Carole's Hints
When Carole Gura joined the Newburyport Horticultural Society in 1974, she was the organization's youngest member. If you know Carole at all, it will come as no surprise that by 1980 she was its President. She is a Certified Master Gardener and an accomplished floral designer who has exhibited in museums and flower shows including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Boston Flower Show. Carole has shared her monthly hints with the Newburyport Horticultural Society for years. We are happy to now publish them on our website. Thank you Carole for sharing your enthusiasm and expertise!
SEPTEMBER 2023
Hello members, I hope all is well with you. It’s time to think about what we should be doing in our gardens now, but I have decided to talk about something different this time, but important. Most of my hints for August still apply to September.
1. What is the difference between a genetically modified organism, a GMO or NON- GMO. A GMO product has had its DNA changed in the laboratory. Why is this done? Simply put, it is done for better production, as in a larger yield, resistance to diseases, and to protect the plants and animals from insect infestation and more I’m sure. Is it good or bad for us? It can be both. Some research has shown GMO products ‘can’ reduce the ability for us to absorb antibiotics. Do your research. If you want to avoid GMO products look for the labels that say NON-GMO.
2. How does this relate to organically grown products? Organically grown products must conform to USDA strict standards that require it not using any pesticides, herbicides, chemically produced fertilizers, hormones, or supplements. And acceptable farming methods. Look for the USDA Organic label. All organic products must be NON-GMO to conform to strict organic USDA standards. Becoming an organic farm takes years to achieve and is very costly for the farmer, thus the increase in prices. Soil is tested, seed is tested. Farming methods are reviewed. Near by farms are checked for air drift of elements that can affect the organic farm, etc.
4. Are the benefits of organic foods, and NON-GMO products worth the expense and the attention? It’s up to you to decide.
5. Once you get accustomed to looking for these labels, it won’t take you long to spot them. Not all NON-GMO products are organic.
I hope this has been helpful and not too confusing for you. Enough !!! I’m off my soapbox for now.
Hello members, I hope all is well with you. It’s time to think about what we should be doing in our gardens now, but I have decided to talk about something different this time, but important. Most of my hints for August still apply to September.
1. What is the difference between a genetically modified organism, a GMO or NON- GMO. A GMO product has had its DNA changed in the laboratory. Why is this done? Simply put, it is done for better production, as in a larger yield, resistance to diseases, and to protect the plants and animals from insect infestation and more I’m sure. Is it good or bad for us? It can be both. Some research has shown GMO products ‘can’ reduce the ability for us to absorb antibiotics. Do your research. If you want to avoid GMO products look for the labels that say NON-GMO.
2. How does this relate to organically grown products? Organically grown products must conform to USDA strict standards that require it not using any pesticides, herbicides, chemically produced fertilizers, hormones, or supplements. And acceptable farming methods. Look for the USDA Organic label. All organic products must be NON-GMO to conform to strict organic USDA standards. Becoming an organic farm takes years to achieve and is very costly for the farmer, thus the increase in prices. Soil is tested, seed is tested. Farming methods are reviewed. Near by farms are checked for air drift of elements that can affect the organic farm, etc.
4. Are the benefits of organic foods, and NON-GMO products worth the expense and the attention? It’s up to you to decide.
5. Once you get accustomed to looking for these labels, it won’t take you long to spot them. Not all NON-GMO products are organic.
I hope this has been helpful and not too confusing for you. Enough !!! I’m off my soapbox for now.
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AUGUST 2023
Hi Members, August is finally here. The month of August was named after the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar by himself….Just thought you would like to know. Ok, down to business. This summer we’ve had many challenges. I declare it the summer of rabbits, rain, and weeds. The rabbits in our yard have been eating things they never ate before. Like marigolds, hostas and portulacas. Oh, the life of a gardener can be very frustrating.
1. Because of all the rain, everything that likes it wet has thrived. So you may need to cut back leggy annuals. To encourage new growth, apply a water soluble fertilizer high in phosphorus. It usually called “Bloom Booster.” The numbers on the package will look like this - 10-50-10. The phosphorus being the middle number is highest. Again, remember what I said last month about fertilizing all your plants including vegetables, because of all the rain draining the soil of vital nutrients.
2. In August we begin to see mums, pansies, ornamental cabbage, asters, and kale coming into the market place. If you buy the ones with more buds closed than open, they last longer. Also if you plant them in the ground early, they usually repeat next year. But not the cabbage and kale. Once they finish blooming, be sure to deadhead them.
