How to Grow Hydrangeas
September 14, 2008
Whether you call them Hydrangea Macrophylla, House Hydrangea, French Hydrangea,, or Mopheads, growing Hydrangeas in the home garden can be an enjoyable experience. They are lovely, whether used as single plants or in mass, such as in a hedge, or border.
Growing Conditions:
Hydrangeas grow best in partial shade to full sun. They prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hot areas
Hydrangeas need a lot of water. In fact the word "Hydrangea" comes from the Greek for "water tub"!
They grow best in rich soil, so dig in a lot of compost, and other organic matter, when you plant them, and mulch well.
Fertilization:
Fertilize liberally in the spring, in May in the South, and again in August. Wait until June to fertilize in northern areas. Use a good balanced, slow-release, fertilizer and apply ¼ cup around the base of a very small plant, and 1-2 cups around a very large plant. Spread out to drip line, but don’t get it next to the trunk. Mulch with homemade compost to cover roots.
Never fertilize a plant that looks sick or wilted, it will just stress it more.
Propagation:
You can propagate from softwood cuttings in June. Take a 6"-8" tip cutting, strip off the bottom leaves, dip end in rooting hormone, then stick about one inch deep in sterile moist sand, vermiculite or sphagnum moss. Create a mini green house over plants with plastic and place in bright light, not full sun, until roots form.
Or, you can just root them in water. Again, place in bright light away from full sun until the roots form.
Planting:
1. Dig a hole 2 times as deep and wide as the root ball. Break up soil in the hole and mix in 1 inch compost.
2. Remove from container and loosen soil around outside of root ball.
3. Set in hole so plant is at same level it was in the pot, you may need to add dirt back into the hole to raise it up.
4. Fill in hole, around plant, with the soil and pack gently. Water well to remove air pockets. Mulch well with compost.
5. Early fall is the best time to plant new Hydrangeas.
Pruning:
In Spring, prune back old or damaged growth, and old flower stems. Don’t cut new shoots, they are where the new blooms will be.
In late summer, after blooming, prune to just above the next outward facing bud.
For larger flower clusters, thin plant down to half the number of stems.
Problems:
Powdery Mildew-evidenced by white powder on leaves, which then turn yellow and wilt. Treat by removing infected parts and spraying with a fungicide.
If the plants aren’t blooming well, it could be due to: 1. Winter kill. The buds form on the previous years growth, and can be killed off if temps drop below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect when harsh weather is expected. 2. Too much shade. They prefer partial to full sun, preferably morning sun, with shade during the hot afternoons. 3. Poor Fertilization.
Fun Fact:
You can change the color of the blossoms, by changing the acidity of the soil.
Add Aluminum Sulfate to make the soil acid for Blue flowers. Or, add Lime to make the soil alkaline for Pink flowers. You will need to repeat the process 2 or 3 times over the growing season and continue it as long as you want the change to continue. It may take a year or two to see the results you want. This doesn’t usually work on the white varieties on Hydrangeas.
You are free to publish this article on your website or in your Ezine as long as you publish it in it’s entirety, including the resource box at the end of the article, with active (clickable) links back to the authors website. You can publish this article in a print publication as long as you reference the author and publish the URL of the authors website. A Courtesy copy of the Ezine or the URL of a website would be appreciated. E-mail Charlotte Harris @ charlotte@thethomasinsight.com.
Charlotte Harris is the owner of Charlotte’s Garden A monthly gardening calendar with lots of helpful gardening hints and articles.
Growing Great Potatoes
September 12, 2008
Potatoes are so easy to grow in the no dig, organic way. They are one of the top three in vegetable growing due to their popularity and versatility. Boil ‘em, mash ‘em, fry ‘em, bake ‘em. It’s hard to go wrong with this staple in the diet.
They’re also a great source of vitamins, minerals and iron. Most of the goodness lies just beneath the surface of the skin though, so try to keep at least some of the skin intact when preparing for cooking.
