Master Gardener Articles

What are hardiness zones? Hardiness zones are geographic areas that are defined by their average annual minimum temperature, and they can help gardeners figure out which plants are likely to thrive in their gardens. They are a standard defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which uses GIS...

An Ombrotrophic Peatland A peat bog, an ombrotrophic peatland, has a high water table without mineral nutrients and with low oxygen. It is hard for plants to survive in this type of environment, but sphagnum moss thrives there while also acidifying the water. 1 There are around 160 species of...

In the 1930s, W. Ray Hastings, president of the Southern Seedsman’s Association based in Atlanta, proposed a cooperative endeavor to test and evaluate varieties. The mission statement set the goal: "To promote new garden varieties with superior garden performance judged in impartial trials in North...

Choosing the Right Gloves Gloves come in a variety of materials to suit different tasks, and it’s important to choose the right gloves for the best protection. Here are some examples: Fabric or coated fabric gloves: These are great for weeding and other light gardening jobs. Special coatings can...

Set Up for Success Plan the day ahead, just what you want/need to accomplish. Take a walk through the garden to review what the needs are. Sometimes, the night before, I will make a list of what needs the most attention. That's when I can sit and think without the day’s routines distracting me. When...

Seasonal bloomers that more closely match their use as a potted plant are easier to add in a home garden. A plant that is forced to bloom by creating optimal conditions is more challenging. Think of the Christmas poinsettia, which has very specific needs! Gardeners can achieve a rebloom but must...

Houseplants Let your poinsettias thrive by placing them near windows that face south, east or west. Be careful of drafts and cold, though, which may cause premature leaf drop. Water when the soil surface feels dry. For care of other holiday plants, check out these tips. Keep your other houseplants...