Mahoney's Garden Center / Feature
September 12, 2024 In Blog, Feature, featured, info-library, Lawn and Garden

Planting Cold Crops in the Fall: What to Grow and How to Harvest

Fall is a great time to plant cold crops that thrive in cooler temperatures and give you a fresh, healthy harvest well into the colder months. These vegetables and herbs are perfect for extending your gardening season and adding vibrant greens and flavors to your fall meals. If you’re looking to grow cold-hardy crops, the following are ideal choices for fall planting:

 

Let’s dive into why fall is the perfect time to plant cold crops and some helpful tips on harvesting them.

Why Plant Cold Crops in the Fall?

  1. Cooler Temperatures for Optimal Growth: Many cold crops prefer cooler weather and actually thrive in fall conditions. With lower daytime temperatures and crisp nights, these crops grow with less heat stress compared to summer months.
  2. Frost Tolerance: Some cold crops can handle light frosts, which can enhance their flavor, particularly in leafy greens like kale and Swiss chard. As the temperature dips, the starches in the plants convert to sugars, making them taste sweeter.
  3. Fewer Pests: The fall season brings relief from some common garden pests that can wreak havoc on crops in the warmer months, allowing for healthier plants and more abundant harvests.
  4. Extended Harvest Season: By planting these crops in the fall, you can extend your garden’s productivity right up until winter, giving you a longer period to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce.

 

Cold Crops to Plant This Fall

Arugula

Why Plant: Arugula grows fast and adds a peppery flavor to salads and sandwiches. It thrives in cool temperatures and can be harvested multiple times during the fall.
Harvest Tip: Pick the outer leaves when they are 3-4 inches long for continuous growth. Younger leaves are milder, while older ones have a more intense flavor.

Broccoli Raab

Why Plant: This fast-growing crop is perfect for fall, offering edible stems, leaves, and buds that are packed with nutrients
Harvest Tip: Harvest when the flower buds begin to form but before they fully open. Cut the main stem to encourage more side shoots for multiple harvests.

Bok Choi

Why Plant: Bok Choi is a versatile crop that prefers cool temperatures and can grow quickly in fall conditions.
Harvest Tip: You can harvest baby bok choi when it reaches about 6 inches in height, or wait for full-sized plants. Always cut at the base, leaving the roots for possible regrowth.

Cabbage & Chinese Cabbage

Why Plant: Both traditional and Chinese cabbage are cold-hardy and can produce large heads even with light frosts.
Harvest Tip: Harvest the heads when they are firm and compact. You can store them in cool conditions for several weeks after picking.

Kale

Why Plant: Kale thrives in the fall, becoming sweeter after the first frost. It’s a nutrient-dense green that grows well in cool weather.
Harvest Tip: Harvest the outer leaves as needed, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. Frost makes the leaves sweeter, so don’t rush to pick them all before the temperatures drop.

Lettuce

Why Plant: Lettuce grows quickly and can be planted multiple times in the fall for successive harvests.
Harvest Tip: Cut leaves when they are 3-6 inches tall for baby greens, or let the entire plant mature for a full head harvest.

Peas

Why Plant: Peas are a great cold crop that can tolerate light frosts and provide a sweet harvest even in the fall.
Harvest Tip: Harvest pea pods when they are plump but not overly mature. Pick regularly to encourage more production.

Swiss Chard

Why Plant: Swiss chard is a beautiful, colorful crop that grows well in cool temperatures and can withstand light frost.
Harvest Tip: Pick the outer leaves when they are young and tender, allowing the plant to continue producing throughout the fall.

 

Herbs for Fall Planting

Chives

Why Plant: Chives are a hardy perennial that can be grown in the fall and provide a fresh, onion-like flavor to dishes.
Harvest Tip: Snip the leaves when they are at least 6 inches tall, and leave the plant’s base intact for continuous regrowth.

Mints

Why Plant: Mint is a resilient herb that thrives in cooler weather and can grow abundantly in fall.
Harvest Tip: Harvest mint regularly by cutting the stems just above a pair of leaves to encourage bushier growth.

