Just a reminder that we maintain an online Glossary of Gardening Terms you can access any time to refresh your memory about the vocabulary of gardening. Here at Park Seed, sometimes we speak in gardeners’ short-hand (or, as our grandparents would say, “throw around our education”!), so every now and again we revisit the Glossary and add a few new terms we’ve gotten questions about. Here are the latest entries:

Planting on Center - When reading a plant label, you may have been given the baffling instruction to “plant on center” a certain distance apart. What this means is that the distance between plants should be measured from one central stem to the next central stem, NOT from the end of the branches. So if you are planting a row of Petunias 10 inches apart, that’s 10 inches from the middle of each plant, not the edge of the furthermost stems. This is especially important if you are planting groundcovers and want them to fill in evenly.

Long Day/Short Day - Onions are traditionally classified as either long-day or
short-day, though new varieties called “mid days” are here to complicate things. The “day” part of this term refers to the hours of sunlight. In the north, summer days are very long, giving your onions 14 to 16 hours of sunlight in which to ripen, so long-day varieties are the ones to grow. In the south, the day length tends to be shorter – there is less seasonal variation, with the average length staying around 10 hours. So short-day varieties are best grown in the south.

Long-day onions are typically planted in the spring. Short-day onions are typically planted in the fall.

But what if you live in the south and want to plant your onions this spring? Aha – that’s where new mid-day onions enter the picture! No matter where you live, you can plant mid-days in spring and harvest them in summer. So when in doubt, or when the season isn’t cooperating with your taste buds, rely on mid-days!

Overwinter - You may have seen instructions for “overwintering” a particular plant, ignored them, and done just fine. Or you may have lost a certain plant that should have been hardy in your garden because a particularly harsh winter storm carried it off, or temperatures plummeted below expected levels.

Overwintering is the process of preparing a plant to survive challenging conditions during winter, whether it is a tropical that must be brought indoors before first frost to a young tree that may need to be tied to a support and mulched in well with pine boughs its first winter. Overwintering instructions are usually given for plants that are to be grown north of their hardiness range, but even if you are within the hardiness zones, you might want to pamper your plant (especially the first winter) with a little extra care.

Want more glossary definitions? Visit our online Glossary of Gardening Terms.

Although the word mutation can sound ominous, plant mutations are the source of some of our most beautiful varieties today. A mutation — also called a sport, break, or chimera — is simply a natural genetic change of cell composition within a plant. When a plant “reverts,” such as returning to solid green from a variegated state, that is a mutation as well.

Mutations seem to occur randomly, though they can also be triggered by environmental factors, including insect damage and temperature changes (particularly cold snaps). Sometimes they are present only in one bloom or branch of the plant; other times they are present at the growing points, altering the entire look of the plant.

Chimeras are a special type of mutation. They are plants that possess both “normal” tissue and genetically distinct tissue. This means that they can be grafted to reproduce the chimerical effect. Chimeras are the source of variegated foliage, as well as random flower color changes in Roses, Chrysanthemums, Dahlias, and more. We owe some of the loveliest plants in our gardens to the effects of chimeras, and should always be on the lookout for mutations in our own plants. You never know when a new look is waiting to be discovered in your own border!

The information in this article was taken from the Royal Horticulture Society’s entry for Mutations: Plant in the Gardening Advice section of their website.

Scientists are beginning to echo what gardeners have been saying for years: it’s not only fun but healthy to play in the dirt, and today’s children (especially girls) need it more than ever before!

Over the past half-century, allergies have dramatically increased in children, while time spent outdoors has decreased. And while there may not be a direct correlation, many experts believe that children who are exposed to soil-borne bacteria from an early age may develop stronger resistance to infection, and be less susceptible to autoimmune disorders.

Girls are still less likely than boys to play in the mud and scrabble in the dirt, perhaps due to lingering stereotypes about ladylike behavior — or practical issues such as not wanting to “ruin” nice clothes. And certain autoimmune disorders, such as Lupus, are present in women at a much higher rate than in men. One conclusion? Growing up “too clean” may be unhealthy.

So what can you do? This summer, make sure the children in your life run through your sprinklers, dig in your garden, jump in at least one giant mud puddle, and prepare a tasty mud pie, complete with sticks and leaves. Ideally, every child should spend several hours outdoors each day. While that may not be practical year-round, summer is a great time to introduce kids to the joy of gardening . . . which, at any age, is really just the joy of playing in the dirt!

Scientists are now proving what gardeners have always known: houseplants improve the quality of the air around them. No, it’s not just the elevated mood brought on by the sight of a lovely Cyclamen in the bathroom or a majestic Lemon Eucalyptus beside the window! Nor is it photosynthesis, the process by which plants release oxygen into the atmosphere. Houseplants really do clean the air around us.

