By Jan Cashman The first fall that At Home was published, the year 2000, I wrote about how to prepare your yard for winter. The information still applies, so here is the article, revised, with added information on winterizing your perennial flowers: It’s fall. Freezing weather is here. It’s time to ‘put the garden to … Read more
By Jan Cashman Tomatoes are the most popular garden vegetable. We sell thousands of tomato plants each year. You can grow delicious, nutritious tomatoes, in our high mountain climate with its cool nights and short growing season by using a few tricks. Twenty five years ago, Fantastic and Early Girl were the two commonly grown … Read more
Choose early maturing varieties for highest yields—70 days or less (see chart) Sow seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last frost or buy started plants Make sure the plants you buy have strong, thick stems and are not leggy Harden off before planting Plant in a new spot every 3 years to escape soil-borne … Read more
Plant Hardiness Zones—What do they mean? Are they important? By Jan Cashman 12/3/13 This winter, when you’re studying gardening magazines and seed catalogs to decide what to plant next spring, do you ever wonder about the “Zone” numbers next to plant names? These numbers are supposed to tell us whether a plant will grow in … Read more
Prune evergreens and spring-flowering hedges Sow Lawn seed once soil warms Plant bare root nursery stock Spray for fire blight at apple blossom time Sow wild flower seeds and native grasses Fertilize, mow and water lawn Sow cool-season vegetable seeds (early May) Sow warm-season vegetable seeds (late) Prepare dahlias, gladiolus and begonias Fertilize evergreens Sow … Read more
A barrier between grass and flower or shrub beds can keep grass from encroaching on your beds and keep mulches from spilling over into your grass. Edging helps the gardener who wants a low-maintenance landscape to keep their grounds looking neat. There are many types of edging that will add beauty, interest, and practicality to … Read more
by Jan Cashman The weather every year is unique, but 2011 had some real extremes. We had a snowy winter. According to Greg Ainsworth, columnist for the Chronicle, “from November through June, was the 3rd wettest period in 113 years.” At the MSU Weather Station, April, May and June was the coolest three month period … Read more
Everyone is gardening in containers these days. Small lots and condo living contribute to this trend. People want the ease of planting and caring for a small, ‘contained’ garden. Homeowners are interested in decorating not just the inside of their homes, but also their outdoor living space. Enticing to us gardeners are the beautiful, colorful … Read more
by Jan Cashman My husband Jerry’s father used to say the time to prune is when your pruners are sharp. That old nurseryman’s adage holds true for minor pruning, but now, in late winter when fruit and shade trees are dormant, is the best time to prune. (However, do not prune maple and birch trees … Read more
Jerry’s father used to say the time to prune is when your pruners are sharp. That old nurseryman’s adage holds true for minor pruning, but now, in late winter when fruit and shade trees and shrubs are dormant, is the best time to prune. (However, do not prune maples and birch trees now; their spring … Read more