Peach Trees in Alabama

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When to Plant Peach Trees in Alabama

When selecting a peach tree to grow in your garden, it is important to choose the variety that is best suited for your area and purpose. Peach trees are originally from China and can be temperamental with their blossoms. Some peach trees are more suitable for fresh eating, while others are better for canning and making preserves. There are hundreds of peach varieties, each one adapted to a particular region or purpose. Peach trees are best planted November until March in Alabama.

Choosing the Right Peach Tree

Don’t bother with a tree that does not grow well in our Alabama climate. If possible, buy peach trees that were grown locally instead of mail-ordering peach trees for your garden. If you purchase peach tress through the mail, they are likely to have trouble adjusting to the climate changes upon arrival. They may also not do well in our hot or humid climate.

You’ll want a peach tree that produces flavorful fruit with a pleasing texture and color. You will also need fruits large enough to be worth picking and processing. Peaches should not fall from the tree before you have a chance to pick them either. Sugar content will vary between peach varieties as well as harvesting time.

Select peach trees that have low susceptibility for peach leaf curl. The peach leaf curl pathogen will damage peach leaves and stunt peach tree growth. Peach leaf curl is a disease that is very common in most peach-producing regions of the world . It’s caused by a fungus. Some peach varieties are resistant or less susceptible for peach leaf curl, but all peach trees can become infected eventually if conditions are right.

Avoid peach trees that are susceptible to peach tree borer. The peach tree borer is an insect pest of peach trees that can kill the peach tree if left untreated.

Growing a Peach Tree

Plant peach trees in full sun for maximum peach tree growth. Peach trees require well-draining soil that is neither too acidic or alkaline, but they also do great in any type of soil as long as it drains well. Add decomposed organic peach tree mulch around peach tree roots to maintain moisture levels during dry seasons and to help your peach tree survive the summer heat. Look for water-stressed peach trees by observing drooping leaves or wilting branches.

Pruning peach trees correctly is important in order to get the best harvest from your tree. Pruning also helps maintain the shape of the tree and keeps it healthy. In general, prune peach trees in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out the tree to allow light and air to circulate. Cut back inward-growing branches and remove any suckers (branches that grow from the rootstock). If your peach tree is not producing fruit, you may need to do more drastic pruning, including removing the entire top of the tree.

When planting a peach tree, be sure to use a high-quality, balanced fertilizer. A 10-10-10 fertilizer is a good option and should be applied at planting and then again every six weeks. In addition, you can also apply a layer of compost around the base of the tree each year. This will help to keep the soil healthy and promote strong growth.

When to Plant Okra in Alabama

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When to Plant Okra in Alabama

Okra or Lady’s finger is a popular vegetable that is widely grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions across the world. It has been a staple food for many people in African, Asian and Indian communities for centuries. With regular care and right growing conditions, okra plants can be productive throughout the Alabama growing season, even during summer months.

The key to growing okra successfully in your garden is selecting the right variety that suits the climatic conditions of your area. We’ve selected Clemson Spineless & Okinawa Pink for Alabama. The plant thrives in warm and moist weather and does not tolerate frost. Unlike many other vegetables, it does not need well-drained soil and grows well in heavy clay or sandy soils. However, you should make sure that the soil is not water-logged as this can lead to root rot.

Okra seeds can be direct sown in the garden or started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep in moist, well-drained soil and keep them warm (70-80 degrees F). Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to 12-18 inches apart. Alabama garden centers can have seeds and plants available from Alabama Grown.

The plants will start bearing flowers and fruits 60-90 days after planting. The fruits are best harvested when they are 3-4 inches long and still tender. You can pick them every 2-3 days to encourage more fruiting.

What are the Crystals on Okra Plants?

While okra are self-pollinating with both male and female parts on the same flower. The plant secrets sugary sap that forms crystals to draw ants for pollination.

Why are Ants on Okra Plants?

The ants are there to help pollinate the flowers. The plants secret a sugary sap to draw the ants to the plants.

When to Plant Strawberries in Alabama

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When to Plant Strawberries in Alabama

Before you start planting strawberry plants, it’s important to check their hardiness zone. Strawberries are a perennial plant that can be grown year round in zones 5-9. For zones 4 & 10, strawberries are considered an annual plant which means they must be replanted each year. Alabama is Zone 7 and is an excellent location to grow strawberries.

In this blog post, we’ll look at how to successfully plant and care for strawberries. We will also discuss diseases, pest and why it is important to protect your plants from frost.

What type of soil should I use when planting my strawberries?

