The rhythmic hum of life in Alabama holds a secret that every gardener in the state knows—the timing for planting corn. We’re about to embark on a journey through the heart of Alabama’s fields, where the soil cradles seeds with the promise of golden harvests. Join us as we explore the steps to ensure your corn thrives amid the warm embrace of the Alabama sun.

Alabama’s unique climate, with its hot summers and mild winters, creates an ideal environment for growing corn. The state’s long growing season, stretching from late spring to early fall, provides ample time for corn to mature fully. This climate, however, requires careful consideration of timing to avoid the sweltering heat that can stress young plants.

Selecting the Right Corn Variety

Choosing the right variety is akin to picking the perfect melody for a song. Alabama’s climate favors heat-tolerant varieties:

• Sweet Corn: For those who cherish sweetness with each bite.
• Field Corn: Ideal for those focusing on livestock feed or cornmeal.
• Popcorn: Perfect for those looking to add a bit of magic to movie nights.

When selecting a variety, consider your garden’s microclimate, soil type, and personal preferences. Consult local nurseries or extension services to find varieties proven to flourish in Alabama.

Preparing the Soil

Your soil is the canvas upon which your corn will paint its story. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Test Your Soil: Ensure the pH level is between 5.8 and 6.8. Amending your soil with lime can help achieve this balance if needed.
2. Add Organic Matter: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
3. Till the Soil: Break up any large clods and create a fine, even seedbed to encourage strong root development.

Spacing and Planting Depth

Corn’s growth is a dance, and spacing is the choreography. Plant your seeds:

• Spacing: 8-12 inches apart within rows and 30-36 inches between rows.
• Depth: 1-2 inches deep, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact for optimal germination.

Watering and Fertilizing

Corn plants, with their towering stalks, thirst for water and nutrients:

• Watering: Aim for 1-1.5 inches of water per week, ensuring even moisture throughout the growing season.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting. Side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer when plants are about knee-high to support vigorous growth.

Managing Pests and Diseases

Gardening in Alabama means being vigilant against common pests and diseases:

• Pests: Look out for corn earworms, cutworms, and aphids. Use organic insecticides or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.
• Diseases: Watch for signs of rust, blight, and smut. Rotate crops annually and ensure good air circulation to minimize risks.

Harvesting Your Corn

The culmination of your efforts arrives when the corn is ready for harvest:

• Signs of Readiness: The silks will turn brown, and the kernels will be plump and milky when pierced.
• Harvesting: Firmly grip the ear, twist it downward, and pull it away from the stalk.

Growing corn in Alabama is more than just planting seeds; it’s a tender dance with nature, a reflection of your care and dedication. As you tend to your garden, remember that each step is a chapter in a story, culminating in the golden joy of a bountiful harvest. Embrace the journey, and may your cornfields thrive under the glorious Alabama sun.

Gardening with Spring Annuals in Alabama

Planting annual plants is a great way to bring color and vibrancy to your garden. But heading to the garden center can be a daunting experience. With so many types of plants, it takes time to know which ones are right for you and your needs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, here is a guide to help you choose the best plants at your garden center.

The first step in choosing the best plants is knowing what climate zone your home is located in. Northern Alabama is zone 7, and Southern Alabama is zone 8, with parts of Mobile and Baldwin counties in zone 9. Different climates have different temperatures and moisture levels that affect how well certain plants will grow.

Shopping for the Right Plant

Once you know which type of plants are suitable for your climate, it’s time to start looking for healthy specimens at the garden center. When selecting a plant, check if it has healthy white roots and robust foliage growth; avoid plants with yellowing leaves or wilting stems, as they may already be diseased or stressed. Also, look for signs that pests may be infesting the plant.

Before bringing any plant home, it’s essential to understand its specific requirements to provide proper care once planted in your garden. For example, some plants require full sun while others prefer shade; some need more water than others while some tolerate drought better than most; some need regular fertilizing while others don’t require any additional nutrients at all—these are all factors that should be taken into consideration when selecting a plant from the garden center. Researching or talking with garden center staff will ensure you choose only those plants that fit your existing landscape and match your gardening style and skill level.

To Bloom or Not to Bloom is the Question

If you’ve ever gone to the nursery or garden center and seen the lush, vibrant blooms of plants that have already begun flowering, you may be tempted to buy those immediately. After all, who wouldn’t want a beautiful garden full of color? However, marketing has created a myth that blooming plants are better than plants that still need to bloom. And it couldn’t be further from the truth! Plants that have yet to begin blooming are better able to handle the stress of transplanting.

