… as gifts during the holidays but aren’t sure how to transport them. Do you have some tips for purchasing and transporting holiday plants? A: Flowering plants such as poinsettia, … freezing. Plants should never be transported in a cold trunk or allowed to sit in a cold car for any length of time. To unwrap a holiday plant, it is best to set the plant on a stable surface and carefully tear or cut the wrapper from the bottom …
Type: Plant Info
… A. There are several reasons why flowering bulbs will produce foliage but few flowers: Need for division: As with many perennials, the center of a clump of daffodil bulbs may lose vigor and … a year, or by mixing a slow-release fertilizer with the soil above the bulbs. Take care not to place fertilizer directly on or below the bulbs. Damage to foliage: After the bulb has flowered, …
Type: Plant Info
… via Wikimedia commons [ CC BY 2.0 ] Red Norland Potato The Garden has featured potatoes for about a decade. “We harvest about 40 to 50 pounds per variety,” Hilgenberg says. That 40- to … potatoes that are certified as disease-free,” Hilgenberg says. Planting Methods Potatoes grow best in fertile, well-drained soil. Before planting the seed potatoes, dig in compost, finely … Fiber grow bags allow excess water to drain away, but other pots must have drainage holes. Place about 4 inches of soilless potting mix in the bottom and set about eight seed potato pieces …
Type: Plant Info
… in an excellent pruner. (Find a variety of garden tools at The Garden Shop! ) Order seeds for heirloom tomatoes so you can grow your own. Try a new plant combo that pleases you. (See our Terrific Trios Smart Gardener for some ideas!) Prune a crabapple or pear tree into an espalier. Ask your grandparents what they … tree…or two. Start a compost pile. Test your soil. (For a list of Illinois soil testing labs, visit extension.illinois.edu ) Plant flowers in Pantone’s color of the year : rose quartz and …
Type: Plant Info
… that native plants are hot. They’re touted online, in magazines, at garden centers, and in the news where their benefits are often linked to helping the plight of bees and other important pollinators . Many natives get the nod for their drought tolerance, low maintenance, and disease or pest resistance, as well as their … and formal garden designs. And, native trees and shrubs offer nesting sites and food for many birds. What IS a native plant? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a native …
Type: Plant Info
… sourcing your seeds and plants, our Chicago Botanic Garden experts share their top trends for 2025. Whether you're a green gardener or green-thumbed pro, these hot takes will provide … impact. Lawns demand constant mowing, watering, and fertilizing, but swapping them for low-maintenance alternatives saves energy and effort. Even adding new flowerbeds to reduce lawn size can make a big difference for the environment. For a ‘lawn-like’ look, native plants like Pennsylvania sedge ( Carex …
Type: Blog
… Q. Is there anything I can do now to prepare my turf for the winter? A.Fall is a good time to improve the health of your lawn and prepare it for winter. There are a number of cultural practices that will help at this time of year. Clean …
Type: Plant Info
… you can take anywhere! New! Pollen-rich air can irritate the eyes, sinuses, and throat for many. Discover delicious ways to support the immune system with botanical herbs and foods. … can build your body’s resistance to environmental irritants as well as which herbs to reach for when symptoms need to be soothed. Recipes, demonstrations, and discussion are included. This …
Type: Item Detail
… one main trunk and a big ball of foliage at the top. The leaves can be picked fresh or dried for bay seasoning. During the winter, a bright spot with a few hours of direct sunlight a day is best. Water very sparingly in winter and let the potting mix dry out before watering again. Like …
Type: Plant Info
… 25 – March 22 Wednesday – Sunday, noon – 4 p.m. Our Seed Library in the Lenhardt Library is a place where you may “borrow” seeds to plant, to grow, and to enjoy! At harvest time, save seeds for yourself, and return some to the Seed Library for others to “borrow” next season. … are distributed with each hand-packed seed envelope. Before you get growing, check out the latest seed growing tips from the experts. By participating in the Seed Library, you become part …
Type: Page
