Gardening Tips and Highlights

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Self-seeding plants in the garden       

 

Sometimes gardeners shy from using plants with a habit of seeding themselves in the garden, for fear that these self-seeders will outcompete neighboring plants or upset the overall planting design.  These are valid concerns, yet gardening with self-seeding plants has its upsides:   

It can be of great benefit to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. They typically flower abundantly, providing plenty of food for these insects while also creating a lively, colorful display.

If plants are happy to “volunteer” in your garden, then they are happy with their conditions, no need for supplemental water, soil amendments, or fertilizer.   Allow some seedlings to develop wherever they pop up.  If you decide you don’t like how they look, you can still pull them out or move them. Make sure they are not invasive plants.

Research the plants you’re adding to your garden and consult with your local extension office, botanic garden and wildflower societies for native species.

Thin your volunteer seedlings so that they can develop. If you want to start gardening more intentionally with self-seeding plants check out some books found at the library.

Speaking of seeds, some people in different states, including our own, have reported receiving packets of seeds sent from China, even though they did not order any from China.  If you do receive any of these, please do not open the packet.  They could be infected and are invasive plants not suitable for our environment.  Keep them in their original packet and contact your local Ag or Extension office for further information.  Do not try to plant the seeds out of curiosity, you could just be spreading something that could hurt us in the end.    

Information obtained from Horticulture.   

Remember to stay cool.

 

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