When you transplant a plant, it experiences physiological stress—it essentially goes into shock as it adjusts to its new environment. When a plant is experiencing stress, it takes energy away from processes like rooting, foliage growth, flowering, or fruit production. That means if you transplant a blooming plant, less energy will be available for root and foliage growth because so much was used to produce flowers. On the other hand, if you transplant a non-blooming plant, more of its energy can go into rooting and foliage growth before producing flowers.

Plants not yet in bloom offer numerous advantages over blooming plants when it comes to successful gardens—from less stress due to an abundance of energy available for root and foliage growth after transplanting to improved success rates due to reduced disease issues from stress. So next time you head out shopping for your garden or landscaping project, remember that although those beautiful blooms may look enticing, non-blooming plants can provide even greater success and blooming rewards down the road!

Adding Compost and Fertilizer to Improve Soil Quality

Have you ever noticed that some gardens are lush and vibrant while others look like barren wastelands? The difference is often due to the soil quality. Poor soil can lead to unhealthy plants, low yields, and discolored foliage. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix: composting or adding fertilizer. Let’s explore how these two methods can help improve your soil!

Composting breaks down organic matter, such as leaves and kitchen scraps, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. It’s easy to add beneficial bacteria and nutrients to your garden without spending money on costly fertilizers or additives. Compost also helps improve the structure of your soil by increasing its water-holding capacity. Not only will this make your plants healthier, but it will also help reduce water waste! Additionally, composting is incredibly easy—all you need is a large container (or even just a pile) and some kitchen scraps or yard clippings.

Fertilizer is another excellent way to amend your soil. Unlike composting, which relies on bacteria and fungi to break down materials over time, fertilizer directly adds nutrients to the soil through nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other micronutrients. Applying fertilizer regularly can provide a quick boost of nutrition for your plants and encourage growth. However, it’s important not to overdo it; too much fertilizer can burn plants or cause them to become leggy due to excessive phosphorus levels.

Whether you choose composting or fertilizing (or both!), improving the quality of your soil with either method will result in healthier plants that yield greater harvests than before. By taking the time to amend your soil now with either compost or fertilizer, you’ll enjoy a more bountiful garden for years to come! Whether you’re a beginner gardener looking for tips on getting started or an experienced green thumb looking for ways to optimize your current gardening efforts, adding compost or fertilizer should be high on the list of things you do!

Deadhead Flowers for Continuous Blooms

Did you know deadheading flowers can help keep your garden healthy and vibrant? Deadheading is the process of removing spent blooms from plants to encourage new growth. It’s an essential yet simple gardening task that can significantly impact your garden’s appearance.

Deadheading flowers can help promote new growth, create fuller plants with more blooms, and improve overall plant health. When you deadhead a flower, it redirects nutrients back into the plant instead of allowing them to be used in the development of seeds. This means that energy is directed towards creating more blooms and foliage. Additionally, by removing spent flowers, you are reducing the chances of disease.

Start by snipping off any wilted or brown flowers near the base of the flower with sharp scissors or pruners. Be sure to cut only a little into unopened buds, or plant stems. Once all the old flowers have been removed, take a few steps back and check if any more faded blooms need removing before moving on to another plant in your garden!

Deadheading spent flowers is essential for keeping your garden looking vibrant and healthy throughout the growing season. By removing spent blossoms from plants as soon as they begin to fade, you can promote new growth and enjoy longer-lasting blooms in your garden!

Following these tips can help ensure your spring annuals have the best chance for survival and can put on a show all season long!

Planting and Growing Potatoes in Alabama

If you’re an Alabamian looking to plant potatoes, the timing of your planting is essential. Plant too soon, and the cold temperatures may cause damage to the crop; plant too late, and there may need to be more time for a successful harvest before Summer temperatures. Fortunately, with some knowledge and planning, you can ensure that your potato-planting project will yield a bountiful harvest. This blog post is for the cool season type of potatoes. Check out the Sweet Potato page for warm season potatoes.

When To Plant Potatoes In Alabama

The best time to plant potatoes in Alabama is typically between early February and early March. This gives them plenty of time to fully develop before the hot summer months arrive. It’s essential to remember that each variety of potato has its own needs regarding planting times, so be sure to check the instructions on your seed potato for specifics.

Before you start planting, make sure that your soil is ready. The ideal soil temperature should be between 55°F and 65°F (12-18°C). You can check this by taking a six or eight inch-deep soil sample from several different points in your garden area and measuring the temperature with a thermometer. Once the soil has reached this temperature range, you can begin planting.

One important thing to remember when planting potatoes in Alabama is that there are two main types—early and late varieties—and each requires different timing for optimal success. Early varieties are best planted early, while late varieties should wait until mid-March or later. Additionally, certain areas within Alabama may require different planting times due to differences in climate or terrain; talk to local gardeners or specialists at your local garden center for advice specific to your area if needed.