3. As the day light hours decrease, and the days start to cool, write down in your plant journal all your successes and disappointments. Look for plants that might need to be divided next spring for yourself and for our plant sale. For me, it has been a difficult summer in some ways with my vegetable garden. Things that usually do well, have not done so this year. Kay, sera sera... There’s always the farm stands. And we have many to choose from.
4. We are so fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful regions of New England. But things are changing all around us. Be mindful of what we can do to protect our environment. Keep an eye to the sky each day. A few days ago , 2 houses from us, we had an unpredicted micro burst on our street. A large tree came down with wires on a car with people in it. No one was hurt fortunately, but it was very scary. Enjoy the rest of the summer.
Photos: Water hyacinth in bloom and lady’s mantle after a rain.
Hi Members, August is finally here. The month of August was named after the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar by himself….Just thought you would like to know. Ok, down to business. This summer we’ve had many challenges. I declare it the summer of rabbits, rain, and weeds. The rabbits in our yard have been eating things they never ate before. Like marigolds, hostas and portulacas. Oh, the life of a gardener can be very frustrating.
1. Because of all the rain, everything that likes it wet has thrived. So you may need to cut back leggy annuals. To encourage new growth, apply a water soluble fertilizer high in phosphorus. It usually called “Bloom Booster.” The numbers on the package will look like this - 10-50-10. The phosphorus being the middle number is highest. Again, remember what I said last month about fertilizing all your plants including vegetables, because of all the rain draining the soil of vital nutrients.
2. In August we begin to see mums, pansies, ornamental cabbage, asters, and kale coming into the market place. If you buy the ones with more buds closed than open, they last longer. Also if you plant them in the ground early, they usually repeat next year. But not the cabbage and kale. Once they finish blooming, be sure to deadhead them.
3. As the day light hours decrease, and the days start to cool, write down in your plant journal all your successes and disappointments. Look for plants that might need to be divided next spring for yourself and for our plant sale. For me, it has been a difficult summer in some ways with my vegetable garden. Things that usually do well, have not done so this year. Kay, sera sera... There’s always the farm stands. And we have many to choose from.
4. We are so fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful regions of New England. But things are changing all around us. Be mindful of what we can do to protect our environment. Keep an eye to the sky each day. A few days ago , 2 houses from us, we had an unpredicted micro burst on our street. A large tree came down with wires on a car with people in it. No one was hurt fortunately, but it was very scary. Enjoy the rest of the summer.
Photos: Water hyacinth in bloom and lady’s mantle after a rain.
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JULY 2023
Hello members. Welcome to the month of July. It has been a very interesting season so far this year. And I don’t mean in a good way. I guess this is the new normal for us.
1. I am repeating one suggestion I told you in my June hints….With so many ups and downs in the weather, especially with climate change, I believe we all should pay more attention to the weather reports. I keep a daily temperature diary. It’s available on the Internet. It has saved me many times from losing plants to an unexpected frost or heat wave. Try to plant and transplant on overcast cool day. By now we should be all set in that department.
2. Garden vegetables and annuals will do very well with a water soluble fertilizer now. With all the rain we have been having, the soil nutrients have been somewhat flushed from the soil, especially in containers. I use Jack’s 20-20-20 on flowers, and organic Neptune’s Harvest on my veggies every 2 weeks. It really makes a difference. Make sure you never increase the recommended amount, and be sure the soil is damp before the application, other wise the fertilizer can burn the plants.
3. Time to cut back the pansies and place them in the shade. They do not like hot summer temperatures. They may revive in the fall when temperatures cool off. No guarantee though.
4. Don’t forget to deadhead, perennials and annuals. This will keep the bloom coming all summer for annuals and prevent perennials from pouring their energy into making seeds. Harvest your vegetables at their peak. Remember finding a zucchini as big as a baseball bat, not good for much of anything.
5. Be on the look out for bad garden bugs, slugs, and anything else that attacks your beautiful plants. Early intervention is very important. There are many kinds of safe organic methods available to control them. No need to use anything toxic. I use an organic treatment for slugs, called Sluggo. It really works.
6. Now is time to fertilize azaleas and rhododendrons. Use Hollytone at the recommended amount for size of your shrub. It has been an exceptional year for the bloom of peonies, Cornus Kousa dogwoods, and probably a lot more I haven’t seen. So, it makes up for what didn’t bloom for us this spring. Mother Nature’s compensation. Have faith, not all is lost. Have a wonderful summer and enjoy your gardens however large or small they are.
Photos: Cornus Kousa Dogwood, Peony.
