Moving indoor/outdoor plants back indoors is in full swing in early September. Many gardeners have a full patio of container plants at this point in the season, some of which are well-suited to bring back indoors for winter enjoyment. The key to success is doing it gradually.
Author: John Fech
John Fech is a horticulturist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture. The author of 2 books and over 200 popular and trade journal articles, he focuses his time on teaching effective landscape maintenance techniques, water conservation, diagnosing turf and ornamental problems and encouraging effective bilingual communication in the green industry. He works extensively with the media to extend the message of landscape sustainability, making over 100 television and radio appearances each year.
Summer Pruning of Fruit Trees
There are 2 windows of time that are best for pruning fruit trees. Most fruit tree growers are well aware of the first timeframe, which is late winter. The benefits of pruning at this time include the ease of seeing the flaws without the leaves in the way and close proximity to the point in the season when a healthy tree will naturally close the wounds made when branches are removed.
Groundcovers Are Great!
There are lots of locations in a landscape where turf and large trees just won’t grow well – too much shade, steep slopes and narrow spaces are just a few. Installing groundcovers might be the solution to some of these challenges. Of course, they’re not maintenance free, but considering the various options of better adapted plants can improve the appearance and function of the site.
Easy to Care For Houseplants
By now, in early February, “Cabin Fever” is raging amongst Midwesterners. Perhaps you’ve even been somewhere warm (south Texas, Florida, Arizona), seen green plants outdoors and are longing for that kind of greenery at your residence. To help overcome the winter blues, try these easy to care for houseplants; it will help scratch the itch and not require a lot of resources to do it.
2025 Gardening Resolutions
Since January in the Midwest is usually not all that favorable for outdoor activities, we can grab the trowel by the handle and think ahead and backwards. Asking the question, “what didn’t go so well last year?” is a good one to springboard forward, or to borrow from the world of personal finance or fitness, to make new gardening resolutions.