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How to Grow Mums in your fall garden

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Chrysanthemums are one of the most popular flowers in the world, and for good reason. They are known for their beautiful blooms, which come in a wide variety of colors and shapes. Mums are also relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for both experienced and beginner gardeners. Mums are a popular plant to decorate with in the fall months.

Read more to learn how to grow mums.

The post may contain affiliate links. Should you make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra costs to you.

Types of chrysanthemums

There are over 4,000 different varieties of chrysanthemums. They come in a wide variety of colors, including white, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, and lavender. Chrysanthemums can also be single-headed or multi-headed, and they can have daisy-like blooms or pompom-like blooms.

How to grow Mums

  1. Choose a location. Mums need full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. The soil should be well-drained.
  2. Prepare the soil. If the soil is not well-drained, amend it with compost or sand. Add a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  3. Plant the mums. Plant the mums in the spring or early summer, when the weather is cool. Space the plants 18-24 inches apart.
  4. Water regularly. Mums need about 1 inch of water per week. Water deeply and less often to avoid waterlogging the soil.
  5. Fertilize regularly. Fertilize the mums every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  6. Pinch the mums. Pinching the mums will encourage them to branch and produce more flowers. Pinch the tips of the stems when the plants are 6-8 inches tall.
  7. Protect the mums from frost. In the fall, when the temperatures start to drop, protect the mums from frost by covering them with a sheet or burlap.

If you live in a cold garden zone and you want Mums to survive in your garden you either need to plant them early in the spring or overwinter them indoors until spring. Mums need time to really establish in ground.

Read 23 Perennials for fall color here!

Fall Mum Tips

  • Choose the right variety for your climate. There are many different varieties of mums, so choose one that is suited to your climate.
  • Water the mums deeply and less often. This will help prevent the roots from rotting.
  • Fertilize the mums regularly. This will help them produce more flowers.
  • Pinch the mums regularly. This will encourage them to branch and produce more flowers.
  • Protect the mums from frost. This will help them survive the winter.

Forget Me Nots

  • Place the potted mums in a spot that gets full sun for at least 6 hours per day.
  • Water the potted outdoor mums regularly, making sure to water the soil thoroughly and not just the leaves.
  • Fertilize the potted mums every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Bring the potted mums indoors if the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Water the potted mums less often indoors, but still make sure the soil does not dry out completely.

Chrysanthemums are beautiful and versatile flowers that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With proper care, chrysanthemums will bloom for many weeks to come.

Happy Gardening!

How to Overwinter Elephant Ear Plants

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If your one of the lucky gardeners who live in warm growing zones then it’s very likely all you need to do for your Elephant Ear plants is add a layer of mulch and move on. For those of us that live in zones that dip below zero degrees for days on end and your normal winter temps are below 46 degrees fahrenheit we need to do a little more work to make sure our Elephant Ear Plants survive the winter.

Elephant ear plants are tropical plants that are not winter hardy in most climates. They need to be protected from frost and freezing temperatures.

If you are unsure of your growing zone find out here!

The post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase I may receive a small commission.

How to Overwinter Elephant Ear Plants

Overwintering elephant ear plants outdoors

If you live in a climate with mild winters (USDA zones 8-11), you may be able to overwinter your elephant ear plants outdoors. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Cut the stems back to about 6 inches tall after the first foliage killing frost.
  2. Cover the plants with a thick layer of mulch, such as straw, leaves, or pine needles.
  3. You may also want to cover the plants with a frost blanket or burlap.
  4. Uncover the plants in the spring after the last frost.
  5. Fertilize them with compost and you will see growth within several weeks.

Overwintering elephant ear plants indoors as bare bulbs

If you live in a climate with cold winters(USDA zones 7-1), you can overwinter your plants indoors. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Dig up the tubers before the first frost.
  2. Cut the stems back to about 6 inches tall. You can also cut off the roots as well. Allow bulbs to dry for a week.
  3. Place the tubers in a paper bag or cardboard box with some dry peat moss or vermiculite.
  4. Store the tubers in a cool, dark place, such as a basement or attached insulated garage. You want the area cool enough that your bulbs remain dormant until spring.
  5. Check the tubers periodically throughout the winter to make sure they are not rotting.
  6. In the spring, plant the tubers outdoors after the last frost. Or you can start your tubers indoors early in pots.

