Let’s talk about raised bed gardening. Why? Because everyone is doing it. While there are some disadvantages to raised beds, many will agree that raised beds provide the perfect solution to several garden conundrums – such as lack of space, clay soil, etc. In addition, raised beds can extend your growing season, especially if you …
This summer think about taking the average happy hour to the next level. All you will need for a creative, gourmet twist on the five o’clock tradition is your backyard garden. Cocktail gardens are making big news in 2015 as bartenders in chic restaurants are mixing up some cutting-edge drink recipes. In raised beds, in …
Fall is the time we usually start to clean up our gardens and rake the falling leaves. It is also the perfect time to start a compost pile. Did you know your compost pile is also a chemistry project? Because all organic matter is made up of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), it is extremely …
As the air gets chillier and fall approaches, it is important to take the necessary steps to prepare your garden for the changing seasons ahead. Some time spent now will pay off with a healthier, happier summer garden in 2015. First, it is important to clean up some of the dead foliage. As tomato plants …
Everyone hates to see the end of summer but it can be especially tough for gardeners. Now is the time of the summer when your garden starts to wear down. It doesn’t rain as much. The heat can be overbearing. Your plants become weak and susceptible to pests. Although it may sound counterintuitive, now is …
You work so hard in your garden to make it beautiful. It would be a shame if your garden became sick. Yes, they can become sick if you aren’t following healthy garden practices. Don’t let disease and pests ruin all that hard work. There are cultural practices and proactive activities you can do to maintain …
We know you’ve dreamed about having a banana plant or a bamboo or two in your garden. But can they grow in the Midwest? Yes, you can grow tropicals in your garden either as annuals or perennials. So get ready for those big shiny leaves and gorgeous colors. Botanists at the University of Illinois advise …
Wouldn’t it be great if gardeners could combine the best qualities of two plants to make one plant? Well, they can and do and so can you, even without a degree in genetic agriculture. The process is called grafting and at Stockslagers Garden Center we are believers in the grafted plant. Grafting means taking the …
Wow, it was a long, cold winter. Finally, the sun is shining and we are enjoying some warm weather. Now that we have sunny days, we need to think about what plants to place in our gardens. Today we are going to focus on the sunny areas of our gardens. We’ll discuss shade-loving plants another …
There is a debate that rages in gardening circles each year around this time. It’s a hot one, and it pits expert against expert on the topic of tilling. Yes, tilling is THAT hot! To till or not to till the garden soil each spring, that is the issue. Here at Stockslagers garden center, we …
