Category: Garden Blog

• Plant your tomatoes when the soil feels deliciously warm—between 60 and 70 degrees—and the nights are no colder than 55 degrees. If you rush and plant in chilly soil, your tomatoes may sulk, refusing to grow or soak up the nutrients they crave. Beware those deceptively sunny spring days: even if it’s toasty in the afternoon, cool nights below 55 degrees can cause blossoms to drop, leaving you with empty stems instead of juicy fruit.

• Give your tomatoes a sunbath! They thrive on at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Less light means fewer, smaller fruits—so let them bask in the sun for a bumper harvest.
• Treat your tomatoes to loose, well-draining soil—think of it as a comfy bed for their roots. Stuck with heavy clay? Mix in compost or other organic matter to create the perfect tomato spa.
• Bury your tomato plants deep—deeper than you’d expect! Unlike most plants, tomatoes love having their roots stretch far down. Plant them so that the bottom leaves are almost touching the ground. Once planted, pluck off the bottom leaves to prevent disease from spreading from the ground to the leaves.

• Tuck your tomatoes in with a cozy layer of mulch. Not only does it keep pesky weeds at bay, it locks in precious moisture so your plants stay happy and hydrated.
• Help your tomatoes stand tall—give them a sturdy cage or stakes to lean on as they reach for the sky. Indeterminate varieties especially need this support to grow strong and produce more fruit.

• Keep your tomatoes quenched! They need steady moisture to thrive. Letting them dry out between drinks can lead to sad, struggling plants. Water deeply at the base, steering clear of the leaves. If your tomatoes live in containers, they may be thirsty enough to need a drink every day—especially in hot weather.
• Feed your tomatoes with a calcium-rich fertilizer, such as Tomato Tone, every 2 weeks. This regular treat keeps them strong and helps prevent blossom end rot, so you can look forward to perfect, plump fruit.

• Pinch away those pesky suckers—the small shoots that pop up where branches meet the stem. Removing them keeps your plant’s energy focused on growing big, flavorful tomatoes rather than leafy distractions.

Hellebores are not actually related to roses; they belong to the Ranunculaceae family. Their history goes back to ancient Greece. Hellebores have many common names, including Christmas Rose, Snow Rose, Lenten Rose, and Oracle Flower. In Germany, they are often called "Nieswurz," which means "sneezewort" in English. This name comes from the plant’s ability to cause sneezing when any part is ground into a fine powder. In the past, people believed sneezing could drive away evil spirits and illnesses.

Long ago, people used hellebores to predict the weather for the coming year, which led to the name Oracle Roses. In rural areas, it was common to place twelve hellebore buds in a glass of water before Christmas, with each bud standing for a month of the next year. If a bud opened by Christmas Eve, it meant good weather for that month. If it stayed closed, bad weather was expected.

During the Middle Ages, people used the Christmas Rose in witches' ointments and believed it could help them stay young forever.

Folklore holds that hellebores had protective powers and could keep away evil spirits and magic.

Hellebores are more than just beautiful flowers. People often give them as gifts to mark new beginnings and positive changes, making them a symbol of hope.

Hellebores bloom in late winter and early spring, adding color to your garden when few other plants are flowering. Their attractive flowers and evergreen leaves make them a great choice for any garden. They are easy to care for and do well in partial shade, thriving in woodland gardens, borders, or containers. With their rich history and folklore, hellebores offer more than just beauty—they bring lasting interest and admiration to your garden every year. Try growing hellebores to enjoy their unique charm yourself.

• Deer Resistant
• Pt Shade/Shade
• Cut Flower
• Spring Bloomers

People grow Alocasia plants for their big, heart-shaped or arrowhead-shaped leaves. They are also known as African Masks or Elephant's Ears. These plants come from Thailand, Indonesia, and eastern Australia. Some types can grow up to four feet tall, with leaves as long as 20 inches. Alocasias became popular houseplants in the 19th and early 20th centuries because of their large, colorful leaves and unique patterns. They do best in bright to moderate indirect light and like their soil to stay slightly moist.