Oregano

Why Plant: Oregano is a cold-hardy herb that can continue producing well into fall.
Harvest Tip: Trim the stems before the plant flowers for the best flavor, and use fresh or dry for long-term storage.

Sage

Why Plant: Sage is another hardy perennial herb that benefits from cooler weather, offering a rich, earthy flavor.
Harvest Tip: Pick individual leaves as needed or harvest entire stems just before flowering for the strongest flavor.

Tarragon

Why Plant: Tarragon prefers cooler temperatures and adds a unique, anise-like flavor to your culinary dishes.
Harvest Tip: Harvest tarragon leaves in the morning, before the sun intensifies, to capture the best flavor. Cut the stems and hang them to dry for later use.

Culinary Thyme

Why Plant: Thyme is a low-maintenance herb that grows well in cooler weather and adds depth to your dishes.
Harvest Tip: Harvest thyme just before the plant flowers for the most potent flavor. Snip small stems regularly to encourage new growth.

 

 

Tips for a Successful Fall Harvest

  • Monitor Frost: While many cold crops can handle a light frost, keep an eye on the weather and use row covers or mulch to protect your plants from hard freezes.
  • Succession Planting: To ensure a continuous harvest, plant cold crops in intervals throughout the fall. This way, you’ll always have something fresh and ready to pick.
  • Water Consistently: While temperatures may cool, your plants still need consistent watering to thrive. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
  • Mulch for Protection: Applying mulch can help regulate soil temperatures and protect your plants from frost while retaining moisture.

 

Final Thoughts

Planting cold crops in the fall is a fantastic way to keep your garden going as the weather cools down. With proper care, you’ll enjoy a variety of fresh greens, herbs, and veggies right up until winter. The best part? Cold crops often taste even better after a light frost, giving you a delicious, nutrient-packed harvest.

Visit Mahoney’s Garden Center for all the cold crop seeds, plants, and gardening supplies you need to keep your fall garden thriving!

SHOP NOW

 

 

Mahoney's Garden Center-New England-Massachussets-Native Trees and Shrubs for City Gardening-gardener mulching garden
September 11, 2024 In Blog, Feature, featured, info-library, Lawn and Garden

Mulch: Your Garden’s Best Friend for Winter Protection

Mulch is your garden’s best friend in winter. A thick layer of mulch (about 2-4 inches) will help insulate your plants’ roots and protect them from the harsh cold. This not only keeps the soil temperature more stable but also enriches it with nutrients for the coming spring.

As a New England garden center, we know how crucial it is to prepare your garden for the colder months. Here are compelling reasons why you should consider mulching now to ensure a thriving garden next year.

 

1. Spread Mulch in Late Summer or Early Fall

Applying mulch before the leaves fall provides added insulation against early fall freezes. This timing ensures your plants are protected right when they need it most.

  • Extra Water Retention: Mulching during this period helps retain moisture in the soil, benefiting plants stressed by summer heat.
  • Protection Against Fall Freezes: An early layer of mulch shields your plants from sudden temperature drops, reducing the risk of damage.

 

Person spreading mulch around garden plants with a rake to protect them for the winter.

 

2. Leaf Cleanup and Composting Benefits

By mulching before major leaf drop, you create an initial layer of soil protection beneath the leaves.

  • Jumpstart Compost Production: Early leaf cleanup in spring accelerates composting if that’s your goal. Mulched leaves decompose faster, enriching your soil.
  • Support Overwintering Pollinators: A mulch layer provides habitat for beneficial insects, promoting a healthier garden ecosystem.

 

3. Prevent Frost Heaves on Perennials and New Plants

A protective mulch layer helps prevent frost heaves, which can damage perennials and newly planted material by pushing them out of the ground during freeze-thaw cycles.

Stack of Hemlock mulch bags next to a potted plant at a garden center.

 

4. Retain Soil Moisture for Evergreens

Adding mulch to evergreen shrubs and trees keeps moisture in the soil during cold and dry winters, ensuring they remain healthy throughout the season.

