The weather is turning cool in the area, making it the perfect time to plant spring and early summer flowering bulbs. Tulips, daffodils and hyacinths come to mind, but alliums and lilies fit the bill, also. The ideal time to plant spring flowering bulbs is when the soil temperature is around 60 degrees about six inches below the surface. This typically translates into late September in the St. Peter’s area. Bulbs need time in the cool ground to become established before the cold winter weather sets in. Most home improvement stores, such as Lowe’s and Home Depot have bins of bulbs out now, …
Fall is a season of bright, beautiful colors. Chrysanthemums, or more commonly referred to as mums, are a colorful addition to your fall garden. Long after the summer blooms of other flowers have faded, mums can still be going strong. Home and garden centers are currently filled with these potted color spots waiting for a place in your fall garden. Mums are easy to grow and require little more than water, sunlight and well-drained soil. They make excellent container plants or can be placed directly in the ground. Mums can be treated as annuals, meaning they are intended for only one growing …
Clematis is a great addition to any St. Peters' area garden. Will a bit of preparation before planting, clematis will bring years of stunning vertical color to any home garden. There are hundreds of clematis species worldwide and the majority of varieties are climbing plants. Some species grow upwards to 30 feet, but most of the types found at the home and garden stores in the area grow in the 8-foot to 14-foot range. The majority of clematis found in home and garden stores or nurseries in the area grow vigorously in our climate. When ordering clematis online or via a catalog, always double …
Once again, I have collected a number of questions that have been emailed to me about gardening topics. I compiled the questions and searched out the answers, with most information coming from local nurseries or the Missouri Garden Extension. Should I prune my tomato plants? Some are close to four feet tall. Pruning tomato plants is an optional activity for gardeners. There are two key elements when deciding whether to prune. The first is to determine if the plant is too tall to support tomatoes growing on the upper branches of the plant. This is a potential issue if the tomato plant is not …
Daylilies are not actually true lilies. Through years of hybridization, the daylily has evolved and is no longer part of the Liliaceae subfamily. It is classified in the Hemerocallidoideae subfamily. Daylilies are a diverse group of flower boasting hundreds of varieties. They are easy to care for and thrive with a bit of maintenance. While a day lily blooms last typically less than 24 hours, each scape (stalk) has many blooms on it. Because of this, a clump of daylilies can put on a vibrant show that lasts for weeks. Daylilies are not commonly used in flower arrangements; however they make …
If you spend any time in the yard these days, you are bound to see them. They don’t try to hide. Japanese beetles, half inch long, brown and green metallic bugs are showing up everywhere this time of year. According to the Missouri Garden Extension, the beetles are not considered a threat yet in the St. Peter’s area, but they still seem to be everywhere. Japanese beetles attack the yard in two ways. The Kemper Center for Home Gardening, based out of the Missouri Botanical Gardens, says that the mature beetles typically emerge in this area in June and July and are active for about six weeks. …
Over the past few weeks, I have had numerous emails with questions on garden related issues. I compiled the questions and searched out the answers, with most information coming from local nurseries or the Missouri Garden Extension. According to their website, The University of Missouri Extension provides a “one-stop source for practical education on almost anything.” The Master Gardener Extension Program is geared toward gardeners. The mission of the Master Gardener Extension Program is, “helping others learn to grow.” It provides training for the gardener through 30 hours of in-depth …
The wet, cool spring has had a bit of an impact on most area vegetable gardens as well as flowers and lawns. After a quick chat with Kelli Morgan, owner of Koenig’s Nursery on Mexico Road, I was armed with the knowledge (and a few plants) I needed to get things back on track. Just like with any potted plants you will plant in the garden, giving an extra boost of nutrients will help the plant thrive in the months to come. Wiggle Worm Earthworm Castings, sold at Koenig’s, will give the soil a boost and is safe to put into the soil directly with the plants—it is non-toxic and completely organic…
There are so many things to do in your yard and garden right now that will enhance the appearance of your yard and home. A nice lawn and landscaping can add value to your home and increase curb appeal dramatically. Lawns If you fertilized and put down a crab grass pre-emergent more than six weeks ago, now is the time to put down a fertilizer and broadleaf weed control. This time of year, your lawn is using up stored energy and is in need of feeding. Thick, healthy grass will help keep weeds to a minimum by not giving them a place to grow. Dave, who gave only his first name because he sells …
I have grown culinary herbs for more years than I care to admit. It started with a potted rosemary plant in a college apartment. I never cooked with the rosemary, but I loved the smell. It thrived in less than perfect conditions: little sun, less water and ambient temperatures for a college student with little money for the heating bill. Thus, began my love affair with growing culinary herbs. Herbs are easy to grow and give the beginning gardener a great sense of accomplishment. They can be grown in pots or in the ground. Herbs add a fresh touch to even the most boring dinner menu, which is …
To plant or not to plant, that is the question. This time of year, nurseries and garden centers are filled with beautiful trees just begging to land in the back of a pick-up truck and taken home. Contrary to popular belief, spring is not the best time to plant trees. Outdoor Specialist, James Reid, of Lawn & Landscape Solutions, LLC, said that because people have been housebound all winter long, when the weather turns warm, there is a push and inclination to go out and work on their landscaping with an all-out effort. The allure of trees as a new focus can be overwhelming. But homeowners …
