Wheaton, Illinois
Tree & Schrub Care: Wait until trees and shrubs drop their leaves or undergo color change before planting them or digging and moving them to new sites. At that time they are entering dormancy and will not suffer as much transplant shock when moved.
Broadleaved and needled evergreens, both dwarf and standard, are best planted or moved by October 1. Water deeply and thoroughly at planting time and each week up until the ground freezes. Continue reading “Horticulture Report – September 2015”
If you are at the Wheaton Public Library this week, stop by the check out desk and see the latest flower arrangement provided by Wheaton Garden Club members.
General Garden Care
Apply 1 to 2 inches of leaf mulch on flower beds and around trees, keeping mulch away from the trunks. Make sure all trees, shrubs, perennials, and roses receive 1 inch of water per week. If Mother Nature does not provide this amount, it is best to water deeply once per week rather than water shallowly several times per week. Continue reading “Horticulture Report – June 2015”
General Garden Care
Plant warm-season flowering annuals, vines, herbs, and vegetables after the Chicago area’s average last frost date of May 15. Cautious gardeners often wait until Memorial Day before setting out cold-sensitive plants such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and squash. Pinch back one-third of new growth to encourage stocky habit (except vines). Continue reading “Horticulture Report – May 2014”
Your plant sale orders are ready for pick up. Be sure to check out the extra plants available for purchase. You are sure to find a plant you can’t live without!
General Garden Care
Remove winter debris from lawn and garden beds. Remove burlap screens erected to protect plants from wind or road salt spray.Consider a soil test of your entire yard or specific garden areas if you have not had one before. Soil temperature must be 50 degrees for a proper reading. Continue reading “Horticulture Report – April 2015”
General Garden Care
Remove winter debris from lawn and garden beds.
Consider a soil test if you have not had one before. Soil temperature must be 50 degrees for a proper reading. Tests can also be performed in the fall.
Continue reading “Horticulture Report – March 2015”
At our February meeting we made Hypertufa Planters at Lizzie’s Garden. The tropical weather inside the greenhouse was a treat since it was only 5 degrees out side. Here are Hyertufa directions from Lizzie on how to make a hypertufa planter.
General Garden Care
Continue to order seed, bulb, and nursery catalogs to assist in planning your garden for the upcoming year.
Unseasonably warm and dry winter weather will further stress plants that were not watered adequately during a dry Chicago autumn. During periods of winter thaw, water evergreens, broadleaved evergreens, and conifers as needed. Water newly planted trees and shrubs and all plants, including turf, that might be in the path of salt spray from salted roads. Continue reading “Horticulture Report – February 2015”