Over time, people have grown Alocasia plants for different reasons. In some cultures, they were valued for their starchy, edible tubers, which people used as food (DO NOT EAT). The elephant ear plant also stands for taking chances, growth, prosperity, and spirituality.

Before you buy an Alocasia, check that your space and lighting are suitable so the plant can thrive in your home.

People grow Alocasia plants for their big, heart-shaped or arrowhead-shaped leaves. They are also known as African Masks or Elephant's Ears. These plants come from Thailand, Indonesia, and eastern Australia. Some types can grow up to four feet tall, with leaves as long as 20 inches. Alocasias became popular houseplants in the 19th and early 20th centuries because of their large, colorful leaves and unique patterns. They do best in bright to moderate indirect light and like their soil to stay slightly moist.

Over time, people have grown Alocasia plants for different reasons. In some cultures, they were valued for their starchy, edible tubers, which people used as food (DO NOT EAT). The elephant ear plant also stands for taking chances, growth, prosperity, and spirituality.

Before you buy an Alocasia, check that your space and lighting are suitable so the plant can thrive in your home.

Bring home the magic of the Mickey Mouse Alocasia! This rare plant features large, lobed leaves with unique streaks of deep green, light green, and cream—each leaf resembling the iconic Mickey Mouse face. No two leaves are ever alike, making every plant truly one-of-a-kind. Impress guests and elevate your indoor jungle with a show-stopping plant that can reach up to 6 feet tall. Perfect for collectors and Disney fans alike, this extraordinary alocasia is sure to sell out fast.

Brighten your home with this stunning Alocasia, sure to be the centerpiece of any room! Reaching an impressive 3 to 4 feet tall, its paddle-shaped leaves are adorned with bold splashes of yellow and lime—each leaf showcasing a one-of-a-kind pattern. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a plant enthusiast, this unique beauty will add vibrant color and tropical flair to your space.

Transform your space with the dramatic beauty of Alocasia Polly! Its striking, arrow-shaped dark green leaves with bold white veins and rich purple undersides create an exotic, eye-catching display. Compact yet bold, this unique plant typically grows 1 to 2 feet tall—ideal for desktops or tabletops. A must-have for plant lovers looking to add a touch of the tropics to their home or office. Don’t miss out—add this stunning Alocasia to your collection today!

Every spring is a great time to try growing something different. Whether you are just starting out or have been gardening for years, spring gives you the perfect chance to experiment with new seeds. With so many options available, it can be tough to pick just one. Here are a few varieties we have in the store that you might want to try this year.

Tatsoi Chinese Cabbage

Also called Tat choy, this delicious and nutritious leafy vegetable is easy to grow and an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Plants are cold tolerant and produce attractive, upright, bright green leaves with a mild, spicy flavor. Enjoy raw, steamed or cooked and serve alone or mixed with other greens. Tatsoi is used in pesto, salads, stir-fry, and as a garnish for soups. It can also be pickled.

Radish Minowase Daikon

This unique radish brings something special to any garden. A favorite in Japanese cooking, it produces long, thick, crisp white roots with a mild, sweet flavor. The roots can reach up to 24 inches long and 3 inches wide. Enjoy this sweet, crunchy radish pickled, stir-fried, steamed, or raw.

Broccoli Chinese Kailaan

Chinese broccoli is also known as Chinese kale or kailaan. It is a leaf vegetable with thick, flat, glossy blue-green leaves, thick stems, and a few small flower heads similar to broccoli. It is widely used in Asian cuisine. The florets can be substituted for regular broccoli in many recipes. The leaves and juicy stems have a more complex flavor, sweet yet slightly bitter. High in calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C. Popular for stir-fry dishes; it can also be steamed or boiled. For a gourmet treat, lightly sauté the thinned seedlings!

