Mahoney's Garden Center / Annuals
November 14, 2024 In Annuals, Feature, featured

Indoor Herb Garden: Fresh Flavors All Winter

Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of fresh, fragrant herbs in your kitchen! Growing an indoor herb garden is an easy, enjoyable way to keep flavors like basil, mint, and rosemary within reach, no matter the season. Plus, tending to an indoor garden can be a soothing activity during chilly months. Here’s how to get started!

 

indoor herb garden

 

1. Choose the Right Herbs

Not all herbs are ideal for indoor growing, but several do really well with just a bit of sunlight and care. Here are a few tried-and-true options:

  • Basil: Loves warmth and bright light—great for windowsills!
  • Mint: Thrives in lower light and stays lush all season long.
  • Parsley: A versatile herb that grows well indoors.
  • Rosemary: Needs lots of light and is very low-maintenance once established.
  • Chives: Grows easily with minimal light and adds a mild onion flavor to dishes.
  • Thyme: Small and manageable, thyme is perfect for pots and adds earthy flavor to many recipes.

You can take a look at our selection of herbs here!

 

indoor herb garden

2. Select the Best Containers

Herbs can thrive in a variety of pots, so choose ones that suit your style and space. Here are some tips for container success:

  • Drainage is essential! Make sure each pot has drainage holes to avoid soggy soil.
  • Size matters: Most herbs do well in smaller pots, but if you’re growing a larger herb like rosemary, consider a medium-sized pot for extra root space.
  • Tray or saucer: Place a tray or saucer under each pot to catch excess water and protect surfaces.

Check out a selection of our indoor pots here!

 

3. Pick the Right Spot

Herbs love sunlight! To keep them happy:

  • Find a sunny windowsill: Most herbs need 6-8 hours of sunlight a day, so a south or west-facing window is ideal. Herbs can get “leggy” if not enough light is available.
  • Rotate your pots: If sunlight is uneven, rotate pots every few days to keep growth even.
  • Supplement with grow lights if needed: If you don’t have much natural light, consider using a small grow light (either florescent or full spectrum bulbs) to give your herbs a boost. Many are compact and easy to set up on a kitchen counter.
  • Space: Give your herbs enough room. They like air circulation and don’t like to compete for light and air. Keep the pot away from any heating vent. If the leaves move when the heat kicks on it’s too close!

 

4. Water Smartly

Indoor herbs are sensitive to overwatering, so a “less is more” approach works best. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Check before you water: Insert your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
  • Water thoroughly but avoid standing water: Make sure the water flows out of the bottom of the pot, then empty the saucer after a few minutes.
  • Humidity is helpful: Winter air can be dry, which herbs don’t love. Misting the leaves a few times a week can help, or place your pots on a pebble tray with a bit of water.

 

 

indoor herb garden5. Harvest Regularly

The best part of growing herbs is using them! Regular harvesting encourages growth, so don’t be shy:

  • Snip small amounts frequently: This helps keep herbs bushy and prevents them from becoming too “leggy.”
  • Avoid cutting more than a third of the plant at once, which can stress the herb.
  • Prune flowering buds to focus the plant’s energy on producing flavorful leaves rather than blooms.

 

6. Keep an Eye Out for Pests

Indoor plants can occasionally attract pests, but herbs are no more prone to insect or disease issues than any other plant. A little vigilance goes a long way:

  • Check leaves for any signs of pests like aphids or spider mites.
  • Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth if you notice any insects. For serious cases, an organic insecticidal soap can help.
  • Isolate affected plants to prevent pests from spreading to others.

 

Bonus Tips for the Best Indoor Herb Garden

  • Fertilize: Herbs will have more intense flavor when they are a little hungry. Fertilize at half-strength over the winter or avoid fertilizing until spring.
  • Experiment with flavors: Add herbs to teas, soups, roasted veggies, or garnish dishes for a burst of freshness! Check out two of Chef Russel Mahoney’s favorite recipes using fresh herbs!
  • Keep your garden neat: Clean away dead leaves and regularly check for signs of overcrowding.

