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Dwarf Dutch Iris Blooming in the Garden
Last fall, I decided that I really wanted to focus on introducing a wide range of spring flowering bulbs into my yard. In purchasing these bulbs, I specifically wanted to buy types that I knew would naturalize and multiply. In this, one bulb that I decided to plant was the ‘Harmony’ variety of dwarf dutch iris. Unlike their taller counterparts, dwarf dutch iris plants bloom extremely early – usually in late winter. For me, these dwarf dutch iris are the very first bulbs to bloom once the weather has warmed up some – they even beat the crocus! I’m so excited to see flowers outside of the hoop house…
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Winter Sowing Dagga – Ornamental Flowers
Wild dagga is an interesting plant that I first found on YouTube while watching an older Sarah Raven video. In her garden, the plant reached about 5 ft tall, but it was so unique looking. The tall flower stalks are definitely different than anything else in my garden. Above everything, I knew that I wanted to grow it because I’m always looking to add height and to attract hummingbirds. If you’re searching for information about any actual properties of the plant – this isn’t the blog for you. I grow it strictly for looks. As always, thoroughly researching any plant before introducing it into the garden is so important. Gardening…
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Winter Sowing Update – March Results
It’s the end of March, and that means that it is time for a winter sowing update. If you recall, at the beginning of February, I really started to winter sow a lot of different flowers and vegetables for the garden this year. Now that the weather has started to warm some, we can take a quick look around at some of the progress. A lot of trays (lettuce, phlox, broccoli, cabbages, etc) have already been planted into their final locations into the garden. Below are just a few trays that haven’t been planted yet. As always, the artemesia seedlings are doing great. The germination rate was a little lower…
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Winter Sowing Petunia Flowers
Winter sowing petunia seeds is a great way to grow a lot of flowers at a little cost. Let’s face it, bedding plants can be really expensive. Growing from seed not only allows us to save a little money, but it also gives a great selection when choosing which seeds to grow. The process of winter sowing petunia seeds is generally the same as winter sowing any other plant. Since petunia flowers are sensitive to frost, I usually wait until mid March before starting the winter sowing process. By March, temperatures have started to warm enough to trigger germination, however, it is still a solid month away from my last…
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Winter Sowing Impatiens Flowers for the Flower Bed
Winter sowing impatiens is a great way to add a lot of appeal to flower beds for a very low cost. While many bedding plants can be easily purchased at the home improvement store, the cost can definitely add up quickly. Luckily for those of us on a budget, the winter sowing method is a great way to great the most for your money. To winter sow impatiens, I usually wait until mid March here in zone 6b/7. By March, the weather has started to warm and the days have gotten longer. This allows for the consistent germination of impatiens seeds. Here in my yard, the impatiens are definitely sensitive…
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Winter Sowing Cleome Flowers in the Cut Flower Garden
In my experience, it seems that cleome is one of those flowers that people can have strong opinions about. Before I started growing it, I had no clue what the plant even looked like. However, now it’s an ornamental flower that I really, really love. I personally don’t use this one as a cut flower, but rather enjoy the height and color that it brings to the flower patch. Though I had heard that this plant is somewhat thorny, the first thing that I noticed was the scent. To my nose, this plant smells straight up like some kind of funky smelling skunk. I imagine if you’re the type of…
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Winter Sowing Pepper Seeds – Seed Starting
Ever since I started winter sowing pepper seeds, I haven’t gone back to starting the seeds indoors. When I first started gardening, I assumed that starting these seeds under grow lights was the only option. My first couple trys at grow pepper seeds was an absolute disaster. In the end, I had little to show for it, aside from potting soil stains in my living room carpet. Fast forward a few seasons, and winter sowing peppers is my jam! Like most other plants, peppers can be started in winter sowing milk jugs or soda bottles. Here in my zone 6b/7 garden, I generally begin the process of winter sowing pepper…
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Winter Sowing Tomato Seeds – Seed Starting Outdoors
I seriously can’t believe it’s already that time again. Winter sowing tomato seeds! While it feels like winter has lasted forever, it hardly feels like I should be starting tomato seeds. However, that’s the beauty of the winter sowing method. If you’re unfamiliar with winter sowing, you can definitely find more information by doing a quick search here on the blog or by visiting our gardening Facebook group. To winter sow tomato plants, you really need very little to get started. Last year, I used an old soda bottle and it worked great. This year, I’ve expanded my growing into trays. The trays will be placed into a low tunnel…
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March Unheated Hoop House Garden Update
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March Unheated Hoop House Update – Cut Flower Garden
It’s March – Unheated hoop house is finally coming to life! As I’ve already mentioned, it’s been cooler than normal here. That means that the progress in the hoop house is a little behind. Honestly, some of the plants look really bad. Nevertheless, I’m cautiously optimistic. Thanks for reading!
