Consider sowing seeds of dill when choosing plants for the herb garden. Seeds of dill are best sown directly in the ground; transplanting is not always successful. Plant early in the spring when the threat of frost has passed in rows 2 -3 feet apart. When the seedlings are approximately 2” tall, thin them to 10” – 12” apart.
Agaves such as A. filifera, A. miradorensis and A. Victoria-reginae are good choices for window sill or tabletop houseplants. They love a sunny, south-facing window and a cactus potting soil mixture. Watering is required only approximately once per week and fertilize in the spring and summer only. Will produce offsets which can be removed and repotted in spring or summer. Agaves are an easy, low-maintenance houseplant.
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) attracts honey bees, butterflies and bumble bees to the landscape. If it is growing prolifically, hummingbirds will be attracted as well. Hyssop is a small, aromatic, lavender-like shrub growing up to 2’ tall. In mid-to-late summer blue, pink or white flowers appear with blue being the most common. Thriving in full sun to part shade, hyssop is hardy in zones 4-9.
If a cyclamen is among the decorations in your home this holiday season, keep them in bright, yet indirect, light in a cool room (ideally 65 degrees). Water from the bottom and fertilize every two weeks.
When choosing cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) as an annual for your garden next summer, you will also be attracting several species of pollinators including hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.
For a beautiful, bright display in containers next season, consider Bossa Nova ‘Pure White’ begonia (Begonia boliviensis Bossa Nova ‘Pure White’). This lovely annual, that prefers partial to full shade, provides a continuous display of pendulous white blooms on coral-pink stems. It is drought resistant, deer resistant, and grows 16” tall and wide. Gorgeous!
Use an eggshell for seed starting this spring. Simply use a needle to poke a small drainage hole in the bottom of half an empty eggshell, fill the shell with soil and press in the seeds.
When planning to keep fish in the garden pond over the winter months, keep the pump running and arrange its intake to draw water from approximately 1’ above the pond bottom. Always clean out excess sludge and debris from the water.
Sauté strips of roasted pepper in olive oil, minced garlic and thyme. Serve over pasta or rice. Delicious!
Place bird feeders in locations where birds can easily access them and you can enjoy watching them. Near a tree where they can seek cover, if needed quickly, is most favorable.
Plant Something Massachusetts is a project of Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, and was originally established in partnership with Massachusetts Flower Growers’ Association.
