Nicotiana flowering tobacco looks timeless in the garden, adding height and airy lightness to any sunny spot. Water during hot, dry spells. Deadhead frequently to keep plants looking neat and to prolong flowering. Stake in windy exposures. Aphids can be blasted...
Continue ReadingIt’s nice to have one big, reliable sage bush at the corner of the garden. One plant usually provides enough herb for most families, and its flowers are strongly attractive to wild and domesticated bees. Even hummingbirds will stop for...
Continue ReadingThis annual Rudbeckia is commonly known as Black Eyed Susan, but also answers to such folksy names as Brown Betty, Brown Daisy, Brown Eyed Susan, Golden Jerusalem, Poor-land Daisy, Yellow Daisy, and Yellow Ox-Eye Daisy. This wonderful, fun flower comes...
Continue ReadingAlso known as Finocchio. The wonderful fresh flavour of this easy-to-grow vegetable is prized in European cooking. The swollen leaf bases have a distinctive anise flavour which enlivens salads and sandwiches. Cooked, the flavour stands out in casseroles or simply...
Continue ReadingChives have been in use as a culinary herb in China since around 3,000 BC. It was Marco Polo who returned westward with the notion that they made good eating, but chives were not popular in European gardens until the 16th century.
Continue ReadingHardy annuals and perennials that are variously known as pansies, Johnny-Jump-Up, and Heartsease. Zone: 3-10 When I Get My Seedling HomeKeep seedlings under very bright light to prevent legginess. Artificial lights are ideal, but a bright (ideally, south-facing) room will...
Continue ReadingFollow along with this handy How to Grow Asclepias guide and enjoy butterflies, hummingbirds, and a host of other pollinators in your garden. When transplanted seedlings are 10-15cm (4-6″) tall, pinch back the growing tip to encourage multiple flowering points. Asclepias...
Continue ReadingIt takes some work and a lot of patience to grow artichokes from seed, but it’s worth the effort. Commercial culture is limited to warm areas hardiness zone 7 and above. Artichokes require good soil, regular watering and feeding, plus...
Continue ReadingPlanting asparagus seeds is an exercise in patience, but one of the most rewarding of all garden tasks. Asparagus Seeds germinate slowly, and the crowns take three seasons before they can handle being harvested. However the grower’s patience is generously rewarded...
Continue ReadingFalse Queen Anne’s Lace or Bishop’s Weed are common names for this attractive, naturalistic looking annual flower. Ammi grows stiffly upright stems topped by umbelliferous flowers that are attractive to pollinators and predatory insects. Flower heads can reach 15cm (6″)...
Continue ReadingArugula is a productive, cool season, annual salad green that works best in spring and fall, and can be managed all winter under cloche protection. In hot weather, arugula will go to seed. Continue reading below to find out how...
Continue ReadingLet us show you how to grow Alyssum from seed using these tried and true techniques. Alyssum is an easy-to-grow annual that is both decorative and useful. It plays a key role in Companion Planting and can be used as...
Continue ReadingWhether you’re growing amaranth from seed for its nutritious leaves or its high-protein, gluten-free grains, it is easy to grow if you can provide warm soil and lots of sunlight. Amaranth is closely related to quinoa, but also beets, Swiss...
Continue ReadingAgastache is very attractive to bees. Plant a row away from the garden to lure cabbage moths away from Brassica crops. Do not plant near radishes. Agastache is a hardy perennial also known as Giant Hyssop, Licorice Mint, or Lavender...
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When I Get My Seedling Home
Keep seedlings under very bright light to prevent legginess. Artificial lights are ideal, but a bright (ideally, south-facing) room will work for the short term. You may have to pot on seedlings more than once before they go out to allow for root growth. This is done by transplanting them into a slightly larger container with enough additional soil to keep the container mostly full. Keep the soil moist by daily watering and allow for free drainage so the plants are never sitting water.