Read how to wake up your Elephant Ear Bulbs in spring here!

Overwintering potted elephant ears indoors during winter

If your Elephant ear plant is potted you will follow these directions

  • Place the plants in a bright, indirect location. If you don’t have a bright spot you may want to add in a grow light. If you notice your plants stems are tall and flopping then your plant is not getting enough light. Position your plant under a grow light. This wont fix already stretched stems but new growth should be sturdy.
  • Water your plants when the soil is dry half way down. Be careful not to overwater them. The soil should be moist, but not soggy after watering. Don’t let your elephant ear plants sit in wet soil. They can easily rot.
  • Fertilize the plants once a month with a very diluted balanced fertilizer.
  • Mist the plants regularly to increase humidity or place a humidifier nearby.

If you follow these tips, your elephant ears will survive indoors during the winter and be ready to plant outdoors in the spring.

Happy Gardening!

How to grow Caladium Plants

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Caladium Plants are beautiful. With colorful foliage options that are very easy to grow. They are native to South America and thrive in warm, humid climates. They can be displayed in garden beds and in container displays.

Photo by Madison Inouye on Pexels.com

How to grow Caladium Plants:

  1. Choose a location. Caladiums need full sun to partial shade. They will do best in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. The soil should be rich and well-drained. If your soil is sandy, add some compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
  2. Plant the tubers. Caladium tubers can be planted in the spring or fall. If you are planting in the spring, wait until the soil has warmed to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant the tubers 2-4 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart.
  3. Water and fertilize. Caladiums need regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Fertilize them every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  4. Cut the flowers. Deadheading will encourage the plant to produce more foliage . Simply remove the blooms from the plant.
  5. Overwinter the tubers. In colder climates, the tubers will need to be dug up and overwintered in a cool, dry place. To do this, dig up the tubers after the first frost. Shake off the soil and store them in a container of peat moss or sand. Keep the container in a cool, dark place until the spring.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

How to Start Caladium tubers Indoors:

  1. Choose a Pot(s). Tubers need to be planted a pot with drainage holes.
  2. Soil. You can use a seed starting mix or a potting soil with good drainage. Bulbs do not like to stay wet.
  3. Plant. Place your Tubers one inch deep and cover.
  4. Water. Water your tubers when the pots are dry half way down.
  5. Light. Give your Caladiums Bright indirect light while they are indoors.
  6. Transition. After your frost free date has passed move your plants outside into shade. Gradually move them to part shade over the course of a week.

When planted outside you can grow your Caladiums in ground or in containers. Keep the soil moist but not soaking wet.

Caladium Care Tips:

  • Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Protect the plants from strong winds.
  • Watch for pests and diseases, such as aphids, spider mites, and leaf spot.
  • Plant the tubers early in the spring, as soon as the soil has warmed up.
  • Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
  • Provide partial shade in hot climates.

Caladiums provide interest and whimsy to the garden. They grow well in the shade and can fit into any type of garden design. If your a thrifty gardener you can save your tubers year after year which can save you money! Win win!

Happy Gardening!

How to grow Canna Lilies In Containers

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Canna lilies are beautiful, easy-to-grow plants that can add a touch of tropical elegance to any garden. I grow Canna Lilies every year and love how they transform my suburban garden into a tropical oasis. They are relatively low maintenance and grow beautifully in pots and in ground. I am going to teach you how to grow your Cannas in both ground and in pots!

I have a short garden season and I like my Cannas big when it’s planting time. I start my Canna lilies in pots at the end of February till mid-March. Starting them early gives them a head start on growth as opposed to planting tubers in the ground after my first frost date which is in May. When I plant out my Cannas in May they are roughly 3ft tall.

Growing Canna Lilies in Ground is the most easiest way to start your tubers by far. Nature plays a big part in ensuring your tubers sprout and continue to grow beautifully. If you live in a warmer gardening zone then you may be able to plant your bulbs out early or rather earlier than us in colder zones. You may also be able to leave your Cannas out during the winter months.