Hello members. Welcome to the month of July. It has been a very interesting season so far this year. And I don’t mean in a good way. I guess this is the new normal for us.
1. I am repeating one suggestion I told you in my June hints….With so many ups and downs in the weather, especially with climate change, I believe we all should pay more attention to the weather reports. I keep a daily temperature diary. It’s available on the Internet. It has saved me many times from losing plants to an unexpected frost or heat wave. Try to plant and transplant on overcast cool day. By now we should be all set in that department.
2. Garden vegetables and annuals will do very well with a water soluble fertilizer now. With all the rain we have been having, the soil nutrients have been somewhat flushed from the soil, especially in containers. I use Jack’s 20-20-20 on flowers, and organic Neptune’s Harvest on my veggies every 2 weeks. It really makes a difference. Make sure you never increase the recommended amount, and be sure the soil is damp before the application, other wise the fertilizer can burn the plants.
3. Time to cut back the pansies and place them in the shade. They do not like hot summer temperatures. They may revive in the fall when temperatures cool off. No guarantee though.
4. Don’t forget to deadhead, perennials and annuals. This will keep the bloom coming all summer for annuals and prevent perennials from pouring their energy into making seeds. Harvest your vegetables at their peak. Remember finding a zucchini as big as a baseball bat, not good for much of anything.
5. Be on the look out for bad garden bugs, slugs, and anything else that attacks your beautiful plants. Early intervention is very important. There are many kinds of safe organic methods available to control them. No need to use anything toxic. I use an organic treatment for slugs, called Sluggo. It really works.
6. Now is time to fertilize azaleas and rhododendrons. Use Hollytone at the recommended amount for size of your shrub. It has been an exceptional year for the bloom of peonies, Cornus Kousa dogwoods, and probably a lot more I haven’t seen. So, it makes up for what didn’t bloom for us this spring. Mother Nature’s compensation. Have faith, not all is lost. Have a wonderful summer and enjoy your gardens however large or small they are.
Photos: Cornus Kousa Dogwood, Peony.
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JUNE 2023
1. Several members have asked me why some flowering shrubs and trees are not flowering this spring. Do you remember the first week in February when we had several days of below zero temperatures? Certain trees and shrubs have a bud hardiness that does NOT withstand temperatures below -0 degrees. They set their buds early in the fall for next spring. Like cherry and peach trees, some azaleas, and rhododendrons to name a few. Other plants did not even survive, or are in a weakened state now. There really isn’t anything we can do to prevent that other than asking the nursery people which plants have the best bud hardiness. If you have trees or shrubs that haven’t leafed out yet, or evergreens that are all brown, I’m afraid the news isn’t very good for your plant. I have noticed our native trees and shrubs survived well. Hopefully it doesn’t happen that often. None of my perennials were affected.
2. So far this spring we have had several days of very erratic temperatures and rain fall. This makes it difficult to know when to plant. Watering is essential on really hot days to newly planted perennials, annuals and vegetables. Watering in the early am is best. That is when plants take up the most water.
3. When night temperatures are in the 40’s, for example, it’s not wise to plant tender plants like impatience, begonias, coleus, fuchsias, tomatoes, cucumbers, squashes, eggplant, peppers, basil, and string beans. Mine are waiting patiently in my cold frames.
4. The best time to plant is early on a cool, cloudy day. If the temperature is going to be over 80* I would avoid planting that day. Always water your new plants first before planting them, and once planted, give them a very weak solution of water soluble fertilizer. This will help reduce transplant shock. Keep an eye on them for a few days until they become established.
5. A little fun fact. What does the butter cup, known as a weed, and often put under one’s chin to see if you like butter, have in common with the beautiful flowers of the ranunculus plant? They are related. Same family.
6. Another reminder. Gardening should be fun. Don’t over do it. I already have a list of what I won’t plant next year.
Below is a photo of a native perennial called Amsonia. It has a very delicate blue flower blooming now in my garden. It grows about 2 feet tall, dry hardy, and is unpopular with all the little creatures in the garden.
1. Several members have asked me why some flowering shrubs and trees are not flowering this spring. Do you remember the first week in February when we had several days of below zero temperatures? Certain trees and shrubs have a bud hardiness that does NOT withstand temperatures below -0 degrees. They set their buds early in the fall for next spring. Like cherry and peach trees, some azaleas, and rhododendrons to name a few. Other plants did not even survive, or are in a weakened state now. There really isn’t anything we can do to prevent that other than asking the nursery people which plants have the best bud hardiness. If you have trees or shrubs that haven’t leafed out yet, or evergreens that are all brown, I’m afraid the news isn’t very good for your plant. I have noticed our native trees and shrubs survived well. Hopefully it doesn’t happen that often. None of my perennials were affected.