It’s best to use a soil that drains well yet retains enough moisture to keep the roots from drying out. Here are a few tips for preparing your soil:

Loamy Soil: Aim for a sandy loam or a loam that has a mix of sand, silt, and clay. This type of soil structure ensures good drainage while also holding sufficient moisture.
pH Level: Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. You can test your soil’s pH and amend it with lime if it’s too acidic or sulfur if it’s too alkaline.
Organic Matter: Mix in plenty of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve the soil structure, enhance nutrient content, and maintain moisture levels.
Well-Draining: If your soil is heavy and clayey, consider raising your beds or adding sand and organic matter to improve drainage.

Preparing your soil with these characteristics will help your strawberries grow healthy and produce well.

How to Plant Strawberry Plants?

Planting strawberry plants effectively can ensure a bountiful and healthy crop. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plant strawberry plants:

Choose the Right Time
- Plant strawberries in early spring, or in the fall in Alabama.
Select the Right Site
- Choose a location that gets full sun for at least six to eight hours per day.
- Ensure the site has good air circulation and well-drained soil.
Planting Layout
- Space plants about 8-16 inches apart in rows that are 1-2 feet apart. This spacing allows for easy maintenance and harvesting.
- For container planting, ensure there is adequate space for roots to spread.
Planting Technique
- Dig holes deep and wide enough to accommodate the roots without bending or crowding them.
- Set each plant so the crown (where the leaves emerge) is level with the soil surface. Burying the crown can cause the plant to rot.
- Spread the roots downward and outward in the hole, then backfill with soil, gently firming it around the roots.

By following these steps, your strawberry plants should establish well and lead to a successful harvest.

When and how should I water my strawberries?

Water strawberries regularly, especially if they’re planted in spring or summer. During periods of heavy rain, you may need to stop watering every day, but after a few weeks it should be back to normal. Too much water can lessen the berry flavor and cause the berries to burst.

How do I protect my strawberry plants from frost?

Protecting strawberry plants from frost is crucial to maintaining the health and productivity of your crop. Here are effective strategies to safeguard your strawberries during cold snaps:

Mulching
- Apply a thick layer of straw or pine needles over your strawberry plants. This insulation helps maintain a more consistent soil temperature and protects the roots and crowns from freezing temperatures. Remove the mulch in the spring after the last frost.
Floating Row Covers
- Use floating row covers, a lightweight, breathable fabric, to cover your strawberry plants. These covers trap heat and prevent frost from settling directly on the plants. Be sure to secure the edges of the cover with rocks or soil to keep the wind from blowing it away.
Cloches
- For smaller patches or individual plants, cloches can be very effective. You can use commercial cloches or make your own from materials like plastic jugs or glass domes. Place them over the plants in the evening and remove them during the day if temperatures rise to avoid overheating.
Cold Frames
- Construct a cold frame around your strawberry bed. This can be as simple as a wooden frame with a clear old window on top or more complex designs. Cold frames provide a microclimate that can shield plants from harsh conditions.
Remove Covers During the Day
- If you use covers (fabric, plastic, or cloches), remember to remove or vent them during the day to allow heat to escape and prevent overheating your plants.

By implementing these protective measures, you can help ensure that your strawberry plants survive through frosty conditions and continue to thrive.

Best Flowers to Plant in Alabama for Spring

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Here’s our choices of the best flowering plants to grow in Alabama for Spring…

Calibrachoa

Calibrachoa (Calibrachoa parviflora) is a trailing petunia that is also known as Million Bells and Seaside Petunia. It’s a happy little plant that blooms prolifically all summer and performs its best under the summer sun. Calibrachoa won’t wilt in the heat like many other varieties of petunias, making it a great choice for a sunny, organic garden.

Sunpatien

Garden success has never been simpler with easy-to-plant, easy-to-grow SunPatiens. The thicker petals and tough foliage are less prone to disease, and their strong sturdy stems tolerate high heat and humidity, rain and adverse weather conditions.

Growing Calibrachoa Organically

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Growing Calibrachoa Organically

Planting Location

The more sun calibrachoa receivies, the more blooms they will produce. Select a location that is in full sun.

Plants grow equally well when planted in-ground or in containers, but will produce runners that need space to trail downwards or spread out laterally.

Soil Preparation

Since calibrachoa is a heavy blooming plant, it is also a heavy feeder. Create a fertile growing medium by mixing a good quality potting soil mix and compost at a 50/50 ratio. Potting soil should contain perlite and peat to help keep plants fed and hydrated.

Planting

Calibrachoa plants produce very few seeds, so they are typically purchased as plants.

