It is very important that you harden off any greenhouse seedlings before planting them permanently outside. This is also true for any purchased nursery plants that have been sheltered from direct sunlight. It’s kind of like a tan versus a sunburn, only it is much more life threatening for plants. (click on any photo to […]
Taking the Mystery Out of Planting Garden Seeds
While it is true that the whole phenomena of seeds sprouting is rather mysterious, it doesn’t need to be a mystery to get them to sprout. The magic is all packaged to bursting in the seed and it is just waiting for the some basic signals that it is time to eject, as […]
The Pros and Cons of Container Planting
I have an acre to plant things on, but I still use containers for some things and in some places outside. That is because there are some aspects of planting in containers that are either useful or otherwise appealing. However, there are specific challenges when growing things in containers. Here is a list of […]
Tips for Direct Planting Dahlias in Southwest Idaho
Dahlias are tender perennials, meaning they will only survive mild winters, specifically for them in zones 9 – 11. How easy it is to grow them as annuals in other climates depends on the combination of length of season, heat, and humidity. Southwest Idaho definitely has the heat aspect of the trio, but is lacking somewhat […]
Seed Starting Basics for the Home Gardener
I put together a youtube video to give you a visual and audio explanation of seed starting basics. Below it, I will outline supplies and procedure for reference. Soil A good quality potting soil is recommended. It doesn’t have to be specifically for seed starting, just not too chunky. Anything that I have purchased in […]