To the growing!
Purchase some seed potatoes from a nursery. You can use potatoes from the supermarket, but seed potatoes will bring better yields. You can ‘chit’ them first (allowing them to start to grow) before planting, simply by placing them in a sunny spot.
There are many different types of potatoes you can grow and it’s important that you grow one you like! So start at the end…how do you like to eat them? See the description of potato types below to choose.
Once you decide what type to grow, place your seed potatoes directly on the ground about 30cm (12-14 inches) apart. Cover them with a 50/50 blend of straw with old manure, blood and bone and compost. Water generously.
In a couple of weeks, the tops will emerge through the straw. As they grow, keep topping them up with the enriched straw blend, making sure the tubers don’t get exposed to sunlight. This can turn them green and make them toxic.
Potatoes take 14-16 weeks to mature. When they flower, they are getting close to maturity. When the plants begin to die back and yellow, the crop is ready for harvest.
The beauty with growing them under a straw mat is that you take the guess work out of the growing. You can actually lift the corner of the straw and see your potatoes developing. When you are close to harvest, you simply pull out some of the bigger ones for early eating, without killing off the plant.
On the ground, in your no dig garden bed or inside an old tire (for containment) these things will grow anywhere given the right conditions.
Whack some in. Very satisfying gardening!
Potato Types
There are dozens of types of potatoes you can grow. Some are small with waxy flesh, others are large with floury white flesh, and there is everything in between. What you grow will depend largely on how you like to eat them. Not all potatoes are created equal. Some are better for boiling and some for baking.
Baking Potatoes
Baking potatoes are those higher in starch than others. They generally have a course skin and a firm flesh. These are best for baking, mashing and frying. They are light and fluffy inside once cooked and are just brilliant.
It’s impossible to name all of the types, but some examples of good baking varieties are Russet, Goldrush, Idaho, Bintje and Norgold.
Boiling Potatoes
Boiling potatoes typically have less starch and higher sugar content. This means they will hold together when boiled or used in soups, casseroles and salads.
Some good examples of boiling varieties include Red Potato, La Soda, Bismark, King Edward, Sequoia, Bronwell and Pontiac.
Those that fall in the middle, the all-rounders, include Kennebec, Yukon Gold and Sebago.
Judy Williams (http://www.no-dig-vegetablegarden.com) aspires to become a fulltime earth mother goddess. This site acts as a primer for all vegetable gardening aspects covering topics like how to build a garden, nurture seedlings, container gardening and composting.
What Is One Flower Benefit That You Know Of?
September 9, 2008
The biggest flower benefit of all is the fact that flowers make you happy.
Research has proven this.Flowers actually make you happy.When you are down, look at a flower arrangement and you will be in a happy mood.
Put a flower arrangement in your office, you can reduce your stress.When you are tensed at the office, you can calm yourself down with flowers.When things are not how you want them to be, ease your mind by putting flowers on your office desk.It might help.
When you get scolded by your boss, increase your tolerance level with flower arrangements.Flower arrangements have a big impact on you.
Spend happy family time at home when you decorate your home with beautiful flower arrangements. When you are happy, your husband is happy, your children are happy and your guests are happy, too.
Nothing beats the power of the flower.
When you are happy, studies have shown that your lifespan can be extended.That means, you have more time to enjoy your life, more time to achieve greater things.
Wouldn’t you like to see your grandchild get married? Wouldn’t you like to travel to places you’ve dreamt of going but never did? Wouldn’t you like to spend more time with your family?
Decorate your home with flower arrangements and the result is much more than a lovely home.
You don’t even have to spend money on expensive chemical drugs to make you happy. Flower arrangements can do that for you.
If you have trouble trying to sleep at night, avoid taking sleeping pills.Place some lavenders near your bedside.The calming aroma can take you to sleep.
Nature is the best healer.