2. So far this spring we have had several days of very erratic temperatures and rain fall. This makes it difficult to know when to plant. Watering is essential on really hot days to newly planted perennials, annuals and vegetables. Watering in the early am is best. That is when plants take up the most water.
3. When night temperatures are in the 40’s, for example, it’s not wise to plant tender plants like impatience, begonias, coleus, fuchsias, tomatoes, cucumbers, squashes, eggplant, peppers, basil, and string beans. Mine are waiting patiently in my cold frames.
4. The best time to plant is early on a cool, cloudy day. If the temperature is going to be over 80* I would avoid planting that day. Always water your new plants first before planting them, and once planted, give them a very weak solution of water soluble fertilizer. This will help reduce transplant shock. Keep an eye on them for a few days until they become established.
5. A little fun fact. What does the butter cup, known as a weed, and often put under one’s chin to see if you like butter, have in common with the beautiful flowers of the ranunculus plant? They are related. Same family.
6. Another reminder. Gardening should be fun. Don’t over do it. I already have a list of what I won’t plant next year.
Below is a photo of a native perennial called Amsonia. It has a very delicate blue flower blooming now in my garden. It grows about 2 feet tall, dry hardy, and is unpopular with all the little creatures in the garden.
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MAY 2023
April showers bring May flowers. We have a little less than 2 weeks to prepare for our annual plant sale. It’s our major fundraiser for the year. How do we prepare?
1. With all the recent rain, it’s a perfect time to dig our perennials for the sale. It will give them time to recover from being dug so they look beautiful for May 13th. Always keep them in the shade for a few days after being dug. With the recent weather report, I don’t think that will be a problem.
2. To those of you who are growing parsley or basil for the sale, (my students in the seedling workshop). It’s time to harden off the seedlings. But only the parsley. Basil does not like any cold weather. So keep them indoors for some warmer days. Hardening off means letting seedlings and tender grown green house plants, get used to being out doors with sun and wind. Do it slowly, in and out, a few hours a day for a week before the sale. Keep an eye on them. This applies to any plant you grew yourself. (I went into details in my March hints about hardening off plants). Good garden centers do this for you. And usually won’t sell plants too early in the spring if it’s not their time to be out. The big box stores don’t always tell you that. They just want to sell you their merchandise. Beware.Just because you see the plants on display, doesn’t always mean it time to plant them…
3. A good rule of thumb is to wait for the last full moon in May to plant, and it is usually the last frost. But this year that is May 5 th. I think that is way to early to plant tender annuals and some vegetables. Cold crops like broccoli, cabbage , Brussel sprouts, spinach, lettuce and Swiss chard , onions, and potatoes, will do fine. Some plants should wait until the soil warms before planting. A soil temp of 60° is good for tender plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash, peppers, eggplant, string beans, and basil. Flowers like begonias, impatiens morning glories, or any tropicals need warmer soil temperatures. Our weather has been very erratic lately. So listen to the local weather reports. You gain nothing by planting to early.
4. It’s also a good idea to test your soil for nutrients and soil ph before you plant. There are inexpensive ph soil kits available at most good garden centers. Soil samples can be sent off for testing too. Check at local agricultural schools or colleges.
5. Be sure to dead head your spring blooms, daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips. But DO NOT cut off the leaves until they turn brown. These will nourish the bulbs for next year’s blooms.
6.My most important hint for you is to take it easy when gardening. Don’t overdo it. This is very hard for me, as some of you know. It’s so easy to become overwhelmed, discouraged and exhausted. Concentrate on small areas or small jobs first. Don’t try to do everything at once. Have a plan for each day when you go out in the garden and give your self frequent breaks, sit and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Have a cup of tea…Gardening should be fun too. Plenty of fresh air and exercise. Who needs a gym ????
April showers bring May flowers. We have a little less than 2 weeks to prepare for our annual plant sale. It’s our major fundraiser for the year. How do we prepare?
1. With all the recent rain, it’s a perfect time to dig our perennials for the sale. It will give them time to recover from being dug so they look beautiful for May 13th. Always keep them in the shade for a few days after being dug. With the recent weather report, I don’t think that will be a problem.
