By now you are well into the growing season of your vegetable garden and hopefully are benefiting from the fruits of your labour. As you think ahead to what you would like to do next year, it is a good idea to take some notes of where things were planted […]
Melanie Mathieson – Gardening Guru
Many people probably do not know that there are quite a few black walnut and butternuts (also known as white walnut) growing in yards in Fort Frances and properties along the Rainy River. It is not intentionally being kept a secret, but many gardeners just don’t know or realize what […]
No matter when you choose to plant trees and shrubs in your yard or garden there are two very important rules to keep in mind to insure the survival and growing success of your plants. Rule #1: Prepare a million-dollar hole for a one hundred dollar tree, and Rule […]
Each fall, hundreds of millions of monarch butterflies migrate from Canada and the United States, to central Mexico, to wait out the unfavourable conditions of northern winters. Each spring, they begin the migration north and need milkweed for food along the way. Milkweed is an important source of nutrients during […]
Due to the mild winters of recent years, earwigs have successfully migrated north and established themselves in the yards and gardens of northwestern Ontario. By far, earwigs seem to be the insect that makes humans cringe the most. When mentioned in conversation, even those that have never seen an earwig […]
Part two of this column of unusual plants for the shade garden, includes descriptions on how to grow Jack-in-the-pulpit and lady slipper. Although a little less common and available in nurseries than trilliums, I strongly encourage you to try either of these plants in your garden, if you can find […]
I am always seeking unusual plant species and varieties, even with over two hundred plant species in my garden, in Thunder Bay, I never stop searching for the rare and unusual to add. Unfortunately, some of those plants always don’t survive my conditions (soil and/or growing zone) but I at […]
With the drier spring conditions this year, you may find that you are seeing some ant hills develop in your yard or garden. As I have deep sandy soils that are drier to begin with, I typically have many ant hills, but with the drought conditions in Thunder Bay last […]
It is true that weeds and unwanted plants are present in almost every garden, but there are some ways to control weeds without them getting out of hand and taking over the garden. With some patience diligence and some early attack methods you’ll soon be keeping weeds at bay and […]
Last week’s column provided an introduction to lilacs. Now that you have decided to plant some lilacs here are some tips to follow to help you get the best results. Lilacs need three things to grow and bloom well: sun, soil that’s not soggy and space. Step 1 – Good […]
By Melanie Mathieson The Gardening Guru The blooming and scent of the lilac trees is like an official mark of spring and the kick-off to gardening season. You can drive almost anywhere in the District, the older homestead farms, newer rural or lake properties and of course the settled areas, […]
Most gardeners do not have a greenhouse or cold-frame, but they can use some great plant protection kits and devices and small portable and affordable greenhouses to get a jump on the gardening season. Here are a few ideas for you to try. Many traditional gardeners will place black plastic […]