When flowers make you happy, it shows on your face, too.Your complexion will improve. Your friends will be asking you to reveal your secret.They thought you have just enrolled into a new beauty salon in town that they are not aware of.
Another flower benefit is the fact that flowers are there during your life’s beautiful moments.
Whether it’s your birthday, your wedding or your anniversary, flower arrangements will always be there to share your happiness.
Flower arrangements emphasize on human relations.When a relative gives birth to a new baby, you can send a lovely flower arrangement to share her joy.Flowers arrangements can strengthen family ties.
These are simple little things in life but flower arrangements make them meaningful and worth celebrating.
You celebrate Christmas with flower arrangements.You even decorate your home with flower arrangements during Thanksgiving.You send your friend a flower arrangement for Easter.
You see, flower arrangements bring people together.Nowadays, that sort of thing is hard to find.
Look harder, it might be in your garden all this while..
Liztiany Zakaria is a flower arrangement hobbyist who does flower arrangements for friends and family members.For more information on flower arrangements, visit her website, http://www.flower-arrangement-advisor.com
September Gardening Tips
September 7, 2008
Well it is now September, and the mornings are great aren’t they? It is now beginning to be the best time to plant trees and shrubs. It is a great time because the above ground temperatures are dropping and the below ground temps are still warm.
This helps plants get a jump on next spring because the roots still develope in the warm soil while the tops slow down in growth. Also, there are less winds and typically more moisture during this time of year, which of course reduces stress on newly planted shrubs and trees. You should be able to plant just about anything, including pansies, (which will last thru next May) mums, winter veggies (starts), most trees and shrubs.
There are a few exceptions: Palm trees might be better planted in the spring and summer, in order to get a good root establishment before the winter sets in.
Oleanders may experience some winter kill if planted too late in the season, especially the 1 gallon size. The larger sizes seem to suffer the least winter kill. This is usually for the the first winter, after that they will have even less winter or no winter kill as they age. Using a winterizer fertilizer with plenty of potash will help increase winter hardiness just about all shrubs and trees.
It is recommended for valuable plants that may suffer from winter damage. Use this product before October 30th. Don’t forget to use compost, peat moss, or soil builder and root stimulator on all plantings, and make sure plants have adequate water.
These tips are designed for the southwestern states and Chihuahuan desert.
Gary Guzman is the author of the above article. You can read it online at: http://guzmansgreenhouse.com/seasons/septembergardentips.htm
How To Prune Your Roses For Stunning Results
September 5, 2008
Pruning and deadheading are essential to proper rose care. Alas, there are nearly as many opinions about how and when to prune as there are roses in need of pruning.
While seasoned rosarians have their favorite tried-and-true methods, this article is geared toward new-comers who are unsure where to start. As time goes by, you may feel the urge to modify these techniques or even develop new ones of your own. Great! If it doesn’t kill your roses, go right ahead.
Rose pruning isn’t as complicated as some people make it out to be. In fact, there are only 7 basic rules. If you keep these in mind whenever you pick up your pruning shears, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful bushes that reflect the care that you put into them.
Basic Pruning Rules
1. Always remove any dead or decayed growth. This keeps your bushes looking good and denies disease and insects a place to call home.
2. Always keep the center of the bush free of growth. This denies insects a place to live, and allows good air circulation to avoid fungus infection.
3. Remove crossing branches to promote stronger growth.
4. Shape your rose bushes as they grow. This will change them from wild and wooly to prim and proper, as all good roses should be.
5. Always using sharp pruning shears.
6. Clean the shears after each use to remove any disease or fungus spores.
7. Seal the cuts you’ve made on canes to keep out disease. Regular Elmer’s glue works fine and it is cheap.
Pruning Terms And Techniques
Hard (or “Low”) Pruning — Cut canes back to 3 or 4 buds from the base or the bud unions. The end result will be strong canes about 4 to 5 inches in length. This pruning technique works best with new hybrid tea, grandiflora, and floribunda varieties. You should not do hard pruning with established bushes because they may not recycle. The only exception is as a last-ditch effort to revive sick or neglected bushes.