 

A Winter Kitchen Garden, All Season Long

With these easy steps, you’ll be growing a bounty of herbs indoors in no time. Not only will you have fresh flavors for your favorite recipes, but your kitchen will be filled with the delightful scents of basil, rosemary, and mint. Winter doesn’t stand a chance with a thriving herb garden on your windowsill! Happy planting! 🌱

 

Sign up for our Herb Centerpiece Workshop here!

 

 

October 7, 2024 In Annuals, info-library, Uncategorized

Kristine from Mahoney’s Growing shares locally grown Flowering Kale and Cabbage

In this video, Kristine from Mahoney’s Growing in Woburn, Massachusetts shares insights on our locally grown Flowering Cabbage and Kale, perfect for adding vibrant, long-lasting color to your fall garden with minimal maintenance. Featured varieties include Osaka Pink, Osaka Red, and Nagoya White. These hardy plants are a beautiful way to brighten up your outdoor space all season long.

Take a look at the flowering cabbage and kale we have to offer on our online store, or by coming into any of our 7 locations!

 

September 27, 2024 In Annuals, info-library, Perennials, Seasonal

Creating the Perfect Fall Window Box

Autumn is here! See how Julia spruces up our Winchester store fall window boxes and front entrance with festive annuals and perennials.

The recipe for this delicious window box is as follows:

  • Echinacea
  • Celosia
  • Ornamental Grass
  • Swiss Chard
  • Jacob’s Ladder
  • Ornamental Cabbage or Kale
  • Ornamental Peppers
  • Mums
  • Sugar Pumpkins

 

For more fall foliage ideas check out our newest blog post on mum alternatives!

 

Make it easy: Order Pickup for Plants Here!

 

 

fall ornamental peppers in massachusetts
September 25, 2024 In Annuals, Blog, Perennials, Seasonal

Step Up Your Fall Garden Game with These Mum Alternatives

When fall rolls around, chrysanthemums (or “mums”) are usually the go-to plant to add a burst of color. But what if you’re looking to break the mold a bit this year? Fortunately, there are so many other vibrant and unique plants that thrive in the cooler weather and can bring a fresh look to your autumn garden. Here’s a roundup of some fantastic mum alternatives that’ll add texture, color, and personality to your fall display! 

 

celosia cock's comb in new england

 

Celosia: The Showstopper

If you’re looking for a plant that will turn heads, celosia is a stunning option. This eye-catching beauty comes in bold, vibrant colors, with unique flower shapes that almost look like flames. Three standout varieties to consider for fall are: 

  • Intenz: Known for its striking purple-pink spikes that add height and drama. 
  • Kelo Fire: This variety bursts with fiery reds and oranges, a perfect autumn palette. 
  • Twisted: True to its name, this variety has a quirky, spiral flower shape that will add texture and whimsy to your garden. 

Celosia loves full sun and is fairly low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for brightening up your fall containers or garden beds. 

 

fall ornamental peppers in massachusetts

 

 

Ornamental Peppers (Capsicum annuum): A Splash of Color and Spice

Ornamental peppers are a fantastic option if you want to mix some unique shapes and bright pops of color into your fall décor. These peppers come in shades of purple, red, orange, and yellow, often appearing all at once on the same plant. Their compact size makes them great for both garden beds and containers. 

Just note: While they look tempting, ornamental peppers aren’t meant for eating (they can be quite spicy or bitter), but they sure are pretty to look at! 

 

pansies in winchester ma

 

 

Pansies and Violas (Viola tricolor var. hortensis): Cool-Weather Champions

Pansies and violas are classics for fall planting, and for good reason! These cool-weather flowers come in a huge variety of colors and patterns, allowing for endless design possibilities. 

  • Pansies (Clear vs. Blotched): Clear pansies have solid, vibrant colors, while the blotched varieties feature dark, dramatic centers, creating a “face” on the flower. Both are excellent for fall gardens. 
  • Violas: With their smaller, daintier flowers, violas tend to be more resilient than pansies and can handle colder weather. They come in almost every color imaginable, from soft pastels to deep, rich hues. 