New research demonstrates that houseplants actually scrub contaminants from the air in two ways: 1) by leaf pores absorbing them, and 2) by microorganisms in the potting mix ingesting them. And since most Americans now spend more than 90% of their time indoors (why aren’t they out gardening like we are?!) and since the EPA estimates that pollutants are present at 2 to 5 times a higher rate indoors than outdoors, finding an all-natural way to clean things up is a godsend!

The process of cleaning the air via houseplant is called “phytoremediation” (now we know it’s official: it’s got a $10 name!), and it is estimated that the presence of just 6 houseplants in a 1200- to 1500-square-foot home can reduce air-borne contaminants by as much as 75%. That’s a lot of dust, smoke, and chemicals gone from our homes!

So if you have been considering growing a Ponytail Palm, Moses-in-the-Cradle, or Fiber Optic Grass plants this season, go ahead and plant the whole pack of seeds. You’ll have enough little plants to share around with all your friends this spring and summer. And who wouldn’t appreciate a gift of fresh air?!

If you’re like us, every once in a while you want a quick injection of perfect color for that special basket or planter — something that is already blooming weeks before the seeds you’re starting are even ready to transplant. Or you want to give a flowering gift to that novice gardener you’re “cultivating” — something that’s easy enough for them to plant out successfully, yet different enough to set it apart from the same-old, same-old at the big box stores.

That’s where Park’s new annual combination packs come in!

This is something new we’re trying, so you’ll have to tell us what you think. The combos are all mixed pack of plants, all grown in Elle Pots so you know they have great root strength and will transplant effortlessly. You only need one pack for a big pot, basket, or windowbox, so they’re easy on the pocketbook. And they are combinations you aren’t likely to find at the local store, such as these standouts:

• Pink and Ink: Midnight-black sweet potato vine offsetting bright pink petunias and nosegays of red-to-salmon verbena!
• Fiesta Time: Tropical color from a miniature canna, a sun-tolerant begonia, and a bright petunia!
• Spice is Right: Selected for fragrance as well as beauty, this combo features 2 plants each of purple basil, pineapple sage, and an ornamental chili pepper.
• Dynamic Duo: A shade lover! This combo contains three plants each of a bronze-leafed begonia and a perennial heuchera. In the fall, you can plant the heuchera in the garden or let it overwinter in the pot. Either way, it will be around for seasons to come!… plus many more!

Another idea we have for our combinations is “combining the combos” – pairing multiple combo packs to create whole new looks! For sizzling intense color, try mixing Devil May Care with Gold & Bold, for instance. Or, to vary the texture while reinforcing the color, combine 2 very different looks in pink, purple, and white when you mix Serenita Angelonia with Shock Wave Spark Mix. Add Spice is Right to any other sun-loving combo for some spicy fragrance, and introduce a note of mystery to the usual bright summer colors with Black Bloom Petunia Combo!

Our combos are growing beautifully right now, and we can’t wait for just the right time to ship them to you. Give them a try this season and then give us your feedback on this new venture!

Growing Seedlings

Location

Seedlings of different species require different conditions for best growth. In some species, the seedling prefers a temperature different from the germination temperature. Read your seed packet, and pick out ahead of time favorable places to move your seedling flat after emergence.

After emerging, your seedlings should be moved into a desirable location; your seed packet will indicate desired light and temperature. All seedlings need light to develop into strong, healthy plants. In dim light they will grow too tall, with weak, spindly stems. Fluorescent grow-lamps, greenhouses, or cold frames are a big help, but protected beds or sunny windowsills work well also. Avoid cold drafts for warmth-loving kinds.

Seedlings also need air circulation for good health, so avoid locations that are too closed-in. Remove the clear plastic cover from the flat as soon as emergence occurs.

Perennial shade gardens are really pretty easy. Just plan ahead and choose shade-loving plants that you are familiar with. The biggest mistake that people make is not properly researching their plants’ needs before they start planting.

1. Choose your shade garden plot and plants wisely.
   Is your plot in full shade or part shade? Some plants have very finicky light requirements – research your plants’ before purchasing or planting. What kind of soil do you have? Are you planting under trees? Your shade plants are going to have to compete with your trees for nutrients and moisture, and they may needs extra attention in the future. Soil under conifers tends to be more acidic, and it may need to be amended to adjust the pH before plants will thrive. Any shady spot will do, but some will require a little more prep work than others.
2. Design your shade garden layout before you start planting.
   Certain plants need a little bit more sunlight than others and may need to be planted near the edge of your shady area. Position your bright-blooming shade plants like Daylilies, Columbines, and Lenten Roses so that the flowers will stand out against your deeper colored foliage-interest plants like Heucheras, Hostas, and Ferns. You don’t want your flowering plants hidden in the shadows – they should twinkle and highlight all the interesting things that you have going on throughout.
3. Give your shade garden the special care and attention it needs.
   Pull weeds and saplings that will compete with your plants. Use mulch to regulate soil moisture and temperature and to deter weeds. Water deeply once a week, possibly more if your garden is in the shade of trees. Use rich compost and manure or an all-purpose fertilizer to ensure that your plants have plenty of nutrients.