5. Proper Mulching Techniques

  • Early Fall Mulching: When mulching in early fall, place the mulch close to but not on top of the plant’s crown. This prevents smothering the plant while still providing protection.
  • Late Fall Adjustment: Remember to revisit your garden around Thanksgiving to move the mulch closer to the plants for extra insulation as winter approaches.

Take Action Now for a Vibrant Spring Garden

Mulching is a simple step that pays off immensely when the warmer seasons return. It protects your plants, improves soil quality, and sets the stage for a beautiful, thriving garden.

Visit us at any of our Mahoney’s Garden Center locations to stock up on high-quality mulch. Our team is here to help you choose the right type for your garden’s needs. Or shop online here.

 

Image of fall
September 11, 2024 In Feature, featured, info-library

Fall Planting: The Secret to a Thriving Spring Garden

As the temperatures cool and the leaves start to change, many gardeners think it’s time to wind down, but fall is actually one of the best seasons to plant and prepare your garden for the future. Whether you’re thinking about trees, shrubs, perennials, herbs, veggies,  or even annuals, the benefits of fall planting are numerous and can set your garden up for success come spring. Let’s dig into why autumn should be your new favorite planting season!

 

 

  1. Cooler Temperatures Make for Happy Plants (and Gardeners!)

One of the biggest perks of fall planting is the cooler weather. Unlike the scorching heat of summer, fall offers mild temperatures, which are easier on both new plants and gardeners. Plants aren’t as stressed by the heat and don’t need as much water to thrive. You’ll also find gardening a lot more enjoyable when you’re not battling sweltering sun and humidity! 

 

  1. Perfect Time for Root Growth

During fall, plants focus their energy on growing strong, healthy roots instead of producing flowers and foliage. This is especially true for trees, shrubs, and perennials. The cooler soil encourages root growth, allowing plants to establish themselves before the ground freezes. Come spring, they’ll be ready to burst into life with a solid root system to support them! 

 

  1. Fewer Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases tend to be less of a problem in the fall. With cooler temperatures and shorter days, many bugs go dormant, and some plant diseases also slow down. This means less need for pest control, giving your new plants a healthier start. 

 

  1. Better Selection of Trees and Shrubs

Many garden centers, including ours, offer a fantastic selection of trees and shrubs in the fall. The cooler weather also means less transplant shock when planting larger specimens. Plus, fall-planted trees and shrubs will have a head start over those planted in the spring, giving them extra time to settle in.   

Take a look at our video on how to plant trees and shrubs to make sure it starts off the season on the right foot!  Or download our planting guide here. 

 

large selection of trees and shrubs in New England garden center

 

  1. Plant Perennials for Year-Round Enjoyment

Fall is a great time to plant perennials, those hard-working plants that come back year after year. By planting in autumn, perennials like hostas, daylilies, and sedum can focus on establishing their roots. They’ll be stronger and more vigorous by spring, ready to deliver beautiful blooms and lush foliage.  First time planting perennials and want a few tips?  Check out our handy guide here. 

 

  1. Extend Your Harvest with Fall Veggies and Herbs

Don’t forget about fall veggies! Cool-weather crops like lettuce, kale, spinach, and broccoli thrive in the crisp fall air. You can also plant herbs like parsley and cilantro, which often struggle with summer’s heat but do great in the cooler months. With the right planning, you could be harvesting fresh greens well into autumn. 

 

  1. Annuals: Not Just for Summer

Yes, you can still plant annuals in the fall! Cool-season annuals like pansies, violas, celosia and ornamental kale provide color when many summer flowers have faded. They’re perfect for brightening up your fall landscape and can even tolerate light frosts. 

 

  1. Less Competition for Water

One of the advantages of planting in fall is the decreased demand for water. With cooler temperatures and more consistent rainfall, you’ll need to water less than in the dry, hot summer months. This helps new plants settle in more comfortably without as much effort on your part.  But if you still need some guidance, check out our blog on how to water new plants here! 

 

  1. More Time to Relax in Spring

By planting in the fall, you can get a head start on your spring garden. Come springtime, you’ll already have an established garden to enjoy rather than having to start everything from scratch. This gives you more time to relax and appreciate your garden when it’s at its peak. 

