Starting a Red Buckeye from Seed

For DIY gardeners, here is a recipe for growing red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) from seed.  Seeds are usually ready for harvest in late September.  With proper nourishment, seeds sown in the fall of 2009 become lovely 4-5 foot blooming trees by the spring of 2012.

First, locate a red buckeye in the Tri-Cities.  Collect the seed [...]

Month-by-Month Gardening Guide: July/August

Fruits and Nuts:

Strawberries will benefit from an application of fertilizer in late August and again in September. Take a soil test to determine how much nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium is needed.  Each is needed for strawberry production in varying amounts.  Nitrogen is necessary to stimulate foliage and root growth while phosphorous is used to develop [...]

Composting

“Composting” means the controlled decomposition (decay) of organic material such as yard trimmings, kitchen scraps, wood shavings, cardboard, and paper.  “Compost” is the humus-rich material that results from composting.

Compost contributes nutrients and beneficial life to the soil, improves soil structure, and helps prevent runoff that can pollute rivers and lakes.  Compost helps the soil absorb [...]

Raised Bed Gardening and Construction

Raised bed gardening is a great way to making gardening more efficient and enjoyable. Building raised beds involves basic materials and construction;and if that doesn’t sound like something you are interested in doing, raised beds can be purchased from gardening supply and home improvement centers.

Xeriscaping

Beyond Sprinklers and Hoses

TIPS FOR IMPLEMENTING XERISCAPING

Plan and Design. Determine North, South, East and West. Note sunny spots· and low or sloped areas. Use existing vegetation not to be removed. Determine use of the space such as dining, sitting or recreation. Eliminate sharp angles as they are harder to maintain and [...]

Homemade Fertilizers

Learn how to make your own fertilizer, and keep your garden green without spending a lot of green.

Here are some homemade fertilizer recipes to try.

Epsom Salt Fertilizer: Use in place of houseplant food, vegetable fertilizer, rose plant food

1 tablespoon Epsom Salt

1 gallon water

Combine the Epsom salt and water and use this solution [...]

Homemade Pesticides

Did you know it’s still possible to keep your garden free from pests without toxins and harmful chemicals?  Most chemical pesticides are toxic to humans as well as pets and small animals that may enter your yard or garden. That’s why homemade pesticides make a lot more sense.  Many home gardeners are looking for ways [...]

Rain Gardens

Example of a rain garden, reproduced with permission from the
Missouri Botanical Garden.

What is a rain garden?

A rain garden is a special kind of garden designed to collect and absorb runoff storm water. This would be in an area around your home that may have a slope that after a rain would collect water and hold [...]

2008 Hamilton County Fair: A Summary

Master Gardeners of Hamilton County built a “GARDEN GREEN” project for our 2008 Hamilton County Fair. The Fair is an excellent site to allow maximum exposure to the general public for viewing.