Both pansies and violas love cooler temperatures and can survive light frosts, making them a perfect choice for fall. 

 

 

ornamental grass at garden center in new england

 

 

Ornamental Grasses: Texture and Movement

For a more natural, flowing look, ornamental grasses like Fountain Grass (Pennisetum rubrum) and Fireworks (Pennisetum setaceum) are fantastic options. They add height, texture, and movement to your fall garden with their wispy plumes and rich colors. 

  • Fountain Grass: This grass has stunning deep red-purple foliage and feathery plumes that look amazing when the sunlight hits them. 
  • Fireworks: As its name suggests, this variety has explosive red, pink, and cream tones, adding a bold statement to your fall garden. 

These grasses look stunning when paired with flowering plants and provide a striking contrast in texture. 

 

zinnia in woburn ma

 

 

Zinnias: Bold, Bright, and Beautiful

Zinnias are known for their bright colors and cheerful blooms, and while they’re typically associated with summer, they can continue to thrive into early fall. Varieties like mixed zinnias and bicolor zinnias (which feature two-tone petals) can add an unexpected splash of color to your fall garden. 

Zinnias are easy to grow and come in a wide range of colors, including yellows, oranges, and reds—perfect for autumn! 

 

ornamental kale and cabbage in massachusetts

 

 

Cabbage and Kale (Brassica oleracea): Bold and Textured

Ornamental cabbage and kale are fantastic foliage plants that are often overlooked. With their bold, rosette shapes and cool tones of purple, green, and white, they bring a whole new texture to fall displays. Plus, they’re incredibly hardy and can withstand cooler temperatures, even after frosts. 

These plants pair beautifully with flowering varieties, providing a leafy contrast that brings depth and interest to your garden. 

 

petunias calibrachoa new england

 

Fall-Colored Petunias and Million Bells (Calibrachoa)

Petunias are often associated with summer, but there are fall-colored varieties that bloom in shades perfect for autumn, like warm oranges, rich reds, and deep purples. The Super Cal series is especially hardy and can withstand cooler weather, giving your garden a splash of color late into the season. 

Million Bells (or Calibrachoa) also come in beautiful fall colors like gold, burnt orange, and burgundy. These plants are prolific bloomers and can spill gracefully over the edges of containers, adding a cascading effect that looks beautiful in fall arrangements. 

 

Montauk nippon daisies in new england garden center

 

Montauk Daisy: The Late Bloomer

If you’re looking for a plant that will bloom well into the fall, the Montauk daisy is a great option. This sturdy, sun-loving plant produces classic white daisy blooms that contrast nicely with the deeper fall colors around it. Montauk daisies are low-maintenance and perfect for adding some late-season cheer to your garden. 

 

Helenium: Rich Hues of Autumn

Helenium, also known as sneezeweed, is another fall bloomer that offers warm, rich colors like red, orange, and yellow. Its daisy-like flowers with bold centers are perfect for adding depth and a true fall feel to your garden. 

 

fall windowbox ideas

 

While mums are certainly a fall favorite, these alternatives offer a range of colors, textures, and shapes that can bring new life and creativity to your autumn garden. Whether you’re drawn to the bold spikes of celosia, the vibrant hues of ornamental peppers, or the soft, cool tones of ornamental cabbages and kales, there’s an endless variety of plants that can elevate your fall garden game. So go ahead—experiment, mix, and match! Your fall display will be anything but ordinary. 

 

Looking for some inspiration?  Check out Nancy and Julia making some beautiful containers and window boxes (like the one above) with these mum alternatives!

 

Come visit us at any one of our 7 locations to see what we have in stock to make your fall more colorful! 