Here’s how to start your Canna Lily Bulbs directly in the garden

  • Choose a location. Canna lilies need full sun to reach their flowering potential. They will also tolerate partial shade, but the flowers will not be as abundant. The soil should be rich and well-drained. If your soil is sandy, add some compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
  • Plant the rhizomes. Canna rhizomes can be planted in the spring or fall depending on your growing zone. If you are planting in the spring, wait until the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant the rhizomes horizontally, with the eyes (the small bumps on the rhizome) facing up. The depth of planting will depend on the size of the rhizome. A good rule of thumb is to plant the rhizomes 2-3 inches deep.
  • Water and fertilize. Canna lilies need regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Fertilize them every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Deadhead the flowers. Deadheading will encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Simply remove the spent blooms from the plant.
  • Overwinter the rhizomes. In colder climates, the rhizomes will need to be dug up and overwintered in a cool, dry place. To do this, dig up the rhizomes after the first frost. Shake off the soil and store them in a container of peat moss or sand. Keep the container in a cool, dark place until the spring. A basement or an attached garage works perfectly for this.

To learn what gardening zone you live in read this post here!

How to Grow Canna Lilies In Containers:

I grow Canna Lilies in containers every year. I pull my Canna bulbs out of my basement in mid February. I let them sit in my dining room for a few days to get to room temp. Then I prepare to plant them.

Grow Canna Lilies in containers step by step:

  • Gather large clean containers. I reuse 1-2 gallon plastic containers year after year to start my Canna Lily bulbs. Choose Containers that are at least an inch or two wider than your tuber is long.
  • Prepare your soil. You can mix up your own soil but I like to use Promax soil for potting up bulbs. Fill your containers 3/4ths of the way full.
  • Plant your Canna Bulbs. Press your Canna Lily Bulbs into the soil and cover them with more soil.
  • Water your Bulbs. Water your container thoroughly until you see water come out of the drainage hole. Don’t water again until the pot has dried half way down.
  • Placement. Place your container in a warm bright room.
  • Fertilizing. When your Canna Lily Bulbs have pushed out their first leaves it’s time to start fertilizing. Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Watering. Water your Canna Lilies when the first two inches of soil have dried.
  • Lighting. When your Canna Lilies have started to push out more growth you will need to give them more light. If it is past your frost free date you can begin transitioning them outside into your garden. If not add a grow light or put them in the brightest light you have.

While your waiting for your first frost date continue caring for your Cannas as advised above. When it’s time to move them into the garden you will need to transition them gradually. One hour in sun the first day then two hours the second day until your plants are in eight hours of sun.

Canna Lily Seeds

If you love seed starting like I do then you should definitely save seed from your Canna Lilies. Cannas can be a bit difficult to start but they grow so big in one season from seed. It’s crazy!

Here’s how to get Canna Lily Seeds:

  • Leave your flower stalks. Don’t cut off your spent flower stems. Leave them on to allow them to go to seed.
  • Dried Pods. Do not harvest seeds until your seed pods have dried completly.
  • Harvest. When your pods are completely dry cut them off and open the pods. You will find round black seeds.
  • Store. Remove your Canna Lily seeds and store them in a cool dry place until your ready to start them. You need to put your seeds into a storage container within a container for the best survival of the seed.

When it’s time to start Canna Lily seeds you will first need to scar the seed. Then soak the seeds for 24 hours before planting in seed starting mix.

Here are some additional tips for growing canna lilies:

  • Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. If you live in a cooler zone you will want to mulch around your plants before winter sets in.
  • Protect the plants from strong winds.
  • Watch for pests and diseases, such as aphids, spider mites, and leaf spot.

Canna Lilies are one of my favorite tropical plants to grow in my garden year after year. They add that tropical feel to my sometimes blah suburban garden.

Happy Gardening!

Plants Perfect for Hanging Baskets

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The summer garden isn’t perfect without hanging baskets! There are so many different plants that look gorgeous in hanging baskets and you need to know about them! Many are very easy care plants but there are some things you need to know to keep your hanging basket plants happy all summer long.

