Author Archives: Patty Craft

When to Plant Tubers for Autumn-Blooming Cyclamen

July 23, 2018 | Patty Craft | 0

Autumn cyclamen thrive in woodland conditions, with dappled shade and well-drained soil. If starting with potted plants, keep them at the same level. If planting tubers, nestle them with the growing tips upward and just below the ground’s surface.

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Some New Echinacea Need to Be Treated Like Annuals—What?!

July 21, 2018 | Patty Craft | 0

You’re not the only one who’s had poor performance from the new echinaceas. The problem likely is not your garden conditions nor your care of the plants. Echinacea, or coneflowers, continue to be introduced each year with fanciful names, and less than fanciful growth. The problem is the plant itself.

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How to Diagnose What Killed Your Peach Tree

July 19, 2018 | Patty Craft | 0

A reader asked: Last spring I planted a peach tree, which subsequently died. Someone told me that a peach tree won’t grow near a pine. Is this true? My peach was planted about 25 feet from a pine. Let us …

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How to Pick the Right Plants to Showcase Your Trees

July 17, 2018 | Patty Craft | 0

The right plants in the right place give your garden or yard a pleasing view. The right plants grown with your trees help your trees stand out. Here’s a recipe for success to showcase smokebush in your yard.

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Why a Nursery Bed Saves You Money & How to Make One

July 12, 2018 | Patty Craft | 0

A nursery bed is a small area of soil that’s used to grow certain selected plants. It’s where you don’t have to worry about design. It’s a place where you can put plants you get on sale or less-expensive, smaller …

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How to Keep Coleus Healthy in Pots in Summer

July 10, 2018 | Patty Craft | 0

Coleus is a versatile container plant because it takes sun or shade. Its boldly colored and textured leaves are an eye-catching addition to your containers. Just be careful because It can become become lanky and gangly as summer progresses, but …

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Mix Your Own Insecticidal Soap for Garden Pests

June 27, 2018 | Patty Craft | 0

You can make your own insecticidal soap with just two ingredients and in three simple steps. Plus, read about other organic ways to prevent pests.

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What You Need to Do Today to Grow Better Vegetables

June 23, 2018 | Patty Craft | 0

Summer is upon us and in order to grow better vegetables, you need to stay on top of the basics: feed, sow, stake, protect, mulch, monitor and shelter. It only takes a bit of effort and you’ll reap the rewards all summer long from your garden!

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Staking Tomatoes Like a Pro Will Boost Your Harvest

June 21, 2018 | Patty Craft | 0

Staking tomatoes makes all the difference in the health and production of your plants. I learned the hard way the first year I grew tomatoes. I allowed the plants to sprawl on the ground. It required no work on my part, but many of the tomatoes rotted before they were harvested, and blight quickly claimed the plant. Staking eventually saved the day!

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3 Simple Tasks to Do Right Now for Your Best Garden

June 19, 2018 | Patty Craft | 0

For your best garden ever, do these three simple tasks now and enjoy the summer months in your paradise even more:
#1 Mulch like a mad!
#2 Go deep—with the watering, that is!
#3 Bug off—grow these plants to keep unwanted insects away!

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Easy-to-Follow Tips for Growing Trees In Pots

June 14, 2018 | Patty Craft | 0

Japanese maples are the very best selection for growing trees in pots (or containers). Their incredible diversity of color and form provides an inspiring selection from which to choose, while their slow growth habit and their shallow, fibrous roots perfectly suit them to container culture. Expert grower Patricia Smyth shares these easy-to-follow tips.

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