Shade gardens can be one of the most attractive, peaceful places in the garden. Along the edge of the woods, a small grove of trees in your lawn, or in a corner along a north facing wall: your shade garden will be an oasis from the summer heat. Accentuate with a bench, a flagstone path, a frog pond, or maybe a bird bath to make your new space more comfortable, and spend your summer relaxing in the shade.

The heat of August in the south is a heavy muggy soup that presses you into the shade and holds you indoors. There are few reprieves -  sweet iced tea, homemade peach ice cream, window units, and cold watermelon top the list. These things are vital to functioning existence when the newsmen are telling us that we shouldn’t even attempt to go outside. I am not even sure exactly what “Heat Index of 120°F” means, except that I will probably need some watermelon and a tall class of sweet iced tea if I am expected to accomplish anything in the garden that day.

So, from everyone here at Park Seed, in the steaming hot little town of Greenwood, SC, we wish you a happy National Watermelon Day!

If you grew any watermelons this year feel free to share any pictures or stories. Grow your own watermelon!

There’s been enough talk over the last decade or so about the dangers of too
much salt in your diet, that it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone anymore!
For salt lovers, however, it may be a thoroughly unwelcome bit of information.

But there’s no need to despair! You can still enjoy your meals just as much,
and probably even more, by cutting out some of the salt and using more fresh
herbs.

After all, why do you use salt? Because your food is bland, tasteless, or
boring, right? Well, there’s no better way to spice up your meals than with
herbs from your own garden.

When you go to a restaurant and order your favorite dish, you delight in the
complex combination of seasonings and aromas, or perhaps at the simplicity of
just one or two perfectly joined flavors. Chances are that culinary delight
didn’t come about because someone threw some salt in the pan! I’d bet it was
created with the use of fresh, delicious (and might I add, healthy!) herbs.

One of the greatest things about culinary herbs is how simple they are to
grow right at home! Instead of going to the grocery story, you just step to your
windowsill or walk outside to pick fresh, savory basil, cilantro, or parsley (or
a wealth of other possibilities!) to season your next meal. Now that is luxury!
And it’s highly economical. If you’ve tried buying any spices lately, you
undoubtedly know just how expensive they are.

If you’ve already started using fresh herbs in your cooking, good for you! If
you haven’t yet, there’s no time like the present. Remember, most of the time,
with the right fresh herbs, you won’t even miss the salt! Cook healthy, and eat
happy!

People grow their own vegetables because: growing in bulk is cheaper than buying individual units, gardening is fulfilling, both physically and intellectually, and because you can grow anything you want in your garden, even if you can’t find it in stores.

Here are some of the most delicious weird vegetables on the market. This is the place to start if you want to have the most interesting garden and dinner table in the neighborhood.

	Chocolate Cherry tomatoes! These super-sweet purple cherry tomatoes will make your salads pop with color. Add the bright yellow Tomato Ildi and the deep red Tomato Sugary for a really festive, colorful mix of cherry tomatoes.
	Brussels Sprouts Falstaff is a deep red to purple sprout with a delicious nutty flavor. This is one of the most delicious varieties of Brussels Sprouts you can grow.
	Pak Choi Toy Choi is a crunchy little single serving Pak Choi. This tiny delicious exotic vegetable is the perfect size for garnishing those gourmet dishes.
	Pumpkin Big Moon is the pumpkin variety that you see winning ribbons at the county fair. If you are looking to replicate Cinderella’s carriage, having one of these in your garden would be a good start.
	Carrot Purple Haze Hybrid is the perfect vegetable for wowing those dinner guests and making beautifully colorful dishes. This is a sweet Nantes carrot – it tastes just like you would expect a carrot to taste. Purple is the natural color for most wild carrots – the “normal” orange color is an artifact of breeding and domestication.
	Romanesco Veronica cauliflower is an internet star already. Many garden bloggers are sharing photos of this beautiful plant, often tagged “Fractal Cauliflower” or “Fractal Broccoli.” This cauliflower is as delicious as it is interesting, and it’s easy to grow yourself. Grow it in your garden, and you can share your own photos online.