Swiss Chard Lucullus

Lucullus Swiss chard is an Italian heirloom variety named after Lucius Licinius Lucullus, a Roman general known for his grand banquets and gardens in Rome. This variety produces nutritious leaves from early spring until the first hard frost in fall. Introduced in 1914, Lucullus has white stalks and large, light green, fleshy leaves that are deeply crumpled and have thick white midribs. Many consider it the best-tasting chard, and it can be used in many ways. The green leaves have a mild, sweet flavor similar to spinach, while the pale green to white stems are tender and taste great cooked like asparagus and served with butter.

Tomato Moskvich

Moskvich means "inhabitant of Moscow," reflecting its origin in the region during the early 1970s. This variety is among the first to harvest after winter, as it tolerates cool weather well. It also continues to produce full-size, garden-fresh fruit late into the season as temperatures drop. The tomatoes are smooth, globe-shaped, and weigh 4 to 6 ounces. They are excellent fresh, in sauces, soups, or for processing.

The front and back of the seed packet is one of the most important parts when starting to grow your seeds. It has essential information you need for your plants to thrive. Every seed packet is different so make sure to read it before you plant.

Seed Depth: Is the distance below the soil surface at which a seed is placed to grow. Planting too deeply may prevent seeds from sprouting. Too shallow and they may be washed away or eaten by pests. The general rule of thumb is to plant seeds twice as deep as they are large.

Seed Space: the recommended distance between seeds.

Sprouts In: The general amount of time that it takes for that variety of seed to start sprouting. If you do not see signs of life within that time, wait a few more days. Sometimes seeds can be delayed by external factors.

Thin Space: Is the distance seeds should be planted for optimum growth. Remove extra seedlings, sprouts, or young plants that are too close together by pulling out the weaker ones. This helps the remaining plants grow better. Wait to thin your seedlings until they are big enough to tell which ones are strongest. It’s best to do this when they have a pair or two of true leaves, not just the first seed leaves. If you’re growing seedlings in containers, try to leave just one healthy plant in each pot, cell, or pellet. For plants in open soil, follow the spacing instructions on your seed packet or growing guide.

Height & Width: The height is the measurement of the plant from the ground to the top-most part of the plant at maturity. The width is the maximum width of the plant measured at its widest part from leaf tip to leaf tip at maturity.

Please note that some seed packets list plants as perennial, but they may not be perennial in Ohio. Always check the hardiness zone on the packet. Newark, Ohio, is classified as Zone 6a, but we recommend using Zone 5 as a guideline, since Zone 6a plants may not survive the winter here.

Annual: A plant that grows, flowers, produces seed, all in one season, and then does not survive the winter. They must be planted each year. Many plants we call annual may be perennial in warmer locations.

Perennial: Plants that are cold-hardy and will return each spring. Some will flower in their first year, while others need to mature before flowering. Some perennials are very long-lived, and others will survive only a few years.

Biennial: “Bi-” means “two,” so as you can probably guess, a biennial generally completes its life cycle in two years. True biennials are vegetative in their first year of growth (meaning they don’t flower). That’s when they store lots of energy in their root systems. In the second year, they use up all this energy to flower and set seed before dying.

Days To Harvest: This is the number of days a plant will take to produce a harvest from the time of planting out in your garden. (Only for Vegetables)

Days To Bloom: This is the average number of days a plant will take to produce blooms from the time of planting out in your garden. (Sometimes on Flower Packets)

Light Conditions:
Full Sun = 6+ hours of direct Sun per day.
Pt Sun = 4 to 6 hours of direct sun per day, including some afternoon sun.
Pt Shade = 4 to 6 hours of direct sun per day, mostly before midday.
Full Shade = less than 4 hours of direct sun per day.

Heirloom: Cultivars of flowers, fruits, and vegetables that are open-pollinated, in use before 1945, and preserved by farmers and gardeners.

Open-Pollinated: Seed produced from natural, random pollination. Open-pollinated cultivars come true to type when seed is saved and replanted.

Hybrid: Hybrid seeds are produced through careful pollination of two specific varieties, generally resulting in a plant that flowers and fruits more readily and is more resistant to pests or diseases. Not to be confused with GMO.

