Tag: In the Garden

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener You used to need a lot of land to grow fruit trees. Dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees have allowed growing them in just about any yard. Most standard-sized fruit trees mature at a height…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Understanding companion plant strategies helps plan the best gardens without using chemical pesticides to control insects. Potatoes are large plants that benefit significantly from certain companion plants in the gardens. Others only attract and…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener March is when roses get excited about spring. Prune, clean up and fertilize your roses, and 45 days later, they will show fragrant appreciation. March is the start of rose planting season that culminates…

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Serious gardeners are in the garden on the first warm day of spring. While there is no harm in cleaning up fallen branches and debris, wait until the soil is no longer wet enough…

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Salad greens are so easy to grow they are the perfect starter plants for new gardeners and those short on space. Leafy salad greens like lettuce, spinach, chard, and kale are grown for their…

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Spring trees begin to bloom this issue. Trees are noble works of nature, and we are humbled by their greatness. While walking through the redwoods of California or admiring the massive structure of a…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener February gardens yearn for Spring. The Short days of January get brighter every day until springs break. It is also our best month for snow, yet flowers bloom even in snow. You can feel…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener On the Go Answer – Readers Digest-type Condensed Version of this Article Wildflowers are best planted in winter Most flowers prefer at least 6 six hours of sun per day Hydromulch – blend wildflower…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Research shows plants have a definite calming effect on their gardener. Plants are so understanding. They refrain from arguing, asking difficult questions, or interrupting when speaking. It’s no wonder, so many gardeners talk to…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Young, immature plants rarely need pruning except to deadhead faded flowers or remove dead and broken branches. Once a lilac reaches a mature height, it appreciates rejuvenation pruning. Young bushes with branched under three…