In conclusion, timing is critical if you’re an Alabamian looking to plant potatoes this year! Aim for February through March as an optimal time frame for most potato varieties. However, always double-check the instructions on your seed potato before getting started, and remember that certain areas within Alabama may require different planting times due to differences in climate or terrain. With some knowledge and planning, you can ensure that your potato-planting project yields a delicious harvest!

Planting Potatoes in the Right Soil

Potatoes are a hardy crop that grows well in various soils and climates. However, growing them successfully means understanding which type of soil is best for planting potatoes. Let’s look at what makes the perfect soil for planting your potatoes.

The ideal soil for growing potatoes is loamy soil with good drainage. Loam is a combination of sand, silt, and clay particles that help structure the soil and enable it to hold both water and nutrients. This soil also has plenty of organic matter, which helps create an environment that encourages healthy potato growth.

If your soil is less loamy than you would like, there are ways to improve it before planting your potatoes. You can do this by adding compost or manure to the soil, which will help add more organic material and improve its texture over time. You should also ensure your soil has plenty of drainage by testing it with a shovel or spade and providing it doesn’t become saturated when watering it.

The pH level of your soil is another important factor when it comes to growing potatoes successfully. The optimal pH level for potato plants is between 4.8 and 5.4, but they will still grow if the pH level is slightly higher or lower than this range as long as other environmental factors are favorable for their growth. To test the pH level of your soil, use an inexpensive testing kit from your local gardening store or nursery.

The Basics of Planting and Harvesting Potatoes

When planting potatoes, you want to ensure they are buried deep enough in the soil so their stems have plenty of room to grow and develop. Generally, you want your potatoes planted 4-6 inches into the soil. However, this may vary depending on your climate and the type of soil you’re working with. If your soil is heavy and moist, you may need to plant it closer to six inches down; if it is light and sandy, closer to four inches will do.

You also want to ensure you leave about 12-18 inches between each potato when planting them in a row. This gives each potato ample space for its roots and stem growth. This spacing also applies when planting multiple rows of potatoes—it’s important not to overcrowd them! Potato plants will yield more abundantly when given plenty of space.

It usually takes about 70-80 days from planting for your potatoes to be ready for harvest! Digging only a little deep when harvesting potatoes is essential, as this can harm or damage the tubers while growing underground. The best way is to use a garden fork or hoe around the base of the plant, gently pushing away some dirt until you see a few tubers near the surface, which can then be easily pulled up from the ground by hand. Be sure not to wait too long, though – once potato tops turn yellow and begin dying off, and it means that they are done growing, and any remaining tubers left in the ground won’t mature enough before winter sets in, so they must be harvested quickly!

Planting potatoes can be simple and easy. If you know what depth you should bury them at and give them adequate spacing between plants, you’ll have no problem achieving a bountiful harvest come harvest time! Just remember: Plant your potatoes 4-6 inches down into the soil with 12-18 inches between each potato when planting in rows or beds, wait until 70-80 days from planting time has passed before harvesting, and use a garden fork or hoe around the base of your plants when harvesting instead of digging deeply so as not disturb any still-growing tubers underground! With these tips in mind, happy gardening!

Hardy Hibiscus, Rose Mallow, Swamp Mallow, Hibiscus moscheutos

If you’re looking for a beautiful, long-blooming flower to add to your Alabama garden, look no further than the hardy hibiscus! These magnificent blooms come in a variety of colors, and can be grown in almost anywhere in Alabama. In this blog post, we will discuss how to grow and care for these flowers. We’ll also provide tips on choosing the right variety for your needs. So read on to learn more about these amazing plants!

What are Hardy Hibiscus?

Hardy Hibiscus, distinguished from their tropical counterparts, are a group of perennial plants known for their ability to withstand colder temperatures and large, showy blossoms. Here’s an in-depth look into these resilient and captivating plants:

• Scientific Classification and Varieties:
  • The term “Hardy Hibiscus” encompasses a variety of Hibiscus species native to Alabama, with the most common being Hibiscus moscheutos.
  • Other species within the Hardy Hibiscus label include H. coccineus (scarlet rose mallow), H. dasycalyx (Neches River rose mallow), H. grandiflorus (swamp rose mallow), H. lasiocarpos (hairy or wooly rose mallow), and H. laevis (halberd-leaf rose mallow).

• Physical Characteristics:
  • They are known for their large, eye-catching blossoms, often compared to the size of a dinner plate, that they flaunt from midsummer to early fall.
  • These plants can grow to a height of 3-6 feet, adding a dramatic visual element to gardens.

• Climate Adaptability:
  • Hardy Hibiscus can endure cold winter temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C). In regions with harsh winters and snow, they die back to the ground, rejuvenating in the spring.
  • They are well-suited for colder climates, and their resilience in chilly weather makes them stand out, especially when compared to tropical hibiscus varieties which thrive in warmer climates.