Orchids have a rich history and are among the largest plant families, with approximately 28,000 species. They originated about 100 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous Period.

Orchids thrive in diverse environments, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts, demonstrating resilience and versatility. Many species have developed specialized methods to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, and birds.

The name "orchid" derives from the Greek word "orkhis," meaning testes, due to the shape of the plant’s tubers. In Ancient Greece, orchids symbolized fertility and virility.

In Chinese culture, orchids symbolize beauty, refinement, and virtuousness. They are also considered harbingers of spring and good fortune.

During the Victorian era, the discovery of exotic orchid species sparked widespread enthusiasm across Europe. Wealthy collectors competed for rare specimens, resulting in elaborate displays at international flower shows and exhibitions.

Orchids are being studied for their potential in bioremediation, the use of living organisms to address environmental damage.

Orchids are long-lived and, with proper care, can bloom repeatedly for many years.

Today, orchids in the U.S. are popular gift flowers that symbolize love, beauty, and strength.

Orchid flowers may be yellow, white, pink, lavender, spotted, or striped. Orchids offer a beautiful and affordable alternative to cut flower arrangements, adding elegance and lasting charm to any space. Their striking appearance and ease of care appeal to both new and experienced plant owners.

Seeing an orchid in full bloom often inspires people to bring one home or give it as a gift. The Phalaenopsis, or Moth Orchid, is among the most popular and widely available varieties.

Phalaenopsis flowers bloom along a long, arching spike and often last two to three months.

Named after botanist Gordon Rowley, String of Pearls quickly became a celebrity in the houseplant world during the late 20th century. Its fun-loving, bead-like leaves aren't just cute; they're water tanks in disguise, letting this succulent survive in dry, tough places. Imagine a plant that looks like a string of green marbles, perfect for hanging baskets or as a living curtain over a shelf! In South Africa's deserts, these plants don't just hang; they sprawl across the sand, sending out long, trailing stems that root wherever they touch, creating lush, whimsical carpets of tiny green pearls. The spherical, pea-shaped leaves actually help String of Pearls tolerate drought by minimizing surface area-to-volume ratio and storing water. Not only does the shape aid in survival, but String of Pearls has another adaptation: 'leaf windows.' The darker stripe running down each leaf is translucent tissue, allowing sunlight to penetrate and reach the leaf's interior—helping the plant obtain enough light, even when shaded beneath rocks.

If your String of Pearls is happy, it will reward you with tiny, dandelion-like blooms that smell like a magical mix of vanilla and cinnamon—nature’s own dessert!

On the other hand, if your Pearls look shriveled, wrinkly, and dry, they’re sending you a thirsty SOS! But if they feel soft, squishy, or mushy, you might be loving them a little too much—ease up on the water.

Additionally, in some countries, the String of Pearls is considered a living good luck charm. Imagine each little pearl as a wish for abundance and happiness—no wonder people love to decorate their homes with them! Their trailing strands look like nature’s jewelry, radiating hope, beauty, and the pledge of good fortune.

As its element is Water, string-of-pearls symbolizes transformation and change. Beyond that, it also represents 'inner wisdom.'

In home decor, a string of pearls is considered harmonious when facing North, as it symbolizes water in Feng Shui, suggesting growth and prosperity. The trailing nature of string-of-pearls mirrors this fluid symbolism, encouraging an uninterrupted flow of positive energy.

What Are Fungus Gnats?
They are tiny black flies.

Do they harm plants?
No, but they are a real nuisance. If you have had them, you know they like to fly up your nose and into your mouth. I get them here at the office, especially with my African violets.

So why do they infect house plants?
It's simple: they love moisture. If your houseplant stays wet, the larvae will thrive, especially in the top two inches of soil.

So how do you get rid of them?
You need a two-step approach: first, kill the adults that lay eggs, and second, get rid of the larvae in the soil.

1) There are several ways to get rid of them. Start by keeping your houseplants a bit drier, especially in winter. Let the top one to two inches of soil dry out before watering again.

2) You can also use yellow sticky traps. I use them in the office, and they really help get rid of the adults.

