Glossary Tip: AllelopathyA biological process whereby a plant produces and releases a substance into the soil which is toxic or a growth suppressant to other plants.
A Quick Lily TipWhen cutting back lilies after bloom, cut back by no more than half their height in order for the bulb to continue to be fed. When the stem turns brown and dries up, then it may be cut all the way back.
Plant Pansies for Winter FlowersTry a hayrack planter on your deck railing for flowers when the garden goes to sleep for winter. Winter pansies are cheerful and colorful to see from your window on dreary days.
Use Acorns and PineconesFall is a great time to gather all those acorns and pine cones, large and small. You can drop them off at the art department of your local school for the kids to use in craft making. With all the budget cuts nowadays, the schools are very appreciative of this.... and so are the kids.
Propagate Shrubs in the FallFall is a great time to increase your shrubs. When pruning Euonymous and Forsythia, remove the bottom leaves from good stems and put them (6 inches deep) where you want a new plant.
Direct Seed in the FallFall is a great time to direct seed. A seed packet is only a few dollars, in contrast to the cost of a plant, making it an economical way to get more plants. After all, even if you get only a few plants from a packet of seeds, you are ahead of the game.
Keep a Vase HandyAlways leave a vase outside. You can cut flowers as you work, and you will always have a bouquet ready to give garden visitors. I use a heavy vase that will not blow over on a windy day.
Don't Let the Squirrels Eat Your BulbsWhen you plant bulbs, the squirrels love to dig them up. To prevent this, I sprinkle Super Phosphate liberally wherever I have planted bulbs and no varmints will dig there. They must not like the smell. It really works! Plus the super phosphate is a good fertilizer for the bulbs.