 

  1. Great Deals and Selection

As fall approaches, we start our yellow tag sale, a 33% off sale on items still available from our Spring shipments.  Please feel free to ask an employee or give us a call on specifics! This is a great opportunity to pick up high-quality trees, shrubs, and perennials at a lower cost. You’ll also find a wider selection of fall-blooming plants like mums, asters, and ornamental grasses. 

 

 

Fall planting offers so many advantages, from better root development to easier maintenance and less stress on your plants. So, whether you’re looking to add a new tree to your landscape, refresh your perennial beds, or extend your vegetable harvest, don’t wait until spring—fall is the perfect time to get planting!

 

Ready to dig in?  Visit us at any of our 7 locations, and let our experts help you select the best plants for your fall garden, or shop our online store.  Happy planting! 

 

Assorted spring and summer trees and shrubs
September 6, 2024 In Feature, featured, Specials

33% Off Select Trees + Shrubs

All spring and summer trees and shrubs are 33% off! Whether you’re refreshing your landscape or planning ahead, fall is the ideal moment to plant for a vibrant garden. Excludes all Purple tagged items. While Supplies Last.

 

Image of Pickling in jars
August 21, 2024 In Feature, featured

How to Make Easy Homemade Refrigerator Pickles: A Fun and Delicious DIY Project

Ready to try your hand at making these easy refrigerator pickles? Download the printable recipe and enjoy the delicious results of your DIY kitchen project!

Making homemade pickles is a rewarding and delicious way to enjoy your garden’s bounty or your favorite purchased vegetables all year round. With our easy-to-follow recipe for refrigerator pickles, you can create a variety of tangy, crunchy treats that are perfect for snacking, adding to sandwiches, or sharing with friends and family. Best of all, these pickles don’t require any complicated canning process and stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks!

This activity is brought to you in partnership with KidsGardening, an organization dedicated to encouraging children and families to engage with gardening through fun, educational projects. Together, we hope to inspire a love for fresh, homemade foods and the joys of gardening.

Why Make Your Own Refrigerator Pickles?

Refrigerator pickles are a fantastic way to preserve vegetables quickly and easily. Unlike traditional canning, which can be time-consuming and requires special equipment, refrigerator pickles are straightforward to make and don’t require any special skills. Whether you’re using homegrown veggies or those from your local farmer’s market, this recipe lets you enjoy the fresh flavors of summer all year long.

Get Creative with Your Pickles

One of the best parts about making your own refrigerator pickles is that you can get creative with flavors. Try adding garlic, fresh herbs like dill, or even a little honey for a sweet twist. Each batch can be a new culinary experiment, allowing you to find the perfect combination that suits your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

  • 3 cups apple cider vinegar (or distilled white vinegar)
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt (regular iodized salt works too, though it might slightly discolor the pickles)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (or more) pickling spices (You can buy a pre-made mix or make your own with spices like allspice, dill seed, mustard seed, and more)
  • 3 to 4 pint-sized canning jars with tight-fitting lids
  • Non-reactive saucepan (stainless steel or glass; avoid aluminum)
  • Vegetables: Almost any vegetable can be pickled! Try cooked beets, carrots, cauliflower, green beans, radishes, cucumbers, onions, or peppers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your refrigerator pickles:

  1. Prepare Your Vegetables: Start by washing your vegetables thoroughly. Then, cut them into slices, chunks, or spears, making sure they’ll fit comfortably into your canning jars.
  2. Fill the Jars: Place the cut vegetables into your clean, sturdy jars. Since you’ll be pouring hot liquid over them, you need jars that can handle the heat without breaking.
  3. Make the Brine: In a large non-reactive saucepan, combine the water, vinegar, salt, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for a minute or two, stirring to ensure the sugar and salt dissolve completely. Add your pickling spices and simmer for a few more minutes before turning off the heat.
  4. Pour the Brine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the vegetables in the jars, ensuring they are completely submerged.
  5. Cool and Refrigerate: Let the jars cool to room temperature. Once cool, cover them and place them in the refrigerator for a few days to allow the flavors to develop.