Moderate (or Medium) Pruning — Cut strong stems back to approximately half of their length. Weaker stems may be cut back even more, if needed. This technique works well with established gardens of floribundas, hybrid teas, grandifloras, and tree roses.
Light (High or Long) Pruning — Cut the canes back to around 2/3 of their length. After all the unwanted “wood” is removed, any remaining stems are “tipped”. Light pruning is not usually recommended for most bushes, because it tends to produce early blooms and poorly developed flowers. Use this technique only if others are not working and the bush is an eyesore.
Proper pruning is easy, and it is the key to a happy, healthy rose garden.
Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit Grow-Roses-Now to learn more about this fascinating hobby.
Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.
Edible Flowers in Your Garden
September 2, 2008
Flowers can be an integral part of cooking. While most of us are aware that violets can be candied and nasturtiums can be eaten in salads, there’s a bounty of flower varieties that are both edible and delicious.
Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth with Flowers
Violets are not the only flower that can be candied. Many spring flowers with small, delicate blossoms have a sweet, somewhat spicy flavor that is enhanced by dipping them in sugar. It goes without saying that any flowers that you gather for eating should have been grown without the use of pesticide ? by growing them yourself, you can be sure that they’re untreated. A Candy Flower Garden that blooms throughout the summer can include:
Violets ? Purple, blue or white, violets are among the first flowers to bloom in the spring. They spread easily, and grow happily when transplanted into a garden bed ? and you do want to confine them to a bed unless you love the look of a full carpet of blooms spreading across your lawn.
Pansies ? A relative of violets, pansies are just as delicately flavored and can be used as a substitute in recipes that call for violets. They make beautiful border flowers to boot.
Angelica ? These delicate, lacy white flowers can be sprinkled in salads ? but the stems and shoots make a delicious traditional candy that tastes a bit like licorice with a hint of mint.
Roses ? Candied rose petals and rose syrup were mainstays in Victorian cooking. Sweet delicately flavored rose syrup gives baklava its characteristic flavor, and is a perfect foil for cardamom in Indian recipes.
To candy flowers from your garden:
Violets and pansies can be candied whole. Roses should be separated into petals. Most recipes for candied flowers call for the use of raw egg whites. Using a confectioner’s powdered egg white instead reduces risk of salmonella.
Mix powdered egg white according to package directions (equivalent of one egg white). Spread a cup of superfine sugar in a flat bottomed pan. Carefully dip each flower into the egg white, then press into the sugar. Use a fork to gently turn the flower so that all surfaces of the petals are covered. Lift out of sugar and lay on a screen or drying rack till completely dry. Apple and cherry blossoms can also be candied the same way.
A Soup, Salad and Savory Flower Garden
Early summer squash blossoms may be dipped in egg and flour, then fried in olive oil with garlic. The blossoms have a sweet, nutty flavor that is like nothing else. Other garden flowers that are delicious in soups and salads include:
Borage ? Like the leaves, borage flowers are delicious in salads and cold soups. They have a cool, cucumber-like taste that translates well from flower garden to kitchen table.
Carnations ? The flavor is as spicy as the scent. Carefully separate the petals from the bitter white of the flower’s base and sprinkle in salads for a surprising touch of color and spice.
Daylilies ? Like squash blossoms, day lilies have a mildly sweet, nutty flavor that many people think varies by color. Dredged in flour and dipped in egg, fried daylilies are quite succulent and unique in flavor.
These are just a small sampling of the many edible flowers from your garden. Be careful in your taste-testing. If you are not sure if a flower is edible, do not eat it.
Ed Rooney is the creator of http://www.garden-helper.com - an online gardening resource for gardeners to learn, share, plan, and shop.
