Growing grass in the shade is a problem for which there are no easy answers. Grass is a full-sun plant and when planted in shaded areas (defined as a site that receives less than 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight daily) it performs poorly. The filtering effect of trees significantly reduces the amount and quality of light grasses receive. This has an adverse effect on photosynthesis, the process that produces energy needed for the grasses to grow. What we see from this effect are grasses that are thin, weak, and have a lower tolerance to disease, drought, and foot-traffic stress.
Continue readingAuthor Archives: krjack4
Pruning Clematis
There may be no prettier climbing plant than the clematis. These hardy vines clamor over trellises, fences, and even trees and shrubs. They produce flowers in three general forms: small white flowers (now a purple variety as well) in panicles or loose irregular spreading clusters (generally autumn blooming), bell or urn-shaped flowers, and flat open flowers. They have four to eight petals and come in an array of colors. Most gardeners plant clematis knowing that they prefer full sun and a thick layer of mulch to keep their roots cool in the summer, however, very few gardeners know how to prune these beautiful vines.
Continue readingNightshades!
With a name like nightshade might be hesitant to grow these yet we still do. Most gardeners know about tomatoes and potatoes but there are many others. How about tomatillos, eggplant, tobacco, oh my, goji berries, don’t forget my favorite peppers, hot or mild. This looks like a list of some of the favorites at my dinner table.
Continue readingThe Convict Caterpillar
One August, these unknown critters were thoroughly devouring every part of my spider lilies, actually leading to pure devastation. I have only two small established groupings. Did I know what they were?
Continue readingGrowing Crocus
Crocus is a genus comprising about 90 species of perennial, early spring blooming corms. The flowers bloom in early spring, typically closing at night or on cloudy days and opening up with the morning sun, with many popular hybrids available. The plant foliage, basal, grass-like leaves with a central white stripe, turns yellow as plants go dormant several weeks after bloom. The plant is often used in rock gardens, beds, ground covers, lawns, and woodland gardens. It tolerates drought, but you should keep it moist during the growing season.
Continue readingHow To Grow: Squash
On Wednesday, April 6, the Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays presents a training on How to Grow: Squash with Dennis Morgenson, Horticulture Agent in Washington County. The webinar begins at 12:30 pm EST/ 11:30 am CST.
Register for the meeting here: https://tinyurl.com/22APRHWW
See what other webinars are coming this season here: https://kentuckyhortnews.com/horticulture-webinar-wednesdays/season-three/
View Season Two webinars here: https://kentuckyhortnews.com/horticulture-webinar-wednesdays/season-two/
View Season One webinars here: https://kentuckyhortnews.com/horticulture-webinar-wednesdays/season-one/
Calibrating Backyard Sprayers
On Wednesday, March 23, the Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays presents a training on Calibrating Backyard Sprayers with Darrell Simpson, ANR Agent in Muhlenburg County. The webinar begins at 12:30 pm EST/ 11:30 am CST.
Register for the meeting here: https://tinyurl.com/22MARHWW
See what other webinars are coming this season here: https://kentuckyhortnews.com/horticulture-webinar-wednesdays/season-three/
View Season Two webinars here: https://kentuckyhortnews.com/horticulture-webinar-wednesdays/season-two/
View Season One webinars here: https://kentuckyhortnews.com/horticulture-webinar-wednesdays/season-one/
How To Grow: Lettuce
On Wednesday, March 23, the Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays presents a training on How to Grow: Lettuce with Amy Aldenderfer, Horticulture Agent in Hardin County. The webinar begins at 12:30 pm EST/ 11:30 am CST.
Register for the meeting here: https://tinyurl.com/22MARHWW
See what other webinars are coming this season here: https://kentuckyhortnews.com/horticulture-webinar-wednesdays/season-three/
View Season Two webinars here: https://kentuckyhortnews.com/horticulture-webinar-wednesdays/season-two/
View Season One webinars here: https://kentuckyhortnews.com/horticulture-webinar-wednesdays/season-one/
Spotted Lanternfly
On Wednesday, March 9, the Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays presents a training on Spotted Lanternfly: What to Know with UK Entomologist Dr. Jonathan Larson. The webinar begins at 12:30 pm EST/ 11:30 am CST.
Register for the meeting here: https://tinyurl.com/22MARHWW
See what other webinars are coming this season here: https://kentuckyhortnews.com/horticulture-webinar-wednesdays/season-three/
View Season Two webinars here: https://kentuckyhortnews.com/horticulture-webinar-wednesdays/season-two/
View Season One webinars here: https://kentuckyhortnews.com/horticulture-webinar-wednesdays/season-one/
How To Grow: Dahlias
On Wednesday, March 9, the Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays presents a training on How to Grow: Dahlias with Dennis Morgenson, Horticulture Agent in Washington County. The webinar begins at 12:30 pm EST/ 11:30 am CST.
Register for the meeting here: https://tinyurl.com/22MARHWW
See what other webinars are coming this season here: https://kentuckyhortnews.com/horticulture-webinar-wednesdays/season-three/
View Season Two webinars here: https://kentuckyhortnews.com/horticulture-webinar-wednesdays/season-two/
View Season One webinars here: https://kentuckyhortnews.com/horticulture-webinar-wednesdays/season-one/
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