When planting in-ground, dig a eight inch by six inch hole (save removed soil to use elsewhere) and place two-three inches of prepared soil in bottom of hole. Remove calibrachoa plant from container and place in center of prepared hole. Fill in planting hole with more potting soil mix. Firm soil gently around roots and water well.

For container planting, select a container that is 8-10 inches deep and equally as wide. Add two-three inches of prepared soil in container bottom, place plant in the center and finish filling in with soil. Water well.

Add a thin layer of organic mulch on top of soil to help retain moisture.

After Care

Remove spent blooms as needed to keep plant looking nice.

Water plant early in the day and provide plenty of sunshine to keep the thick foliage and the flowers dry to prevent rot root.

This heavy-feeding plant needs a steady supply of food, so keep it well fed with compost tea. Mix a garden trowel of compost (or manure) in a five gallon bucket of rain water and place in a sunny location. Allow ‘tea’ to steep for a couple of days, then use once a week to water calibrachoa.

A side dressing of compost can be added in mid-summer to kept soil fertile and plants growing strong.

The Zinnia Garden: A Colorful Display of Summer Blooms

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The Zinnia Garden: A Colorful Display of Summer Blooms

Step into a world of vibrant colors and endless charm with the Zinnia Garden, a captivating display of summer blooms that will transform your garden into a breathtaking spectacle. Zinnias, with their diverse varieties, effortless propagation, and stunning beauty, is a gardener’s delight. From the delicate petals of the Lilliput zinnias to the towering elegance of the Giant zinnias, this article will guide you through the captivating world of these summer darlings. Discover the secrets of successful cultivation, from seed propagation to nurturing cuttings, and delve into pest and disease management. Prepare to be enchanted by the Zinnia Garden, where nature’s artistry unfolds in a symphony of colors and forms.

Exploring Different Types of Zinnia

With their vibrant hues and diverse forms, Zinnia captivate the hearts of gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike. Four stand out as emblems of their captivating beauty among the numerous zinnia varieties.

Zinnia elegans, the most ubiquitous of the zinnia clan, boasts large, striking flowers that adorn gardens in a kaleidoscope of colors. With their stately presence, these zinnias make a bold statement in any garden setting. Most grow 24″ or taller.

Zinnia angustifolia, in contrast, exhibits a more petite charm. Its narrow leaves and smaller flowers lend an air of delicate grace to any garden. These compact zinnias are ideal for smaller spaces or adding elegance to borders and containers. Short, bushy growth habit.

Zinnia haageana, also known as the cactus zinnia, stands out with its unique, spiky petals resembling cactus. This zinnia variety adds an element of intrigue and texture to the garden, making it a conversation starter among gardening enthusiasts. Most grow 24″ or taller.

Last but not least, Zinnia marylandica brings an effortless charm to the garden with its profusion of single or semi-double flowers. These zinnias, available in various colors, are known for their hardiness and adaptability, making them popular among gardeners of all levels. 12″-18″ tall and 18″-24″ wide growth habit.

Zinnia Propagation: Seeds, Cuttings, or Transplants

When to Plant Zinnia Seeds

Seeds can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost or be sown directly outdoors after the last spring frost. If starting seeds indoors, they should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, sunny location. Seeds will germinate quickly in 7-10 days.

How to Plant Zinnia Seeds

Planting zinnia seeds is easy! Scatter seeds over soil and cover with soil or vermiculite until seeds can not be seen. Water well but not enough to float seeds to the surface.

Growing Zinnias from Cuttings

Cuttings can be taken from healthy zinnia plants in the spring or summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of the stems. Remove the bottom leaves from the cuttings and dip them in the rooting hormone. Cuttings can be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, sunny location. Cuttings will root in 2-3 weeks.

Once zinnias have been planted, they should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. Zinnias also benefit from being fertilized every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage new blooms.

Zinnia transplants are readily available at many local independent garden centers. It’s an easy way to get a jump start in the garden.

Zinnia Pests and Diseases

Zinnias are susceptible to several pests and diseases, but these can be prevented and treated. One of the most common pests that affect zinnias is aphids. Aphids are small, green insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause leaves to curl and turn yellow, and they can also transmit diseases. To prevent aphids, spray your zinnia plants with a strong stream of water or use an insecticidal soap. If you find aphids on your plants, you can treat them with a neem oil spray or a pyrethrin-based insecticide.

Another common pest that affects zinnias is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny, red, or brown insects that spin webs on the undersides of leaves. They can cause leaves to turn yellow and drop off, and they can also transmit diseases. To prevent spider mites, spray your zinnia plants with a strong stream of water or use an insecticidal soap. If you find spider mites on your plants, you can treat them with a neem oil spray or a miticide.

