I'll stick my neck out and say that a good percentage of all the hanging baskets that look good when first put up will be somewhat less than gorgeous by early summer.  The problem is that many folks aren’t really sure how to care for them.  They don't realize that a little bit of soil in a small basket swinging in the wind needs a lot of help to support all kinds of wonderful plants.

 First, it’s important to water your baskets properly.  The secret is simple:  water thoroughly every time you water, but don't water again until the soil is dry.  How do you tell?  Feel the weight of the basket by putting your hand underneath and pushing it upward. If it weighs a ton, hold off on the water.  Once you've learned the art of watering, you've mastered sixty percent of the technique of g... Read More Click Here

Gardening Tips:

Caption: A tomato bounty improves in well-amended soil with coir (at right) compared to native soil (left) and native soil amended with garden soil (centre).

(NC)—If your green thumb is aiming at a garden-of-plenty this summer, don't let the soil hold you back.

In most Canadian gardens, there is too much clay or sand content, say experts in this field. Both are responsible for a compromised growing environment—and that spells frustration for those of us who work hard to grow flowers, tomatoes, vegetables and fruit.

“For plant roots to thrive, they need a proper balance of moisture, nutrition and aeration,” says Syd Pell at Miracle-Gro. “Clay soil is dense and heavy, with tiny pores, so the oxygen level is low. Water cannot readily pass through causing drainage problems, in effect, drowning the plant. At the other extreme, sandy soil has large pores and is low in organic matter, making it difficult to retain nutrients as water dr... Read More Click Here