2. To those of you who are growing parsley or basil for the sale, (my students in the seedling workshop). It’s time to harden off the seedlings. But only the parsley. Basil does not like any cold weather. So keep them indoors for some warmer days. Hardening off means letting seedlings and tender grown green house plants, get used to being out doors with sun and wind. Do it slowly, in and out, a few hours a day for a week before the sale. Keep an eye on them. This applies to any plant you grew yourself. (I went into details in my March hints about hardening off plants). Good garden centers do this for you. And usually won’t sell plants too early in the spring if it’s not their time to be out. The big box stores don’t always tell you that. They just want to sell you their merchandise. Beware.Just because you see the plants on display, doesn’t always mean it time to plant them…
3. A good rule of thumb is to wait for the last full moon in May to plant, and it is usually the last frost. But this year that is May 5 th. I think that is way to early to plant tender annuals and some vegetables. Cold crops like broccoli, cabbage , Brussel sprouts, spinach, lettuce and Swiss chard , onions, and potatoes, will do fine. Some plants should wait until the soil warms before planting. A soil temp of 60° is good for tender plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash, peppers, eggplant, string beans, and basil. Flowers like begonias, impatiens morning glories, or any tropicals need warmer soil temperatures. Our weather has been very erratic lately. So listen to the local weather reports. You gain nothing by planting to early.
4. It’s also a good idea to test your soil for nutrients and soil ph before you plant. There are inexpensive ph soil kits available at most good garden centers. Soil samples can be sent off for testing too. Check at local agricultural schools or colleges.
5. Be sure to dead head your spring blooms, daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips. But DO NOT cut off the leaves until they turn brown. These will nourish the bulbs for next year’s blooms.
6.My most important hint for you is to take it easy when gardening. Don’t overdo it. This is very hard for me, as some of you know. It’s so easy to become overwhelmed, discouraged and exhausted. Concentrate on small areas or small jobs first. Don’t try to do everything at once. Have a plan for each day when you go out in the garden and give your self frequent breaks, sit and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Have a cup of tea…Gardening should be fun too. Plenty of fresh air and exercise. Who needs a gym ????
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APRIL 2023
1. It’s finally time to start spring clean up. I GENTLY rake over flower beds to clear any debris that has fallen over the winter.
2. Once this is done I spread Hollytone fertilizer around everything except rhododendrons and azaleas. They are fertilized after they bloom later. I use a 4”or 5”plastic pot that has holes in the bottom shaking it around plants as I walk slowly spreading the Hollytone.
3. If you haven’t already cleaned your garden tools, now is the time. Wash them with bleach and water. 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Rinse well.
4. Pruning can be done now too. Cutting off any broken or dead branches from tress and shrubs, roses included. With roses, I start at the tip of the cane and keep cutting at an angle back until I find green wood. With trees, you can scrape a branch to find live wood. If it’s brittle and brown under the bark, it’s usually dead. If it’s green under the bark, it’s alive.
5, Don’t forget our birds returning for spring by putting out clean bird houses and bird baths. They should be placed near shrubs or trees to give the birds security,. They like to preen on branches after a bath. Also don’t forget your bird feeders. They should be cleaned periodically too. If you establish a bird habitat, the birds will keep the bugs, especially mosquitoes at bay in your yards. Birds feed their chicks bugs for a long time after they hatch…All you need for a habitat is food, water, and shelter. We have had over 42 species each year. Our hummingbirds and orioles will return about May 1 st. I put out a sugar water feeder for the hummers and grape jam for the orioles.
6. A reminder for my class of seed starting members. Remember to turn the your tray and water from the bottom with warm water. Once you see roots coming out the bottom of each cell, and at least 2 or 3 sets of true leaves, it’s time to pot them up into 3” or 4” pots to be ready for the plant sale in May. Still keep them in a sunny window inside. It’s not time to put them out side yet !!! I’ll tell you more when it’s time to harden them off a week or so before the sale.. Hardening them off refers to getting them used to being out side slowly in the full sun and wind etc. It usually takes a few hours a day for about a week. Young seedlings have to form a waxy cuticle (tissue) that protects them from being over heated by the ultraviolet rays of the sun, pathogens and insects. This is very important. Plants that are put outside without this process usually fall over and die.
1. It’s finally time to start spring clean up. I GENTLY rake over flower beds to clear any debris that has fallen over the winter.
2. Once this is done I spread Hollytone fertilizer around everything except rhododendrons and azaleas. They are fertilized after they bloom later. I use a 4”or 5”plastic pot that has holes in the bottom shaking it around plants as I walk slowly spreading the Hollytone.
3. If you haven’t already cleaned your garden tools, now is the time. Wash them with bleach and water. 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Rinse well.
