March 9, 2019 |
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Weekly news from the National Gardening Association |
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 Dividing Tuberous Begonias  |
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" I've been growing the same begonia bulbs for a number of years and they are getting rather large. I normally start them mid-March by sinking the bulbs about one-half their depth in peat moss. As of today, most of the bulbs have buds and a few have leafy stems about 2 inches high. Is it not a good time to split them? When is the ideal time to split them? Do the cut surfaces need to dry before storage, or in the present case, before setting them back in the peat moss? Or can I split them right as they are in the peat moss? If so, do the cut surfaces need to be dusted with anything to protect them from deterioration? " - Read the answer |
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ARTICLES TO READ |
Growing HibiscusHibiscus are large shrubs or small trees that produce huge, colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers over a long season. They are generally divided into four groups: Hardy Hibiscus, Rose of Sharon, Tropical Hibiscus, and all the various species of Hibiscus. 
Should you use Epsom Salt?After working with home gardeners for more than 10 years, I know that they love to use home remedies on their plants. From setting out beer traps for slugs to hanging bars of soap to repel deer, if the household product seems to work, gardeners try it. That's why I was intrigued by the often-mentioned idea of using Epsom salts as a fertilizer. 
Growing SpireaAmong the easiest flowering shrubs to grow, spireas are often used in foundation plantings, as hedges, and in perennial gardens. Most spireas bloom in late spring to midsummer. Flower colors include pink, red, yellow, and white, depending on the variety. 
Growing FoxgloveFoxglove's low-growing foliage is topped by 2- to 5-foot-tall flower spikes, depending on the variety. Flower colors include pink, red, purple, white, and yellow. Foxgloves are biennials or short-lived perennials. 
Growing RanunculusBrilliantly colored flowers are 'ranunculus' chief attraction, and they are indeed special. They most often come in multiple layers of delicate, crepe paper--thin petals, looking like an origami masterwork. Ranunculus (R. asiaticus) excel in southern and western gardens, and make terrific container plants everywhere. They also make long-lasting cut flowers. 
Growing HyacinthFavored for their intense colors and heady fragrance, hyacinths are a staple of the spring garden along with daffodils and tulips. The plants' stately appearance makes them prized in formal bulb plantings. Flower colors include rich magenta and deep indigo as well as paler pinks, baby blues, yellows and white. 
The Basics of Orchid Culture - HID Lights and HumidityThis is the 10th and final article in a 10 part series of articles about orchids. These articles are written by Steven Frowine, who collaborated with National Gardening Association and Wiley & Sons to produce the highly popular book Orchids for Dummies. We hope you enjoy this series of articles! |
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AWESOME NEW PHOTOS FROM THIS WEEK |
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NGA CORPORATE MEMBER: |
We are delighted that Caladium Bulbs 4 Less has joined NGA as a corporate member.
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NOTABLE DISCUSSIONS FROM OUR FORUMS |
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THE NUMBERS FROM LAST WEEK: |
| 1,047 members joined. 4,619 posts written in our forums. 961 photos posted to the plant database. 905 plants added to personal inventory lists. |
