An incomparable sweet fragrance, fresh red color and superb flavor make strawberries just about everybody’s favorite berry. Strawberries are one of few fruits that originated in the United States. About 7 inches tall with roundish green leaves and white flowers, the plants are pretty enough for pots and planting dishes. Varieties Many new varieties have been developed in the short time the strawberry has been in cultivation. Most require two years in the ground to produce fruit. Spring-planted ever bearers …
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is the most important reason why some gardeners have beautiful plants and others do not. Fertilizer is to plants what food is to people. Plants that get too little fertilizer will be thin, yellow, and weak and have smaller flowers and be more susceptible to diseases. Plants that get too much fertilizer will be fat, weak, and not have as many flowers. The art of gardening includes knowing how much fertilizer to give your plants. At Wenke Greenhouses we …
Perennials for Fall Interest
Fall can be just as exciting as any other time in the growing season. As the days get cooler and the nights get longer, many plants are energized and triggered into their glory. The contrast of autumn perennials among falling leaves can be magnificent. When a fall perennial looks its best will depend on the variety, its location and the type of weather we are experiencing. Some will begin in mid to late August. Others will wait almost until frost. …
Fall Planting Guide for Mums
Planting in Flower Beds Choose mums that are still tightly budded. Gently tease the roots apart as you set out mums in their planting hole. Mums grow best in rich well drained soil. They prefer a position in the garden with at least a half day of sun. They also require plenty of air circulation around each plant. No fertilizer is required during the fall season. Water newly planted mums immediately after transplanting. During dry spells water as needed to …
Fall Planting Guide for Asters
Planting in Flower Beds 1. Choose plants that still have a lot of buds. 2. When planting asters in the ground, lightly tease the roots apart as you would any transplant. 3. Asters prefer rich soil and a sunny position in the garden with at least a half day of sun. They need plenty of air circulation around the plant. 4. No need to fertilize during the fall season. 5. Water newly planted asters immediately after transplanting them. Asters like …
Cold Tolerant Annuals for Fall Color
To extend the beauty of your garden into autumn and put some color back into your landscape, consider planting some cold-tolerant annuals. Many of these can take temperatures to 20° F. As our seasons change, so can your garden by highlighting these beautiful tough plants in your beds, borders and containers. Ageratum Nemesia Argyranthemum Nicotiana Asters Osteospermum Bracteantha Petunia Calendula Phlox (annual) Calibrachoa Rudbeckia Cyclamen Salvia, Victoria and greggii Diascia Stock Gazania Verbena canadensis Lobelia Frost hardy annuals …
Swiss Chard (Beta) – Fall Care
Swiss Chard is a cool weather ornamental and edible crop planted in early spring or late summer. Mulching will help retain the necessary moisture for this plant to thrive. Fertilizer: When planted in the fall and used as an ornamental, it will not need any additional fertilizer. Hardiness: Not hardy in Michigan Water: Semi-dry to Moist Soil: Plants prefer a nitrogen rich soil with plenty of organic matter. Sandy loam to clay loam. Pests: Slugs and Snails – Begin watching …
Flowering Cabbage & Kale (Brassica) – Fall Care
Cabbage and Kale are ornamental as well as edible cool weather crops. As the temperatures begin to drop these plants start showing their beautiful colors. Treat like any transplant. Gently tease the roots apart if the plant is pot bound. Fertilizer: When planted in the fall and used as an ornamental no additional fertilizer is needed. Light: Part Sun to Full Sun Bloom-time: Early summer until fall Hardiness Zone: 2 to 10 – Not Hardy when grown in a container… …
Top Picks for Creating a Deer Resistant Garden
Top Picks for creating a Deer Resistant Garden Annuals Perennials Ageratum Artemesia Alyssum – annual & perennial Cranesbill geranium – Geranium sanquineum Begonia Coral Bells – Heuchera Coleus Coreopsis Marigold Dicentra – Bleeding Heart Monarda Helleborus – Hellebore (Lenten Rose) Rudbeckia (Black Eyed Susan) Hibiscus – annual, perennial & tropical Salvia – annual & perennial Nepeta – Catmint Dusty Miller Sage – Salvia Zinnia Spiderwort – Tradescantia Bulbs/Rhizomes Shrubs/Trees Allium Barberry Daffodil Japanese Maple Iris Hibiscus – a.k.a. Rose-of-Sharon …
Quick Picks for a Deer Resistant Garden
Many gardeners have problems with Deer and other vegetarian wildlife. There aren’t any plants that are truly Deer proof. Fortunately, there are varieties that are less favorable or what we refer to as resistant. Any plant with an offensive aroma will irritate their sense of smell. They also tend to avoid plants that are fuzzy, prickly or bitter. Below are some of the best options to try. Annuals: Ageratum, Alyssum, Dusty Miller, Marigolds, Mints, Sage, Salvia (including perennials), Verbena and …