• Cultivation and Care:
  • These plants require minimal care and are known to attract hummingbirds and pollinating bees, while generally deterring deer.

• Garden Appeal:
  • The Hardy Hibiscus is not only a symbol of endurance but also of aesthetic appeal. The vibrant, large blossoms can transform gardens, bringing a tropical ambiance to temperate landscapes. They are often grown for their color, disease tolerance, and cold hardiness, with numerous cultivars bred for these traits.

Hardy Hibiscus offers a blend of robustness and beauty, embodying a perfect choice for those looking to add a touch of the tropics to their gardens while not compromising on hardiness.

Where to Plant Hardy Hibiscus?

Planting Hardy Hibiscus in the right spot and providing them with the conditions they love can ensure healthy growth and a long, beautiful display of blossoms. Here are some guidelines on where to plant Hardy Hibiscus:

• Planting Location:
  • Hardy Hibiscus plants thrive in full sun locations; they require at least 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day.
  • Consider planting them near a south-facing wall or building as they enjoy heat.
  • They can be planted along or in the back of perennial flower beds, in borders, mixed perennial beds, or used as a standalone specimen plant.

• Spacing:
  • When planting multiple Hardy Hibiscus, ensure to space the plants 2 to 3 feet apart in the garden to avoid overcrowding and to allow for ample growth.

• Soil Conditions:
  • Hardy Hibiscus plants prefer well-draining soil with a pH range that is slightly acidic to neutral.
  • They are quite tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, from drier to even moist or boggy, but best flowering is achieved when there is ample moisture.

• Additional Tips:
  • For gardeners in North Alabama, ensuring the planting area is well-draining will prevent water logging in the soil which could potentially harm the plants during winter months.

How to Care for Hardy Hibiscus in Alabama?

Caring for Hardy Hibiscus plants is a relatively straightforward process but requires attention to a few key factors to ensure healthy growth and blooming. Here are some steps and tips on how to care for Hardy Hibiscus:

• Watering:
  • Water enough to keep the soil evenly moist, especially as the plant is getting established for the first six months. Water regularly during dry spells to maintain a healthy plant.

• Fertilization:
  • While Hardy Hibiscus doesn’t absolutely require fertilizer, applying a general-purpose fertilizer will promote vigorous growth.

• Mulching:
  • Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality.

• Pruning:
  • Pruning can be done to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. It’s also important to remove dead or damaged branches to promote healthy growth.

• Pest and Disease Management:
  • Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and whiteflies, and diseases such as rust or powdery mildew. Employ cultural, biological, or chemical controls as necessary to manage these issues.

By following these care guidelines, gardeners can foster a conducive environment for Hardy Hibiscus to flourish, ensuring a vibrant and attractive display in the garden season after season.

What do you do with hardy hibiscus in the winter?

Hardy Hibiscus, unlike tropical hibiscus, are capable of withstanding colder temperatures to a certain extent, which makes winter care for them a bit easier. North Alabama, you may need to provide additional protection, such as wrapping the plant in burlap or placing it in a protected area. Central and South Alabama should need no protection. However, there are some steps you can take to ensure they thrive and return with robust growth in the spring:

• Mulching:
  • Apply a thick layer of mulch (8 to 12 inches) around the base of the plant to help protect the root ball from cold temperatures. Chopped leaves or pine needles are great choices for mulching material.
  • This mulch acts as an insulating sheet that keeps the soil warm and prevents early new growth until the warmer seasons.

• Pruning:
  • In the fall, before applying mulch, prune dead stems or branches down to about 8 to 12 inches. This helps to tidy up the plant and prepare it for winter.
  • Once spring arrives and you are certain that there’s no danger of hard freezes, remove the mulch. If any branches have been damaged over winter, cut these to the ground. As new growth appears, you can trim and shape the plant as desired.

• Winter Hardiness:
  • Hardy Hibiscus are root hardy to about zone 5 with no protection and they die back to the ground each year. This natural die-back helps the plant conserve energy and withstand colder temperatures.

• Patience:
  • Hardy Hibiscus are known to be slow starters in the spring, so patience is key. Once the warmer temperatures settle in, you’ll see your Hardy Hibiscus beginning to grow and prepare for a new season of blooming.

• Indoor Overwintering (for Potted Plants):
  • If your Hardy Hibiscus is potted, it’s easier to bring it indoors to protect it from freezing temperatures. Ensure it is placed in a well-lit area and keep the soil moist, not wet.

These measures will help ensure the survival and vigor of your Hardy Hibiscus through the winter, and set the stage for beautiful blooms in the following growing season.

With a little care, hardy hibiscus can provide you with beautiful blooms for many years to come! So don’t hesitate to add these plants to your garden today.