DOUBLY DELICIOUS Be sure to plant two different varieties of apples that bloom at the same time within 50 feet of each other so you can boost apple production. One pollinates the other.
SEEING DIAMONDS Purchase a customizable kit to make this diamond-patterned trellis of nylon line (find sources at ggmagextra.com/essentials). Plant the clematis deeply, burying two sets of leaf nodes, so that it produces more stems. Use plant ties to train the many stems onto the wires of the trellis as new growth emerges in spring. Add more plant ties as the clematis grows and prune any wayward vines that obscure the diamond pattern.
DOUBLE DUTY FIG TREE This small patio is a place to naturally stop and observe the garden more closely while you’re on your way to the backyard. Large, soft-lobed leaves and deep purple fruit of ‘Fignominal’ f ig make an interesting focal point. Not only does it produce delicious fruit, but it also keeps its leaves through winter, which makes it a great indoor houseplant for those who garden in zones colder than zone 7!
With careful planning, this area can become its own secret garden: an intimate spot that delights all the senses with lovely sights, smells and even tastes. Take advantage of this full-sun situation and grow stunning blooms as well as flavorful edible plants. You just need to employ some tried-and-true small space design hacks to make it happen.
This story is from the Issue 171 - June 2023 edition of Garden Gate.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 171 - June 2023 edition of Garden Gate.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Spinach - Learn the secrets to growing this tasty green in spring and fall.
If you're one of those gardeners who can't wait to get started in spring and hates to throw in the trowel in fall, spinach is the perfect shoulder season crop. This mild, earthy-flavored green comes in many varieties, ranging from crinkly-leafed savoys to slightly textured semi-savoys and the flat, smooth-leafed types. Colors can be dark green, light green and even red-veined. Here's how to get the most of it every year.
Why Bulb Depth Matters - Dig deep enough to ensure your plants stand tall and live the longest
When you're planting bulbs, it's tempting to just dig a hole as deep as your trowel will reach easily, nestle the bulb in, cover it up and move on. But the fact is, each type of bulb will flower best and thrive at a different depth.A good rule of thumb is to plant a bulb two to three times its height. One reason planting depth is important is because it helps to keep the bulbs protected from fluctuations in temperature that happen closer to the surface.
GARDEN ESSENTIALS
FALL GARDEN CLEANUP TOOLS
Saving Seeds
Saving flower seeds is a great way to get more plants with almost no investment. It's easy to do. Here's how to save seeds from some of your favorite annuals as the growing season winds down.
Cucumber Trellis Flop
I watched cucumber trellis growers online for several seasons with envy. What a brilliant way to save space in raised garden beds and make it look fancy! Finally, I was sold and decided to try it in my garden.
9 Tough Perennials for Clay Soil
Whether you garden in the nutrient-poor red clay of the Southeast, the calcium combined-with-clay caliche of the West or something in between, the common denominator is that clay soil is difficult to grow in. Why? Tiny particles of clay hold tightly together, slowing drainage and limiting the amount of oxygen that can reach plant roots. You've seen the resultsanemic-looking or rotting plants.
Garden Fences
Discover the perfect blend of functionality, style, and materials for your ideal fence.
A GARDEN OF STORIES
Learn plant and project tips from a couple who's been gardening here for nearly 50 years.
Switchgrass
Adaptable switchgrass goes with the flow.
Establish a Monarch Waystation
Did you know that a single monarch butterfly can migrate up to 3,000 miles? That's a lot of ground to cover! This amazing insect makes a fascinating journey, unlike any other butterfly.