4. Pruning can be done now too. Cutting off any broken or dead branches from tress and shrubs, roses included. With roses, I start at the tip of the cane and keep cutting at an angle back until I find green wood. With trees, you can scrape a branch to find live wood. If it’s brittle and brown under the bark, it’s usually dead. If it’s green under the bark, it’s alive.
5, Don’t forget our birds returning for spring by putting out clean bird houses and bird baths. They should be placed near shrubs or trees to give the birds security,. They like to preen on branches after a bath. Also don’t forget your bird feeders. They should be cleaned periodically too. If you establish a bird habitat, the birds will keep the bugs, especially mosquitoes at bay in your yards. Birds feed their chicks bugs for a long time after they hatch…All you need for a habitat is food, water, and shelter. We have had over 42 species each year. Our hummingbirds and orioles will return about May 1 st. I put out a sugar water feeder for the hummers and grape jam for the orioles.
6. A reminder for my class of seed starting members. Remember to turn the your tray and water from the bottom with warm water. Once you see roots coming out the bottom of each cell, and at least 2 or 3 sets of true leaves, it’s time to pot them up into 3” or 4” pots to be ready for the plant sale in May. Still keep them in a sunny window inside. It’s not time to put them out side yet !!! I’ll tell you more when it’s time to harden them off a week or so before the sale.. Hardening them off refers to getting them used to being out side slowly in the full sun and wind etc. It usually takes a few hours a day for about a week. Young seedlings have to form a waxy cuticle (tissue) that protects them from being over heated by the ultraviolet rays of the sun, pathogens and insects. This is very important. Plants that are put outside without this process usually fall over and die.
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MARCH 2023
So much for an early spring. Mother Nature always has her way. March, in like a lion !?!? There’s not much we can do outside now. How about inside?
1. This is a good time to think about your house plants. They are so good for us if we take care of them properly. Beside cleaning the air, releasing oxygen, they add a pleasing interest to our interior design. 99% of all house plants are tropical. When I buy a new house plant, I always look up its country of origin. This tells you what they like. When bringing them home in cold weather, you should make sure they are properly covered leaving the store. Never leave them in your car for long. I would avoid purchasing them in weather below 32*. Once home, check the label for care instructions carefully.
2. Over watering house plants is the biggest mistake made. Make sure your container has drainage holes in the bottom. I take smaller plants to my kitchen sink and use warm water sprayed softly on them until the water comes out of the bottom of the container. African violets don’t like their leaves wet, so placing them in a shallow bowl of warm water for a few minutes allows them to take up water from the bottom. Orchids don’t like their flowers wet. Orchids are mostly epiphytes. (Air plants that cling onto other vegetation like trees while growing in the wild.) The sink method works best for them. Also misting helps too. I never use ice cubes for a watering them. Think about it. They are tropical and like warmth and humidity.
3. Watering large plants, I use a saucer under the container to catch the excess water coming out. If not taken up by the plant in a few minutes, dump the water remaining in the saucer.
4. As the sun becomes stronger, you can use a VERY weak solution of water soluble fertilizer to encourage growth and bloom during the season. 20-20-20 is a good ratio, reducing the amount by 2/3. So if it calls for a tablespoon per gallon of water, use 1 teaspoon per gallon. A clean recycled 1 gallon milk jug is perfect. Jack’s fertilizer is a good one to use.
5. Once outside temperatures are at least 60* consistently, house plants can go outside. But never in direct sun. If you’ve been inside all winter and early spring, what happens to you if you sit in the sun for your first days out side? You sun burn and so do house plants. They love being outside but be very careful. I keep most of my house plants in the shade outside all summer. If they were inside in a sunny window during the winter, it’s like being out side in the shade in the summer.
So much for an early spring. Mother Nature always has her way. March, in like a lion !?!? There’s not much we can do outside now. How about inside?
1. This is a good time to think about your house plants. They are so good for us if we take care of them properly. Beside cleaning the air, releasing oxygen, they add a pleasing interest to our interior design. 99% of all house plants are tropical. When I buy a new house plant, I always look up its country of origin. This tells you what they like. When bringing them home in cold weather, you should make sure they are properly covered leaving the store. Never leave them in your car for long. I would avoid purchasing them in weather below 32*. Once home, check the label for care instructions carefully.
