Search

  • … professional greenhouse growers. An ancient art and science long used on fruit trees, grafting is the placement of the tissues of one plant (called a scion) onto another plant (called a stock). The rootstock is thought to impart disease resistance and increased vigor to a less vigorous—perhaps heirloom—tomato … out of direct sunlight, to heal for up to one week. When planning on grafting, growers must buy double the amount of seed and need to double the number of plantings (to account for the …
    Type: Page
  • … I love coming home to my quiet, tree-lined Chicago neighborhood, but one thing I miss about urban living is ample … stairs. Growing an herb container doesn’t require a whole lot of space, luckily. To find the best inspiration, I turned to Lisa Hilgenberg, horticulturist for the Regenstein Fruit & … calls for two types of potatoes, and four or five different herbs. If you go to the store and buy these ingredients, it could cost eight bucks apiece. To grow scallions, dill, basil, and …
    Type: Blog
  • … I don’t have to look outside to know that it has been raining lately. My phone has been ringing off the hook … lepiota, was the mushroom du jour. Three of the cases involved this toxic mushroom that is commonly found in yards after summer rains. It looks lovely, and it usually won’t kill you, … lawn mower’s mushroom, is also nonedible. (Photo with permission Michael Kuo,  mushroomexpert.com .) Not all mushrooms growing in lawns are toxic.   But the only way to tell is to know what …
    Type: Blog
  • … Winter is no stranger to Chicago and can sometimes feel like a less-than-pleasant guest. But as the days get shorter and colder, we set our sights on the gifts of winter and look forward to holidays, friends, and food. Put planet Earth on your gift list and consider these ideas for …
    Type: Blog
  • … Andrea Wulf's depiction of early U.S. presidents who passionately promoted farming as a means to independence — would be tickled to see the American Seed Saver bed in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden. There, visitors … States Department of Agriculture more than 150 years ago. The big, sweet, and juicy tomato is a good slicer and also makes great ketchup. “What could be more American than that?” …
    Type: Blog
  • … President’s Day was established in 1885 as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present. It also seems to be just the right day for me … Cool-season vegetables and herbs planted in the White House Kitchen Garden The White House is “The People’s House” and its garden is the iconic “America’s garden.” I’d come on a visit … beehive supplies the first family with honey. Established in 1791, the President’s Park is the official name for the 82 acres surrounding the White House. Originally laid out by Pierre Charles …
    Type: Blog
  • … days grow longer in early spring, gardeners get itchy. And for vegetable gardeners, late March is not too soon to get started. But you can't plant just anything Only a few crops, mainly greens and root … moderate than farther away from Lake Michigan. Your own garden may not warm up as fast. The best way to know when to start sowing is to get a soil thermometer (less than $5) and make sure …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … clusters at the stem tips in late spring or early summer. The foliage ranges from threadlike to willow-like and looks attractive throughout the growing season with the bonus of good to outstanding yellow to gold fall color. Species may vary in plant size from a ground cover … for their performance in our region; Plant Evaluation Notes can be found on the Garden's website. The genus was named for Dr. Charles Amson, an 18th century American colonist. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … clusters at the stem tips in late spring or early summer. The foliage ranges from threadlike to willow-like and looks attractive throughout the growing season with the bonus of good to outstanding yellow to gold fall color. Species may vary in plant size from a ground cover … for their performance in our region; Plant Evaluation Notes can be found on the Garden's website. The genus was named for Dr. Charles Amson, an 18th century American colonist. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … reasonably priced gift? Plants are all that and more. Here's a quick guide on which plants to buy—as a gift or for yourself. If you buy them at a store, wrap them up completely and get them … It's beautiful because the red, cream, or sparkle-laden plants are dazzling. But it is also dreaded because the plant will drop its leaves in warm and dry air, cold drafts, or …
    Type: Blog