 

 

Alyssum Banker Plant in Winchester
July 12, 2024 In Annuals, Blog, Feature, featured, Houseplants, info-library

Harnessing Nature’s Army: Banker Plants and Beneficial Insects in the Greenhouse

If you’re an avid gardener or just someone who loves to immerse themselves in the beauty of plants, you might have heard of Integrated Pest Management or IPM. IPM is a smart and sustainable way to handle pests. Instead of relying solely on chemicals, IPM uses a combination of techniques like biological control (using beneficial insects as natural predators), crop rotation, diligent and frequent scouting of plants for pests, and traps.  By understanding pest behaviors and the ecosystem, IPM aims to keep pests at manageable levels without harming the environment.  It’s all about smart strategies that protect crops and gardens effectively while being mindful of nature’s balance.

An amazing tool in the IPM tool kit is the incredible duo of banker plants and beneficial insects. But what exactly are they, and how do they work their magic in greenhouse spaces? Let’s dive in!

 

Banker Plants: The Silent Guardians of Greenhouses

Imagine a bustling metropolis where every citizen has a role to play in maintaining peace and harmony. In the world of greenhouses, banker plants are the unsung heroes playing a similar role. But what exactly are banker plants?

Banker plants are sacrificial plants strategically placed within a greenhouse to attract and sustain populations of beneficial insects. These plants act as a food source, habitat, or breeding ground for these tiny warriors, allowing them to thrive and multiply.

 

Alyssum Banker Plant in Winchester

 

Beneficial Insects: Nature’s Pest Control Squad

Now, let’s meet the stars of the show – beneficial insects. While the term “insect” might conjure up images of creepy crawlies, these tiny creatures are the knights in shining armor of the plant kingdom. Beneficial insects are nature’s own pest control squad, preying on harmful pests that threaten the health of greenhouse plants.

Lacewings, predatory mites, and parasitic wasps are just a few examples of beneficial insects that can be deployed in greenhouse spaces. These tiny warriors patrol the leaves, stems, and soil, seeking out and devouring pests like aphids, mites, thrips and whiteflies, keeping the greenhouse ecosystem in balance.

Here at Mahoney’s our tiny warriors are a type of insect known as Orius Insidiosus, also known as Minute Pirate Bug, who feed on smaller insects, spider mites, thrips and other common plant pests.  Interested in learning more about these greenhouse pirates?  Check out Cornell University’s informational page here!

 

Photo of orius, a beneficial insect

 

The Greenhouse Harmony: How Banker Plants and Beneficial Insects Work Together

Now that we’ve met our heroes, let’s see how they team up to keep the greenhouse clean and green without the need for harmful chemicals.

  1. Attract and Sustain: Banker plants act as a beacon, luring beneficial insects into the greenhouse with their enticing aroma and nectar-rich flowers. Once inside, these insects find a haven where they can feed, breed, and establish their population.
  2. Hunt and Protect: Beneficial insects, fueled by the resources provided by banker plants, scour the greenhouse in search of prey. When they encounter harmful pests, they unleash their natural predatory instincts, effectively keeping pest populations in check.
  3. Ecosystem Balance: By harnessing the power of nature’s own pest control mechanisms, greenhouses can achieve a delicate balance within their ecosystem. Rather than resorting to chemical pesticides that can harm beneficial insects and disrupt the natural order, they can rely on banker plants and beneficial insects to maintain a harmonious environment.

 

Beneficial Predatory Insect

The Benefits of Going Green with Banker Plants and Beneficial Insects

Embracing banker plants and beneficial insects offers a plethora of benefits:

  • Environmentally Friendly: By reducing reliance on chemical pesticides, it’s not only safeguarding the health of the plants but also minimizing the ecological footprint.
  • Improved Plant Health: With pests kept in check, plants can thrive without the stress of constant attacks, leading to healthier growth and higher yields.
  • Enhanced Biodiversity: By fostering a diverse ecosystem within greenhouses, it’s more than just growing plants; it’s nurturing a vibrant community of insects and microorganisms that contribute to overall ecosystem health.

