The week of February 23rd is National Invasive Species Awareness Week. This past gardening season, I had several questions about two invasive critters that plagued gardeners: 1. Jumping Worms – Jumping worms are invasive earthworms first confirmed in Wisconsin in 2013. They feed on organic matter, such as leaf litter and mulch, and within the […]
As we move forward into a new planting season, there are several steps gardeners can take to make their gardens more sustainable. The definition of sustainable landscaping can vary but generally speaking, it means to use resources in a way that will meet our needs today while preserving environmental health and resources for future generations. […]
It is estimated that about 66% of all households in the United States decorate their homes with at least one houseplant. This is not surprising since houseplants add beauty and interest to our indoor space as well as provide a boost of green cheer through the long winter months. When it comes to the winter […]
Source: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Extension (https://extension.illinois.edu/christmas-trees/christmas-tree-facts)
· Apples are a member of the rose family of plants, along with pears, peaches, plums and cherries. · The science of apple growing is called pomology. · Apples come in all shades of red, green and yellow. · Most apples are still picked by hand. · It takes about 36 apples to create one […]
· The name pumpkin comes from the Greek word ‘pepon’, meaning ‘large melon’. · Scientifically speaking, pumpkins are fruits (they contain seeds) but when it comes to cooking, they are often referred to as vegetables. · Giant pumpkins can be grown for competitions, with some weighing over 1000 pounds! · Pumpkin plants feature both male […]
Time to Plant Hardy Bulbs I love living in a northern climate. For several years, I lived in South Carolina where I was considered by many of my Carolinian friends to be crazy, since every winter I wished for snow. Now that I’m back in snow country, come March, I find myself desperately searching for […]
Add a Touch of Autumn Splendor to Garden Containers This time of year, nature begins to surround us with its striking fall colors. Celebrate the season’s change by creating containers that capture the shades of autumn. You can create a new design or freshen an existing container by adding some brightly colored fall blooms. Fall […]
A Few Fall Reminders for the Home Gardener October is a busy month for gardeners. Fall clean-up alone can be a daunting task. It usually includes raking leaves, removing plants from the vegetable garden, and pulling out annuals done in by frost. When it comes to perennials, I sometimes get asked whether it’s better to […]
Thursday, July 3, join Horticulture Educator Margaret Murphy at the Altoona Public Library for an evening program of planting containers for the library. We’ll create flowerpots and discuss best practices for caring for a container garden. Start time is 6:30 p.m. Contact the Altoona Public Library for details. Altoona Public Library Saturday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m., […]
Having trouble remembering where the car keys are? Grab a sprig of rosemary. It has a reputation for improving memory. Like most herbs, this Mediterranean native has a rich history in folklore. In the Middle Ages rosemary was used to protect against evil spirits. If placed beneath your pillow, it would ward off bad dreams. […]
And so it begins… I checked some of my squash plants the other day and there they were as happy as can be. Two squash bugs enjoying their afternoon on the leaf of a buttercup squash. Upon further inspection, I found a cluster of their reddish-brown eggs nicely stacked on a stem. This is the […]