Powdery mildew and bacterial leaf spot are common diseases that affect zinnias. Powdery mildew is a white, powdery fungus that grows on the leaves of plants. It can cause leaves to turn yellow and drop off and reduce the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. Bacterial leaf spot is a black, water soaked fungus that usually starts near the base of the plant. To prevent, you can water your zinnia plants at the base of the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves. You can also spray your plants with a fungicide. If you find either of these diseases on your plants, you can treat them with a neem oil spray or a copper fungicide.

Following these tips can help prevent and treat pests and diseases on your zinnias and keep your plants healthy and beautiful all summer.

Growing Ornamental Sweet Potatoes Organically

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Ornamental sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) vines don’t produce edible vegetables, but they do produce an attractive vine. The vine is suitable for use as a houseplant or for growing in an outside hanging basket. They thrive in the intense heat of summer and come in a wide range of colors. Their easy-care nature and low-growing vining habits make them a great addition to an organic garden. When planted among taller shrubs and plants, ornamental sweet potato vines act as a living mulch that helps retain soil moisture and keep weeds from growing.

Planting Location

The more sun these colorful vines receive, the better. Select a full sun location for outside growing and south or west-facing window for indoor containers.

Soil Preparation

For container growing, create a mix of 50 percent potting soil and 50 percent compost. Fill container to within one inch of top rim, and place sweet potato vine in the center. Water well and place container in a sunny location where the vine will have room to grow either downwards or upwards. Provide a small support for upward growing.

For outdoor planting, till or spade soil to 6 inches deep, then add 2 inches of compost on top and lightly work in into soil. Dig planting hole 6 inches deep, place two inches of compost in the bottom of hole, then set vine in and fill remainder of planting hole with removed soil mixed with 50 percent compost. Water well.

After Care

Once vine has become established outdoors, add a light layer of organic mulch from the base of plant to one foot outward all the way around the plant. This will keep the vine from coming into contact with the soil. Also, as the organic mulch slowly decomposes it will improve soil structure and fertility.

Water when top of soil is dry to the touch or when leaves begin to wilt.

Outdoor Uses

Easy-to-grow ornamental sweet potatoes work well as a low-growing bedding plant, summer ground cover, in hanging baskets and other containers, or trained to climb up a vertical support. When planted among taller shrubs and plants, ornamental sweet potato vines act as a living mulch that helps retain soil moisture and keep weeds from growing. The growth on these plants is very vigorous once they get established.

Growing Geraniums Organically

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Growing Geraniums Organically

The popular and colorful geranium (Pelargonium) is a sure sign that summer has arrived. Geraniums come in many forms, colors and growing heights with well over 400 species of plants that are in the family of Cranesbills.

Easy-to-grow plant thrives in an organic garden and will provide bloom color all summer. Geraniums are considered to be an annual, but typically behave as a perennials when grown organically.

Growing Location

Select a sunny location that has well-draining soil. Geraniums grow well in containers or when planted in-ground.

Geraniums should be planted on the day of purchase, so it’s best to have your garden soil prepared ahead of time and be ready to plant immediately.

Soil Preparation

Prepare soil by tilling or spading 8-10 inches deep, or use a container 8-10 inches deep.

Mix in six inches of compost, well rotted manure or peat moss to the tilled soil ensure good drainage and plenty of organic food for the plants.

Prepare soil for container by creating an organic growing medium from a 50-50 mixture of good quality potting soil and compost.

How To Plant

For plants, dig holes that are the same depth as the roots so plant roots will just barely be under the surface of the soil.

Place a handful of compost in the bottom of each planting hole. Gently remove plant from container to keep the root ball intact and place in prepared hole.

Gently firm the soil around plant base and leave a 1/2 inch indentation in the soil around the plant to act as a catch basin for water. Water plant well and add two inches of an organic mulch around plant stem to retain water and prevent weeds.

For seeds, plant seeds in prepared soil 8-10 inches apart. Cover with half an inch of compost and water well. Keep soil moist until seeds germinate. When plants reach six inches high, apply a 2 inch layer of organic mulch around the plants.

After Care

Geraniums like moist, but not soggy soil. keep plants well-hydrated and well-fed by creating a batch of organic compost tea.

Mix a garden trowel of compost (or manure) in a five gallon bucket of rain water and place in a sunny location. Allow ‘tea’ to steep for a couple of days, then use to water geraniums.

A side dressing of compost can be added in mid-summer to kept soil fertile and plants growing strong.