 

After a few days of marinating in the brine, your pickles will be ready to enjoy! These homemade refrigerator pickles are perfect for adding a zesty crunch to your meals or giving as a thoughtful, homemade gift. Just be sure to eat them within two weeks for the best flavor and texture.

 

Looking for another fun activity for the kids ? Check out our Garden Scavenger Hunt activity 

 

Child exploring flowers with a magnifying glass outdoors.
August 14, 2024 In Feature, featured, info-library

Garden Scavenger Hunt: A Fun and Educational Activity for Kids

Ready to get started? Download our Garden Scavenger Hunt printable activity and watch as your child discovers the joys of the garden. Whether you’re looking for a weekend project or a way to make the most of a sunny afternoon, this activity is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

 

 

Engaging children in outdoor activities is a fantastic way to nurture their curiosity and foster a love for nature. Our latest printable activity, in partnership with KidsGardening, is a Garden Scavenger Hunt—a simple yet exciting way to get young ones exploring and observing the natural world around them.

Why a Garden Scavenger Hunt?

Gardens are full of wonders waiting to be discovered, from the tiniest insects to the most colorful flowers. However, young gardeners might sometimes need a little guidance to focus their attention and make the most of their time outside. A scavenger hunt offers the perfect balance of structure and freedom, allowing kids to explore while honing their observation skills.

How to Get Started

Materials Needed:

  • Scavenger hunt list (download our printable version or create your own)
  • Clipboard
  • Pencil or crayon

 

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Your List: Start by creating a list of items commonly found in gardens or nature. For younger children, consider using pictures instead of words. You can keep it simple with items like “bird” or “flower,” or challenge older kids with more specific items like “ladybug” or “oak leaf.”
  2. Gather Your Materials: Attach your scavenger hunt list to a clipboard and grab a pencil or crayon. This will make it easy for your little explorers to mark off items as they find them.
  3. Explore and Discover: Head out to your garden, a nearby park, or any green space. Encourage children to use their senses to find each item on the list. They can hunt with their eyes, ears, and even their sense of touch or smell.

 

Creative Variations to Try

  • Nature Bracelet: In a safe, private space, kids can collect small, non-living items and stick them to a bracelet made of masking tape (sticky side out). This turns the hunt into a craft activity, resulting in a unique keepsake.
  • Sensory Hunts: Instead of focusing solely on visual items, create a hunt based on sounds, textures, or smells. For example, children could listen for a bird’s song or feel the different textures of leaves and rocks.
  • Timed Challenge: Add an element of competition by timing how long it takes to complete the scavenger hunt. Kids can try to beat their previous times or compete for fun prizes.

 

 

rudbeckia black eyed susan heat loving perennial
August 13, 2024 In Feature, featured, info-library, Perennials

Hot Weather Heroes: 5 Heat Tolerant Perennials

Gardening in New England can be a challenge. With cold winters and sometimes scorching summer days, finding the right plants that can handle the heat without wilting can feel like a tricky task. But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with some amazing heat-tolerant perennials that are not only tough but also beautiful and easy to care for. Let’s dive into the top 5 perennials that will keep your garden looking fabulous, even during the hottest New England summer days.  Annuals more your speed?  Check out our blog on heat loving annuals here!

 

  1. Sedum (Stonecrop)

Looking for a plant that’s as tough as it is beautiful? Sedum, also known as Stonecrop, is a succulent that can take the heat and keep on thriving. These plants love the sun and can handle drought like a champ. Plus, they’re cold-hardy, which means they’ll survive New England’s winter chill too. Consider adding varieties like ‘Autumn Joy,’ ‘Rock N’ Around,’ or the vibrant ‘Angelina’ to your garden for a pop of color that lasts all season long.

 

green sedum heat tolerant perennial

Mahoney’s Grown Sedum at Mahoney’s in Winchester, MA

 

  1. Echinacea (Coneflower)

Echinacea, commonly known as Coneflower, is a perennial favorite among gardeners, and for good reason. These plants are not only heat-tolerant but also drought-resistant. They’re perfect for adding a splash of color to your garden while requiring minimal upkeep. Plus, they attract butterflies, which adds a touch of magic to your outdoor space. Try out varieties like ‘Magnus,’ ‘PowWow Wild Berry,’ or the colorful ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ for a garden that’s both vibrant and resilient.

