Most folks think of using mulch in winter to help protect plants, shrubs, trees and more from freezing temps. But mulch is also a summertime essential, working to help everything survive the summer heat unscathed! A layer of mulch will help the soil retain water,...
There's nothing like sitting out on the porch on a summer evening, listening to the not-so-relaxing sound of "Buzz/Ow/Slap.....Buzz/Ow/Slap!" As the temps start heating up this month, outside insects will become even more frequent visitors. So surround your porch,...
We all learned a lot of lessons in 2020, including what to do and what not to do when faced with disruptions in our normal way of life. Being more self reliant has become essential to many folks looking for a little peace of mind and the easiest, most affordable and...
You're not just planting a new tree or shrub, you know. You're adding to your landscape family of beauty! Okay, okay, we get carried away sometimes, but we LOVE our trees and shrubs and get excited when we adopt them out to families like yours! When you are planting...
Successfully growing roses in our area is easy when you have advice from experts - and you do! Our staff of experts has lived and gardened in Upper East TN and SW VA for more decades than we can count. If you can learn it from a book, we know it. Just as important,...
Everything in your landscape and gardens is waking up this month, sensing that Spring is just around the corner. And just like you and me, everything is waking up hungry! With generations of experience in the unique growing atmosphere of East Tennessee, our team here...
All but the most delicate and finicky houseplants can go outdoors now. Dracaena, ferns, ivy, spider plants, ficus trees and even cactus will all benefit from a few months in the Great Outdoors! Remember that most houseplants cannot tolerate full summer sun, so park...
Instilling a love for gardening in children while they are young can also instill a love for Mother Earth and traits like reliability and perseverence. Oh, and it's fun, too. LOTS of fun! Join the growing trend of gardening as a hobby for young ones - we've got all...
Look around your landscape - now is the time to zero in on those nasty bare spots that are hanging out for everyone to see! Now is also the best time to act if you need to seed a whole new yard. Whether a patch of grass or a field from scratch, let's get started!...
That's right - as is the norm around here, February and even March are no strangers to hard freezes and frosty weather. So keeping a few supplies on hand to help your plants and flowers fend off the cold is pretty smart. We have lots of ways to provide that...
Cold weather crops allow you to feed your "inner farmer" without worrying about frost. C'mon. We ALL have an inner farmer, don't we? Just a few veggies in a container? I thought so! Read on and pick out your favorite vegetables for safe planting this month... The...
I can't tell you how many times we've heard "My pansies were buried under 5 inches of snow, then POOF! The next week they're blooming again!" You just can't keep a good pansy down! And luckily, they are no where NEAR the end of their blooming time - plus we have...
March winds are predicted to be extra crazy this year, which is great for kite flying but NOT so great for newly planted trees! Even trees planted as long ago as last Fall can still fall victim to strong March winds, bending and even breaking when caught in their...
Perennials - also known as forever flowers, since they return to your garden year after year on their own - should be planted ASAP if you are starting them from seed. And you should! What could be prettier than a garden full of colorful perennials - easy to plant,...
The earlier the better when pruning Deciduous trees and shrubs, so do it now! Winter is the best and least stressful time for any structural pruning and larger cuts that may be required, to remove any dead, damaged, or weak branches. Avoid topping your trees as this...
No, you don't need to put a mask on them, but protecting them against spring and summer insects and diseases is almost as easy! Be on the lookout for a mild February day - anything above 50 degrees - then spring into action! For a safe, natural organic product, we...
You may not BE a lawn mower blade or pruning tool, but chances are you have them. And if so, this is the perfect month to hone them for the season ahead! By sharpening those mower blades and pruners, you'll make the job of USING them so much easier! A crisp clean...
I hope so because this is one test you don't want to miss! Testing your soil can make all the difference between a successful lawn and garden, and one that doesn't quite make the grade. A soil test will reveal how much - if any - fertilizer and/or lime your soil...
The EJC Sowing Circle is an unofficial group of patrons who prefer to sow their vegetables and flowers from seed. There are lots of benefits to indoor sowing, including providing a fun and rewarding task for an often-dreary winter day. When you start seeds this...
It's time to quit tolerating those ugly bald spots in your lawn and do something about them - especially since they are so easy to fix! There two ways to repair those spots that are both easy and efficient. Patching can be very effective - that is where you use...
Poinsettias are a beautiful symbol of Christmas, but if you are discarding yours after the holidays, you're missing out on a whole other season of flowering on these gorgeous plants! Shame on you! The poinsettia in the picture was purchased for Christmas and this...
Picture this - you bustling in the kitchen, whipping up a culinary master piece, topped off with fresh herbs snipped from your pretty indoor garden. The great news is - you can grow certain herbs in your very own kitchen so c'mon and make it happen! Our greenhouses...