3) Bonide systemic - This is a systemic that is absorbed through the roots of the plant and goes into the leaves. It will kill the larvae in the soil, but not the adults. You also have to be careful if you have any pets that like to chew on plants, and keep the plant in a contained area. This product works for three months. I have used this in the office as well, and it not only gets rid of fungus gnats but also aphids, spider mites, and anything else bug-wise that might be chewing on the plants. You do not want to use this on anything you will eat, such as citrus.

4) Mosquito Dunks/Bits - These work to kill both mosquito larvae and fungus gnat larvae. They are considered safe for pets, but they do not kill the adult gnats.

5) Insecticidal Soap - This contact spray will kill the adult gnats, but not the larvae.

Epiphytes are intriguing plants that grow on other plants without harming them. Unlike parasitic plants, epiphytes don’t take nutrients from their hosts; instead, they absorb moisture and nutrients from the air, rainfall, and the organic matter around them.

There are three main types of epiphytes:

- Holoepiphytes: These plants live their whole lives up in the trees, never touching the ground.

- Hemi-epiphytes: These start off on another plant but eventually grow roots that reach down to the soil.

- Proto-epiphytes: These epiphytes partially rely on their host for nutrients while drawing moisture and nourishment from the air and rain.

You’ll often find epiphytes in lush, shaded forests, particularly in tropical and temperate regions where humidity and rainfall are high. They have special adaptations that allow them to thrive without soil. For instance, many have roots covered in a spongy layer called velamen, which helps them absorb moisture from the air and rain. These roots also help anchor them securely to their host plants.

The leaves of epiphytes often form natural ‘tanks’ or ‘cups’ that catch rainwater, fallen leaves, and other organic material, which breaks down and provides essential nutrients. Some popular examples of epiphytes include:

- Anthurium

- Orchids

- Bromeliads

- Staghorn ferns

- Orchid cacti

- Bird's nest ferns

- Monstera

- Certain types of Pitcher Plants

One of the best things about epiphytes is their flexibility. They can be grown in pots or mounted in various arrangements. When potting epiphytes, good choices for soil include orchid bark, sphagnum moss, or a combination of the two.

Orchid bark is especially good because it keeps the soil light and airy, which is important for the roots of epiphytic plants. Sphagnum moss helps retain moisture while allowing airflow. There are special pots made just for epiphytes (orchid pots), but terracotta pots also work well for these plants because they allow air to circulate and help absorb excess moisture.

A special group of epiphytes, Tillandsia, can grow without soil at all. While they might have roots when you buy them, those roots aren’t their main source to get water. These plants, often called air plants, are often seen displayed in seashells, on bark, or in empty pots.

The holiday season is upon us, and many retailers are selling Christmas Cacti. However, it's important to distinguish whether they are truly Christmas Cacti or Thanksgiving Cacti. Here are some key differences to help you identify them:

Leaf Shapes:

- Thanksgiving Cactus: Features pointed, claw-like, or jagged edges on its stem segments.

- Christmas Cactus: Has smooth, scalloped, flat stem segments.

Bloom Time:

- Thanksgiving Cactus: Typically blooms from late October through November.

- Christmas Cactus: Usually blooms from late November to late January.

Growth Habit:

- Thanksgiving Cactus: Grows in a more upright manner.

- Christmas Cactus: Exhibits a more cascading growth habit.

It's worth noting that Christmas Cacti are quite rare and difficult to find. Most stores marketing Holiday or Christmas Cacti are actually selling Thanksgiving Cacti that have been manipulated into blooming later. Growers adjust the light and dark cycles to trick the plants into blooming at different times.

Whether you have a Christmas Cactus or a Thanksgiving Cactus, their care is quite similar:

Light: Provide bright, indirect light and avoid direct sunlight.

Temperature: Keep indoor temperatures between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Steer clear of drafts, heat vents, and fireplaces.

Water: Water the plant when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch, and do not let it sit in water.

With these guidelines, you can successfully care for your cacti during the holidays!