
… dishes with habanero; in Thailand they prefer prik kee noo; in Ethiopia they enjoy piri piri; and the Brazilians use malagueta. (For the extremely local, no Chicago dog is complete unless it … because every bite is worth savoring. Horticulturist favorites Every year brings new cultivars and favorites along with the trusted pepper favorites. This year’s picks encompass a variety of flavors. 'Joe's Long Cayenne' is a sturdy, problem-free plant that sets dozens of bright red, hot, delicious fruits. 'Red Marconi' is tasty and …
Type: Plant Info
… being brought back to healthy former conditions. Because of the constant efforts of scientists and volunteers to remove invasive species and sow native plants, this natural area is slowly being reclaimed. One measure of the success so … from the U.S. Green Building Council. The building earned its Gold LEED rating with points in six categories, including sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, …
Type: Walks
… charmer beams from the Garden's shadows. Small, orchidlike flowers, speckled with white and shades of purple, sparkle above tall stems of glossy green foliage. Most other perennials have finished blooming. Trees are going dormant and preparing to drop their leaves. But this beauty is just getting started. The only thing that … can see why the mottled coloration of the flowers might remind some unpoetic soul of a toad. And like toads, these plants prefer shady, moist places. But they have far more charisma. Toad …
Type: Plant Info
… many forms, so it is particularly important for parents, camp counselors, hikers, gardeners, and anyone who enjoys the outdoors to become familiar with its characteristics in all seasons. It … if exposed to fumes from burning the plant. Poison ivy is native to the United States and is easily spread by seeds eaten by birds that feed off the white berries produced in the fall. Plants frequently grow at the edge of woodlands and roadsides, hugging sand dunes, and creeping along residential alleys, forest preserves, and …
Type: Plant Info
… stems! Such gorgeous flowers on the bloomers! No wonder we find houseplants irresistible, and bring them into our homes. Most of us also know that, in addition to being attractive, indoor … houseplants bring more angst than pleasure to their people. Once-green leaves yellow, droop, and drop. Stems slump, or wither, or rot. Myriad other signs of distress appear. In a remarkably … or improper watering and fertilizing techniques," says Johnson. The Garden's Plant Information Service can help if you have questions. Finally, at some point you may need to repot your …
Type: Plant Info