 

echinacea heat proof perennial coneflower

Pink Echinacea in New England

 

  1. Lavandula (Lavender)

If you’re dreaming of a garden filled with soothing fragrance and low-maintenance plants, Lavender is your go-to. This Mediterranean beauty loves the heat and thrives in dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for New England summers. Lavender isn’t just pretty to look at; it’s also incredibly useful. You can use it in sachets, potpourris, or even in cooking! Some top varieties to consider are ‘Munstead,’ ‘Hidcote,’ and the always beautiful ‘Annet.’

lavandula perennial lavender heat tolerant perennial

Perennial Lavender in New England

 

  1. Coreopsis (Tickseed)

Coreopsis, also known as Tickseed, is a bright and cheerful perennial that loves the sun. These plants are heat-tolerant and require very little water, making them perfect for those hot summer days. They’re also incredibly easy to grow, so they’re great for both beginner gardeners and seasoned pros. Consider varieties like ‘Moonbeam,’ ‘Zagreb,’ or ‘Crème Caramel’ for a burst of sunny color in your garden.

 

coreopsis tickseed heat loving perennial

Coreopsis (Tickseed) at Mahoney’s Garden Center in Winchester, MA

 

 

  1. Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan)

No garden is complete without the classic Black-eyed Susan. Rudbeckia is a hardy, heat-tolerant plant that’s perfect for New England’s summer heat. These vibrant yellow flowers are easy to grow and maintain, making them a favorite for busy gardeners. Plus, they’re butterfly magnets! Try planting varieties like ‘Goldsturm,’ ‘Viette’s Little Suzy,’ or the compact ‘Little Goldstar’ for a garden that’s both beautiful and bustling with life.

 

rudbeckia black eyed susan heat tolerant perennial

Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) At Mahoney’s Garden Centers of New England

 

Gardening in New England doesn’t have to be a struggle, even during the hottest days of summer. With these heat-tolerant plants, you can create a garden that’s not only stunning but also resilient. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these plants will make your garden the envy of the neighborhood.  So, grab your gardening gloves, save water by learning best watering practices and start planting! Your heat-proof, beautiful garden awaits.

Stop by Mahoney’s Garden Center to pick up these hardy plants and more and take a look at our planting guides to get you started. We’re here to help you every step of the way!

 

SHOP PICKUP + DELIVERY HERE

 

 

Beautiful roses blooming in summer garden
August 7, 2024 In Feature, featured, info-library, Uncategorized

Planting Roses in Summer and Fall: A Guide for Thriving Blooms

 

Roses, with their stunning array of colors, shapes, and fragrances, can elevate any garden. While spring is often seen as the ideal planting season, summer and fall offer fantastic opportunities for planting roses, with the added benefit of extended blooming seasons. Here’s how you can achieve a vibrant rose garden during these times, ensuring your plants thrive with just a bit of extra care.

Choosing the Right Roses

Selecting the right type of rose is key to successful summer and fall planting. Consider these hardy varieties:

  • Knock Out Roses: Renowned for their resilience and continuous blooming.
  • Floribunda Roses: Known for abundant flowers and robust growth.
  • Hybrid Tea Roses: Elegant and rewarding with the right care.

 

Images of 3 different types of roses: Knockout Rose, Floribuna, and Hybrid Tea

From left to right: Pink Double Knockout, Earth Angel Parfuma, and Princess Charlene De Monaco

 

Preparing Your Garden

  1. Location: Choose a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of daily sunlight. Good air circulation is essential to keep your roses healthy.
  2. Soil: Ensure well-draining soil. Enhance it with compost or well-rotted manure to improve both fertility and drainage.
  3. Spacing: Proper spacing between plants allows for optimal growth and air flow, preventing disease and promoting vitality.

Planting in Summer

Summer planting is a fantastic way to add color to your garden quickly. Follow these steps to ensure your roses flourish:

  1. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist by watering deeply at least twice a week. Increase frequency during hot, dry periods.
  2. Mulching: Apply a generous layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and keep roots cool, also helping to suppress weeds.
  3. Planting Time: Plant in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun and reduce transplant shock.