2. Over watering house plants is the biggest mistake made. Make sure your container has drainage holes in the bottom. I take smaller plants to my kitchen sink and use warm water sprayed softly on them until the water comes out of the bottom of the container. African violets don’t like their leaves wet, so placing them in a shallow bowl of warm water for a few minutes allows them to take up water from the bottom. Orchids don’t like their flowers wet. Orchids are mostly epiphytes. (Air plants that cling onto other vegetation like trees while growing in the wild.) The sink method works best for them. Also misting helps too. I never use ice cubes for a watering them. Think about it. They are tropical and like warmth and humidity.
3. Watering large plants, I use a saucer under the container to catch the excess water coming out. If not taken up by the plant in a few minutes, dump the water remaining in the saucer.
4. As the sun becomes stronger, you can use a VERY weak solution of water soluble fertilizer to encourage growth and bloom during the season. 20-20-20 is a good ratio, reducing the amount by 2/3. So if it calls for a tablespoon per gallon of water, use 1 teaspoon per gallon. A clean recycled 1 gallon milk jug is perfect. Jack’s fertilizer is a good one to use.
5. Once outside temperatures are at least 60* consistently, house plants can go outside. But never in direct sun. If you’ve been inside all winter and early spring, what happens to you if you sit in the sun for your first days out side? You sun burn and so do house plants. They love being outside but be very careful. I keep most of my house plants in the shade outside all summer. If they were inside in a sunny window during the winter, it’s like being out side in the shade in the summer.
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FEBRUARY 2023
The first month of the new year was unusual in many ways. Exceptional warmth and rain. It doesn’t look that way for February.
1. Please don’t worry about all the bulbs and perennials popping up. They will be ok. Will we have an early spring? Hard to tell. February and March can be very unpredictable.
2. A great diversion now is getting ready for starting seeds. My seed orders are coming in now. And seed packets at local retail stores are in too. Though it’s a little early to start seeds indoors. (Plants started to early get very leggy.) March is a better month. The sun is much stronger then. But you can start getting your supplies.
3. For my seeds started indoors, I use PRO- MIX. It’s a sterile soil like medium used for seedlings and other plantings, including containers. It’s available at any good garden center. Or Dodge’s Agway, Hampton Falls. I buy PRO-MIX in large bails. It’s also sold in smaller loose bags. I have had exceptional results with it. One other very important item is called DAMP OFF. It’s a sterile milled sphagnum moss, used as a topper for seeds to prevent a fungus growing that kills seedlings. For a hands on experience, I’ll will send around a sign up sheet at the February meeting for those who want a lesson on starting seeds indoors. This will also be helpful for those interested in starting plants for the May plant sale. Vegetable seedlings are a HOT item I’ve been told.
4. We must not forget our area birds now. We feed them with seed and suet. But the American robins and blue birds are especially vulnerable this time of year as they are NOT seed eaters. So many come north early, or don’t migrate at all. They eat berries, small fruits, worms and insects. If you had berries in your Christmas arrangements, put them out where the birds can see them. Or place some fruits like grapes, blueberries, cranberries, in a visible spot. When we get snow, these birds have a very difficult time finding food. If you have room in your garden, consider planting a small crab apple tree this spring, or any plant that has berries. You will be rewarded with colorful blooms in spring and the joy of feeding our feathered friends in the winter. There are many varieties to choose from.
5. Water for birds is very important this time of year too. There are small heating coils available for water sources when it freezes. They can be found at any bird supply shop.
The first month of the new year was unusual in many ways. Exceptional warmth and rain. It doesn’t look that way for February.
1. Please don’t worry about all the bulbs and perennials popping up. They will be ok. Will we have an early spring? Hard to tell. February and March can be very unpredictable.
2. A great diversion now is getting ready for starting seeds. My seed orders are coming in now. And seed packets at local retail stores are in too. Though it’s a little early to start seeds indoors. (Plants started to early get very leggy.) March is a better month. The sun is much stronger then. But you can start getting your supplies.
3. For my seeds started indoors, I use PRO- MIX. It’s a sterile soil like medium used for seedlings and other plantings, including containers. It’s available at any good garden center. Or Dodge’s Agway, Hampton Falls. I buy PRO-MIX in large bails. It’s also sold in smaller loose bags. I have had exceptional results with it. One other very important item is called DAMP OFF. It’s a sterile milled sphagnum moss, used as a topper for seeds to prevent a fungus growing that kills seedlings. For a hands on experience, I’ll will send around a sign up sheet at the February meeting for those who want a lesson on starting seeds indoors. This will also be helpful for those interested in starting plants for the May plant sale. Vegetable seedlings are a HOT item I’ve been told.