 

Mahoney's Winchester Banker Plants

The banker plants and their insects have been hard at work at our growing greenhouses in Woburn as our Mahoney’s Grown plants mature.  But now that these plants have been sent to any one of our 7 locations, the banker plants have gone with them to keep the plants happy and healthy until you can take them home.

Next time you visit one of our greenhouses you may see a plant with a sign proclaiming ‘Banker Plant’, be sure to stop by and say hello to our tiny warriors!

 

Want to see some of the plants these pirate bugs are protecting?  Check out our online shop here!

 

September 28, 2023 In Annuals, Blog, Feature, featured, info-library

Planting Bulbs in the Fall for a Vibrant New England Spring

As the leaves begin to change colors and the air turns crisp, it’s time to think ahead to the next gardening season. Fall is the perfect time to start planning for a vibrant spring garden in New England. One of the most satisfying ways to usher in the beauty of spring is by planting bulbs such as daffodils, crocuses, and tulips. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to ensure your spring garden is a colorful and deer-resistant masterpiece.

Step 1: Selecting Your Bulbs

Visit us in early fall for a stunning array of bulbs for your garden. This is when you’ll find the widest variety and freshest selection. Look for daffodils, crocuses, tulips and more in various colors and sizes to create a visually stunning display.

 

Step 2: Preparing the Soil

Before planting, take the time to prepare your soil. Bulbs thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Add compost to your garden bed and work it into the soil to create a loose, nutrient-rich environment for your bulbs. This preparation will make it easier for you to plant and ensure your bulbs receive the nutrients they need.

Step 3: Timing is Crucial

While it’s tempting to start planting bulbs immediately, try to exercise a little patience. Wait until late autumn (after the first frost) when rodents are hibernating and the soil has cooled down a bit. This will help protect your freshly planted bulbs from becoming a tasty snack for underground critters.

Step 4: Planting Your Bulbs

Now, it’s time to get your hands dirty. You can either dig individual holes for each blub or dig a larger hole for a mass planting and thrilling spring show! In general, plant daffodils and tulips at a depth of 6 to 8 inches, while crocuses should be planted at around 3 to 4 inches deep. Watch Luc’s tips below for creating a stunning display using a mass planting technique!  You can also check out this awesome infographic on how deep to plant your bulbs here!

Step 5: Fertilize with Espoma Bulb Tone

To give your bulbs a strong start, apply Espoma Bulb Tone when planting. This organic fertilizer is specifically formulated for bulbs and provides essential nutrients to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms in the spring.

Step 6: Deer and Rabbit Resistance

One of the benefits of planting daffodils is that they are unpalatable to deer and rabbits due to their toxic compounds. To protect your tulips from these garden visitors, consider planting daffodils and tulips together. The presence of daffodils will deter animals from munching on your tulips, ensuring a colorful display come spring.  You can also use any number of forms of animal control from fencing to deterrent, take a look here for some options!

 

Step 7: Extend Your Spring Joy

One of the joys of planting a combination of bulbs like crocuses, daffodils, and tulips is the extended bloom time. Crocuses are often the first to emerge, followed by the cheerful daffodils, and finally, the elegant tulips. This sequential flowering will keep your garden in bloom for several weeks, providing continuous beauty and enjoyment.

Step 8: Protecting Against Rabbits in Early Spring

As the snow melts and spring arrives, hungry rabbits may be on the lookout for tender green shoots emerging from your bulbs. To prevent them from nibbling on your plants, use a rabbit repellent like Rabbit Scram. Applying this product around the garden area in early spring will help deter rabbits and protect your emerging foliage.

Planting bulbs in the fall for a stunning spring display in New England is a rewarding endeavor for any gardener. By selecting the right bulbs, timing your planting correctly, and taking steps to protect against rodents and hungry animals, you can ensure a colorful and vibrant garden come spring. So, get out there, prepare your soil, and start planning your bulb garden now for a spectacular spring season ahead!

 

For more information and frequently asked questions visit Netherland Bulb Company’s FAQ page.