… consider constructing a raised bed outlined with durable, untreated lumber. The boxed bed is then filled with a perfect, lightweight mix of topsoil, compost, and leaf mold. Other small-space gardeners who choose containers to grow their veggies and herbs can use this same mix for their pots. Any gardener who suspects … the soil is contaminated should have a soil test taken prior to growing edible plants. This is best done when the soil temperature is above 50 degrees. …
Type: Plant Info
… thrive on a windowsill in winter as well as in the summer garden. Most herbs require four to six hours of sun or 14 hours of supplemental light daily, and a south or southwest exposure is best. All herbs except basil perform best next to a cool windowpane. Many herbs, such as thyme, …
Type: Plant Info
… higher than the surrounding soil. Visit Chicagoland Grows for suggestions on trees and plants best suited for the Chicago area. Break the cycle When you bring home a containerized plant, you … must be broken before planting or the roots will eventually strangle the plant. Here's what to do: For container-grown shrubs and small trees, take a sharp pair of pruners and vertically … of showy imports that can actually harm your plantings. Look for organic, composted types, and buy in bulk to save money. Though they are often free for the taking, avoid using wood chips over …
Type: Plant Info
… Q: My red-twig dogwood stems don't seem to be as bright red as they used to be. What is the problem? A. As red-twig dogwood stems age, they turn dark in color. The best way to maintain your plant's health and maximize its color is to prune it using a technique …
Type: Plant Info
… 4-inch flowers are produced in profusion atop the 2.5 feet-high plants from midsummer to the first frost. Plant 'Tropical Salmon' in full sun and in moist soil for best flower production. Cannas will tolerate partial shaded conditions, but the number of flowers will be reduced. This new cultivar is propagated by seed in an effort to avoid a very serious disease of vegetatively propagated, …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… trademarked name. Silvery-pink fully double and quartered flowers are produced from mi-June to the first hard frost of fall. Like other roses, this one is best grown in full sun locations with good air movement. Unfortunately, it's not particularly …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… yellow flowers with bars and spots of orange are a classic example of insect mimicry used to achieve pollination. The very thin upper petals are very distinctive, as are the long, flowering spikes. This butterfly orchid is native from the Caribbean islands to northern South America. Grow this orchid in bright light, high humidity, and exceptionally well-drained growing media for best results; it needs consistently warm temperatures. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… American hornbeam, native to Illinois woodlands, attains heights of 25 to 40 feet when mature. A good choice for … displays leaves of various colors, ranging from yellow to scarlet to reddish-purple. This tree is at its best in winter, when the picturesque, sinewy, blue-gray branches can be seen. It is also known as …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Large-flowered inula is an easy to grow, clump-forming perennial that prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun. It … composed of numerous, narrow, ray florets. Good drainage is essential, and the plants do best in cold climates. Orientalis is hardy to USDA Zone 3 and grows to 2½ feet tall, featuring …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… June and extending throughout much of the remaining growing season. A native of Japan, this is the catnip if other species have not tolerated your typically heavy Chicago area soils. Insect and disease resistant it is a great pollinator attractant in the garden. Full sun provides for the best bloom. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