4. We must not forget our area birds now. We feed them with seed and suet. But the American robins and blue birds are especially vulnerable this time of year as they are NOT seed eaters. So many come north early, or don’t migrate at all. They eat berries, small fruits, worms and insects. If you had berries in your Christmas arrangements, put them out where the birds can see them. Or place some fruits like grapes, blueberries, cranberries, in a visible spot. When we get snow, these birds have a very difficult time finding food. If you have room in your garden, consider planting a small crab apple tree this spring, or any plant that has berries. You will be rewarded with colorful blooms in spring and the joy of feeding our feathered friends in the winter. There are many varieties to choose from.
5. Water for birds is very important this time of year too. There are small heating coils available for water sources when it freezes. They can be found at any bird supply shop.
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JANUARY 2023
Though there isn’t much going on in the gardening scene now, it’s a good time to reflect on the things we especially enjoyed and learned in our gardens last year. And it’s not to early to start thinking about what you would like to do in the spring.
1. May I encourage you to try starting something from seed. It’s very easy and you don’t need much, just the will to try. Seed catalogues are coming in the mail, and stores are showing their seed packets. If you don’t have much room, you can grow lots of plants in containers. There is nothing more delicious, more beautiful than picking a fresh head of lettuce, a cucumber or a beautiful floral bouquet you have grown yourself. Start by reading the instructions on the seed packets. It will say where to plant, if ideal for containers, how many days to maturity, if it can be started indoors, sun exposure, etc. I buy my seeds early because popular seeds run out quickly. What I can’t find in stores, I send for by mail. I will give you more information on this subject in my February hints.
2. Easy plants to start indoors are lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, Swiss chard, broccoli, parsley, sage, basil, and chive, just to name a few. Some annual flowers are marigolds, cosmos, zinnias, lobelia, dusty miller, and coleus. Marigolds may sound boring to most people, but there are some great new introductions that are beautiful and bloom all summer. A light yellow one called Alumia Vanilla Cream. Fire ball, a red, that turns orange. A mum like one called Mission Giant Yellow. A few of my favorite annual vines that I start are Spanish Flag, Purple Hyacinth Bean, and and Cardinal Climber. The humming birds and butterflies love them. Sending photos. Perennials like foxglove, echinacea, salvia, coreopsis, and feverfew, etc. are easy to grow from seed too. In some instances it’s more practical to buy plants already stated. Impatiens, begonias, and petunias for example.
3. I don’t know if any of you have noticed, but some spring bulbs are coming up because of the warm weather. I have daffodils doing just that. Not to worry. They will be fine. Their leaf tips may turn brown, but the flowers will still bloom in the spring. Enjoy this turn of warm weather, but beware of how quickly New England weather can change.
Though there isn’t much going on in the gardening scene now, it’s a good time to reflect on the things we especially enjoyed and learned in our gardens last year. And it’s not to early to start thinking about what you would like to do in the spring.
1. May I encourage you to try starting something from seed. It’s very easy and you don’t need much, just the will to try. Seed catalogues are coming in the mail, and stores are showing their seed packets. If you don’t have much room, you can grow lots of plants in containers. There is nothing more delicious, more beautiful than picking a fresh head of lettuce, a cucumber or a beautiful floral bouquet you have grown yourself. Start by reading the instructions on the seed packets. It will say where to plant, if ideal for containers, how many days to maturity, if it can be started indoors, sun exposure, etc. I buy my seeds early because popular seeds run out quickly. What I can’t find in stores, I send for by mail. I will give you more information on this subject in my February hints.
2. Easy plants to start indoors are lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, Swiss chard, broccoli, parsley, sage, basil, and chive, just to name a few. Some annual flowers are marigolds, cosmos, zinnias, lobelia, dusty miller, and coleus. Marigolds may sound boring to most people, but there are some great new introductions that are beautiful and bloom all summer. A light yellow one called Alumia Vanilla Cream. Fire ball, a red, that turns orange. A mum like one called Mission Giant Yellow. A few of my favorite annual vines that I start are Spanish Flag, Purple Hyacinth Bean, and and Cardinal Climber. The humming birds and butterflies love them. Sending photos. Perennials like foxglove, echinacea, salvia, coreopsis, and feverfew, etc. are easy to grow from seed too. In some instances it’s more practical to buy plants already stated. Impatiens, begonias, and petunias for example.
3. I don’t know if any of you have noticed, but some spring bulbs are coming up because of the warm weather. I have daffodils doing just that. Not to worry. They will be fine. Their leaf tips may turn brown, but the flowers will still bloom in the spring. Enjoy this turn of warm weather, but beware of how quickly New England weather can change.
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