Growing ImpatiensMost often bought as transplants, but seeds can be started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before last frost date. Seeds need light to germinate so press them into seed starting.
Growing Flowering FlaxSow seeds directly outdoors in fall or in early spring as soon as soil is workable. They should be spaced so plants grow approximately 8 to 10 inches apart.
Growing: Iceland PoppyDespite being true perennials, Iceland poppies are usually grown as annuals or biennials. To use them as cut flowers, sear off stems with a lit match or lighter and place them in very warm water.
Growing Butterfly BushFor continuous flowers all summer, trim spent flower clusters off just above a set of leaves and plants will send out two new spikes to replace the one you cut off. As they name suggests, the Butterfly Bush is very attractive to butterflies...
Growing Azaleas and RhododendronsSpring and fall are the best times to purchase and plant azalea and rhododendron clumps. If you buy whole balled or burlap wrapped plants, late summer is the best time for planting...
Growing: AstilbePurchase a nursery raised pot containing numerous plants and divide them up when you plant them. For the first summer give them extra attention...
Growing TulipsPlant bulbs from 4 to 8 inches deep and 4 to 8 inches apart in the fall. Bulbs should be free of mold or black spots and the outer tunic (brown layer) should be intact. . .
Growing: Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis)Plant tubers 3 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart in the fall for spring flowers. Tubers do not like to be dry and can be soaked overnight before planting for a faster start. . .
Growing BasilBasil is one of the most widely grown herbs in the world. Originally from India, it is grown for its clove-like smelling, soft green or purple foliage and is often associated with its culinary use in Italian dishes.
Growing California Blue BellsIn climates with mild winters, sow in the fall. In cooler climates, sow seed immediately after ground dries out. Regular watering will help to extend their short bloom time.
Growing Musk MallowSow seeds or transplant seedlings into warm soil. Seedlings should be spaced approximately 18 inches apart. Seeds should be soaked for 24 hours prior to planting to speed germination. If starting indoors, use individual peat pots to avoid disturbing roots while transplanting.
Growing: AngelicaPrefers moist, fertile, slightly acidic soil. Transplant seedlings when they have 4 to 6 leaves. Angelica prefers cool areas of the garden. It blooms in midsummer of the second year, then dies, and needs large amounts of space.
Growing AgrimonyModest and almost weed-like in appearance, Agrimony is an aromatic plant with one or more stems supporting tall, slender spikes of flowers and a few weak branches.
Growing Balloon Flowers (Chinese...In the spring, sow seeds directly into ground where you want them to grow. Keep sowing seeds up to 2 months before fall frost date. Seeds can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting.
Growing Blanket FlowerStart seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost date or sow them directly into the ground in spring. Seeds need light to germinate so do not cover them, simply press them into the surface of the soil. . .
Growing ZucchiniZucchini is a fast growing member of the squash family (cucurbitaceae) with a long, cylindrical shape, smooth, dark green (sometimes yellow) skin and creamy white-green, milky-flavored flesh. Zuccini are also referred to as courgette, especially in Europe.
Growing AlternantheraAlternanthera make excellent fillers for container displays due to their compact growth. Space four inches apart for a carpet effect and pinch back occasionally to keep plants bushy. Pot plants and bring indoors as a house plant for winter.
Growing AmaranthGlobe Amaranth is native to Panama and Guatemala in Central America. It was once a favorite of English gardens and also attracts butterflies.
Growing AmaryllisAmaryllis couldn't be easier to grow. Most garden and home centers offer them for sale during the winter season when they are commonly grown to bloom for the holidays.
Growing Anemone (Greek Wind Flower,...Plant Greek Wind Flower bulbs in zones 4-8 in the spring. They grow to a height of 4" to 6" and prefer rich, well-drained soil and sun to partial shade. Plant Poppy Anemone bulbs in zones 8-11 in the spring. They grow to heights of 12" to 18" and prefer light sandy soil and full sun.
Growing FennelA beautiful addition to any perennial herb garden, fennel has thick, 5 to 6 foot tall stems, feathery green or bronze foliage and impressive rays of tiny, umbel-shaped yellow flowers.
Growing AlyssumWhen planting alyssum, scatter seeds and press them lightly into the ground. Don't cover the seeds, as they need light to germinate. Alyssum makes an excellent, nearly instant ground cover. They are an economical way to fill in garden space and work well to crowd out weeds
Growing AlliumAllium tends to be resistant to deer, chipmunks, mice and other rodents, and great for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
Growing African DaisyAfrican Daisies thrive at temperatures of 75ºF. They will suffer damage if grown below temperatures of 41ºF. Although plants will grow in partial shade they tend to flower more poorly.
Growing AsparagusAsparagus are perennial vegetables with feathery foliage and edible spears that grown up to 3 feet tall. They are easy to grown and maintain after the first year.
Ideal Plant Companions When Growing VegetablesA couple of years in a row, after we moved here, we planted a garden. The first one did really well. The 2nd one didn't. We'd always planted the same way, or so we thought.