  • Petunias: Petunias are a classic choice for hanging baskets, and for good reason. They come in a wide variety of colors and are very easy to care for. They are heavy feeders and surprisingly cold tolerant.
  • Calibrachoa: Also known as million bells, calibrachoa is a type of petunia that is known for its small, cascading flowers. It is a great choice for hanging baskets because it is very easy to care for and blooms all summer long but be careful with overwatering.
  • Bacopa: Bacopa is a trailing plant that is native to South America. It is known for its small, blue flowers and its ability to tolerate heat and humidity. Bacopa is a great choice for hanging baskets because it is very easy to care for and will provide color all summer long.
  • Fuchsia: Fuchsias are a popular choice for hanging baskets because they are very easy to care for and have beautiful, cascading flowers. Fuchsias come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, purple, and white.
  • Verbena: Verbena is a trailing plant that is known for its bright, colorful flowers. It is a great choice for hanging baskets because it is very easy to care for and will bloom all summer long.
  • Impatiens: Impatiens are a popular choice for hanging baskets because they are very easy to care for and have bright, colorful flowers. Impatiens come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, purple, and white.
  • Lobelia: Lobelia is a trailing plant that is known for its small, blue flowers. It is a great choice for hanging baskets because it is very easy to care for and will bloom all summer long.
  • Begonias: Begonias are gorgeous flowering plants. They have many different bloom colors to choose from and can handle a bit of drought

Learn how to start seeds indoors here!

When choosing plants for hanging baskets, it is important to consider the following factors:

  • Sunlight: Most hanging basket plants need full sun, but some can tolerate partial shade such as Begonia hanging baskets.
  • Water: Hanging basket plants need to be watered regularly, especially during hot weather. Because they are in baskets they tend to dry out faster.
  • Fertilizer: Hanging basket plants need to be fertilized regularly, especially during the growing season.
  • Deadheading: Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
  • Pests and diseases: Hanging basket plants are susceptible to pests and diseases just like any other plants. It is important to inspect the plants regularly and treat any problems promptly.

Choose plants based on your growing zone, light and space. Follow these great tips to help you succeed with your hanging baskets this season!

Happy Gardening

Ciearra

Herbs You Can Grow for Tea

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There are many herbs that are great for tea. Many are very easy to grow on your own and don’t require a lot of space so my small space gardeners listen up this is for you too! Here are a few of the most popular herbs to grow for Tea:

  • Chamomile: Chamomile is a calming herb that is often used to help with sleep. It has a sweet, apple-like flavor. It is easy to grow but some have trouble starting from seed.
  • Peppermint: Peppermint is a refreshing herb that can help to soothe an upset stomach. It has a strong, minty flavor. Never and I repeat never plant mint in the ground. It will take over. This herb is best grown in a pot.
  • Ginger: Ginger is a warming herb that can help to relieve nausea and motion sickness. It has a spicy, gingery flavor. Ginger requires a long growing season so start your tubers early indoors.
  • Echinacea: Echinacea is an immune-boosting herb that can help to fight off colds and flu. It has a slightly bitter flavor. Echinacea is not only good for your but it also has gorgeous blooms!
  • Hibiscus: Hibiscus is a tart, fruity herb that can help to lower blood pressure. It has a bright pink color. The hibiscus also has gorgeous tropical blooms in many different colors.
  • Lavender: Lavender is a calming herb that can help to relieve stress and anxiety. It has a sweet, floral flavor. It can be difficult to start from seed so buying started plants might be best for the new gardeners.
  • Rosemary: Rosemary is a stimulating herb that can help to improve memory and concentration. It has a piney, rosemary flavor.
  • Thyme: Thyme is a flavorful herb that can be used to add depth to any tea. It has a slightly minty, thyme flavor.

These are just a few of the many herbs that can be used to make tea. You can experiment with different herbs to find your favorites.

When making tea with herbs, it is important to use fresh herbs whenever possible. Dried herbs can be used, but they will not have as strong of a flavor.

To make tea with herbs, simply add the desired amount of herbs to a cup of hot water. Steep the tea for 3-5 minutes, or until the desired flavor is achieved. Strain the tea and enjoy.

You can also add other ingredients to your herbal tea, such as honey, lemon, or milk. These ingredients can enhance the flavor of the tea and make it more enjoyable.

Happy Gardening

Ciearra