Harnessing the Sun’s Energy with Passive Solar Greenhouse Have you ever wanted to use the sun’s energy to heat your greenhouse more efficiently? If so, passive solar heating is worth considering. This type of harnessing of the sun’s energy works by trapping and storing heat from the sun during the day and then releasing it at night. Read on to learn more about passive solar heating and how it can work in a greenhouse environment. What is Passive Solar Heating? Passive solar heating is a method of collecting, transferring, and storing energy from sunlight with minimal use of other energy … Read more

If you’re like me, you enjoy spending time in your garden all year long. Although the weather is turning cooler, it’s not too late to plant a fall vegetable garden in Alabama. In this blog post, I’ll share some tips on how to get started. So if you’re looking for something to keep you busy in the coming weeks, planting a fall garden is a great option! What to Plant in Your Fall Garden Some of the best fall vegetable garden crops include leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables. Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach and kale are fast-growing and can be … Read more

The leaves are changing color and the days are getting shorter. That can only mean one thing: autumn is here! This time of year is perfect for cozy, rustic decor. If you’re looking to add a touch of farmhouse charm to your home, read on for some tips. We’ll show you how to incorporate natural materials like wood and stone into your design, and give you some ideas for adding warm colors and textures. Let’s get started! One of the best things about autumn farmhouse design is that it’s all about cozy, comfortable living. This time of year is perfect … Read more

The Truth About Fertilizer: Debunking the Myths There are a lot of myths created by marketing companies about fertilizer. Marketing has convinced people that it is some kind of magical substance that will make their plants grow big and strong overnight. The truth is, however, that fertilizer is just like any other tool- it can be used effectively or it can be misused. In this blog post, we will debunk the marketing myths about fertilizer and discuss how you can use it to improve your garden! What do the fertilizer numbers really mean? All growing plants need essential elements to … Read more

Kale: The Perfect Vegetable to Grow in Your Garden Need a easy to grow leafy green to add to your garden, kale is a great choice. Kale is hardy and can withstand cold weather, so it’s a good option for gardeners in colder climates. Kale also grows well in containers, so it’s a good choice for urban gardeners or those with limited space. Kale comes in several varieties, so be sure to choose the variety that best suits your needs. Some varieties are more heat tolerant than others, so if you live in a warm climate, be sure to choose … Read more

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 … Read more

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. Check out this list of states with their corresponding strawberry hardiness zone! Alabama is Zone 7. In this blog post, we’ll look at the strawberry planting zone and how to successfully plant strawberries. We will also discuss what causes frost and why it is important to protect your … Read more

The Southeastern climate can be a challenge for growing pansies and violas in the Fall. Well maintained pansy and viola plantings can provide color from October to April in Alabama.