Remember to bring houseplants indoors when nighttime temperatures stay around 45 degrees. Be sure to first inspect them for pests and diseases. Spraying all houseplants (except succulents) with an insecticidal soap mixed with water prior to bringing them in is helpful.
Sort through bulbs of garlic and choose the best bulbs as stock for replanting next month. When making the selections, look for bulbs that have a good shape with no distortions or abnormalities and are clean and free of disease.
Flavor broccoli with basil, dill, garlic, lemon balm, oregano, or thyme for wonderful flavor!
Nutrients are lost when carrots are peeled due to most of the nutrients being located near the skin. Rather than peeling the carrots, scrub the surface of the carrots after harvesting to remove any soil. Store the carrots in the vegetable drawer in the refrigerator to help maintain their moisture.
When harvesting carrots, use a garden spade. Pulling by hand generally leaves you with a handful of leaves and the carrot still in the ground. Place the spade approximately 4” away from the carrot and push it into the ground. The carrots will be easy to wedge out.
Harvest peppers only as needed. They will remain crispier on the plant than in the refrigerator.
Harvest shallots and onions when their leaves are half browned. Let these bulbs dry in the sun for a day or two then cure them by storing them in a dry and well-ventilated spot for another week. Harvest scallions when the bulbs are less than an inch across.
To minimize black spot on roses, water roses early in the day and try not to get their leaves wet.
The annual species of lobelia do much better in cooler summer climates than in hot, humid ones. Plants thrive in large patio containers. They don’t do as well in hanging baskets. They are also beautiful as a border to the perennial garden. They can withstand full sun in the northern climates, however, afternoon shade in the south is best.
Lantana is an annual that is resilient to heat and humidity. Thriving in full sun, lantana is also very forgiving of a hard trimming during the growing season. Whether it be to shape the plant or reduce its size, lantana won’t miss a beat.
Plant Something Massachusetts is a project of Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, and was originally established in partnership with Massachusetts Flower Growers’ Association.