Planting in Fall

Fall is an excellent season for planting roses, offering cooler temperatures and natural rainfall that support robust root development:

  1. Timing: Plant at least 6 weeks before the first expected frost to give your roses ample time to establish strong roots.
  2. Watering: Monitor soil moisture, ensuring it stays consistently moist but not waterlogged, taking advantage of the natural increase in rainfall.
  3. Mulching: Insulate the roots and retain moisture by mulching around the roses, preparing them for the cooler months ahead.
  4. Pruning: Lightly trim only dead or damaged parts to reduce stress, allowing the plant to focus on root establishment.

 

Image of roses being pruned in the fall

 

Caring for Your Roses

Ongoing care ensures your roses thrive and bloom beautifully:

  1. Feeding: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for roses like Espoma Organic Rose-Tone. Follow the instructions for application to keep your plants nourished.
  2. Pest and Disease Control: Regularly inspect your roses for pests and diseases. Use appropriate treatments as needed and maintain good garden hygiene.
  3. Winter Protection: Be sure to bury the rose bud union deeply! Click below for our printable rose guide with planting depth diagram.

 

Rose Care Guide + More

 

Planting roses in summer and fall is an excellent way to enjoy extended blooming seasons and add immediate beauty to your garden. With the right care, your roses will thrive, providing a stunning display of color and fragrance. Visit us today or shop online to choose from our wide selection of roses and start enhancing your garden now!

 

 

Mahoney's Grown magenta pink SunPatiens
July 24, 2024 In Feature, featured, Uncategorized

SunPatiens: The Versatile Garden Marvel

SunPatiens are a fantastic choice for any garden, offering vibrant blooms and incredible versatility. These hardy plants, a hybrid of traditional impatiens and a wild species, are known for their ability to thrive in various conditions. Whether you have a garden bed basking in full sun or a shady corner that needs brightening, SunPatiens can adapt and flourish, making them a perfect addition to any outdoor space.

History

SunPatiens were developed as a response to the need for impatiens varieties that could tolerate both full sun and warmer temperatures. Traditional impatiens, popular for their shade tolerance, struggled in sunny, hot conditions. In the early 2000s, breeders successfully crossed traditional impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) with a wild species native to New Guinea (Impatiens hawkeri), resulting in the creation of SunPatiens. These hybrids retained the vibrant flowers and foliage of impatiens while gaining enhanced heat and sun tolerance, making them suitable for a broader range of garden conditions.

Growing

We are proud to grow SunPatiens locally in our Woburn greenhouse, ensuring they are well-adapted to the local climate and ready to thrive in your garden. By cultivating them locally, we can offer healthy, vibrant plants that are already acclimated to our region’s weather patterns, further enhancing their resilience. Pairing SunPatiens with ornamental grasses or ferns can add texture and contrast to your garden, while combining them with other flowering plants like petunias or marigolds can create a stunning tapestry of color.

 

Sunpatiens are one of Uncle Mike's favorite plants to add to your garden.

SunPatiens are one of Uncle Mike Mahoney’s favorite plants to grow in our greenhouses in Woburn, MA!

Care

When caring for SunPatiens, it’s important to consider their watering needs based on their placement. In sunny locations, SunPatiens will require more frequent watering to prevent the soil from drying out, ideally keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In shaded areas, they need less frequent watering, as the soil retains moisture longer in lower light conditions. Regardless of placement, ensure good drainage to avoid root rot, and consider using mulch to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Benefits

Beyond their beauty and resilience, SunPatiens are also beneficial for the garden ecosystem. They attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which helps support local biodiversity. Their lush foliage can also provide shelter for small garden creatures. With their low maintenance needs and stunning visual appeal, SunPatiens are a great choice for gardeners of all levels, from beginners to seasoned experts. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a sunny spot, add some color to a shady area, or simply enjoy a low-maintenance yet stunning plant, SunPatiens are a wonderful option.

 

 

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!