… are part of every garden. Because bee populations continue to decline, and because September is National Honey Month…we dedicate this Smart Gardener to the story of how bees actually produce … make honey, which tastes delicious! But what happens between the flowers and the honey jar is utterly fascinating—and it may make you think differently about how you garden. Honey starts with nectar Plants produce the sugary secretion called nectar to attract bees. Nectar is bee food: specifically, it provides the carbohydrates that bees need. While searching for and …
Type: Plant Info
… The new USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map can help Is this the year to try bigleaf hydrangea, tea olive, or another plant that you think only grows … Zone Map , which can help you decide what plants might survive the winter. The update is the first since 2012. “It’s a great tool, and we’re glad the USDA continues to update these … much of the state of Illinois, has shifted to a slightly warmer zone. Most of the Chicago area is now in zone 6a, including the Chicago Botanic Garden, which previously was in 5b. (Zone 1a is …
Type: Blog
… if you’re looking for inexpensive, unusual containers to hold your plants. The only caveat is that if the container has no drainage holes, it’s best to keep the plant in its original … lighted kitchen cabinets where they take up very little space. During winter, the sunlight is weaker than in summer, but it’s also at a different angle—lower in the sky—and comes more … tins that have a few drainage holes in the bottom, courtesy of a hammer and nail. If one mini is good, a grouping of them is even better. Here is a sample of space-conscious plants for your …
Type: Plant Info
… compound called capsaicin. The body often reacts to capsaicin by sweating, which some suggest is one reason hot peppers are popular in hot climates. In northern climates, peppers tend to be … kind of summer that is pretty much guaranteed in Bolivia, but not in Chicago. You'll need a site in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil, amended with plenty of compost or other organic … June planting doesn't leave much summertime for the peppers to set and ripen. So when you shop for peppers, pay attention to the "days to maturity" in the label or catalog description. …
Type: Plant Info
… seed-starting pots, nursery pots, and containers are available. Bioswale A bioswale is a shallow channel that has been created in the landscape to temporarily store rainfall … require bioswales to reduce the need for larger sewer systems. Carbon Footprint Carbon dioxide is one of a handful of common greenhouse gases associated with global climate change. A carbon … needs of the future. Sustainability can apply to every aspect of our lives—what we eat, how we shop, where we live, how we travel, and even how we garden. In gardening, sustainable practices …
Type: Plant Info
… it's only March, and yes, there's still snow on the ground. Yet smart gardeners know that now is the time to plan for fall color in your garden. Nurseries and garden centers start receiving … Joy', too. But there are some intriguing newcomers to the autumn stonecrop crowd—and color is rejuvenating the category. Got rabbit trouble? Not with sedums. Lemonjade sedum ( Sedum … over grey-green foliage, they give way to peach-colored seedheads. 16 to 18 inches, tall, 26 to 28 inches wide Firecracker sedum ( Sedum 'Firecracker') smolders with intense burgundy-red …
Type: Plant Info
… Windy City Harvest Youth Farm Washington Park 2014 Participants Cynthia Busby Intern Cynthia is a Windy City Harvest Apprenticeship student and intern at the Windy City Harvest Youth Farm in Washington Park. She is interested in learning and sharing information about urban agriculture with her community. Reneldia Gardner Grower Fourth season Reneldia is a Windy City Harvest Apprenticeship graduate from the class of 2010, and she is in her fourth …
Type: Page
… 2014 Participants Jesus Cuezzi Grower Fifth season Jesus started out as a crew leader and is now a grower. Along with being a master salesperson at market, Jesus is a great guitar player, Ultimate Frisbee player, and amazing role model. Marina Garcia Intern Sixth season Marina started out as a crew leader. This is her second year as an intern. Marina is an avid juicer and loves sharing her amazing …
Type: Page
… with the students and learning about urban agriculture. Carolina Macias Intern Carolina is an intern from the Windy City Harvest program. She is from the Little Village neighborhood and has years of experience working with youth. She looks … learning more about sustainable production. Antonio Willis Crew leader Fourth season Antonio is a senior at North Lawndale College Prep. His favorite vegetables are carrots. Quote: “I like …
Type: Page
… for this summer on the farm? Making friends What's your favorite vegetable? Corn What is a fun or surprising fact about you? I read a lot of comic books, my favorite color is black. Superhero favorite: Coming to Age Ashley Age: 16 Grade: 11 School: Waukegan High … Learning about vegetables and learning how to garden What's your favorite vegetable? Corn What is a fun or surprising fact about you? I like five different sports, have six siblings, and like …
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