New 2011 shrubs boast blooms,
pest resistance

Dwarf butterfly bush ‘Flutterby Petite’.

One way to cut work in the garden is to plant low-maintenance, pest-resistant shrubs that need little to no pruning. Three excellent new flowering shrubs are debuting in spring 2011 that fill all three of those bills. Check out these at the garden center.

Click here for the list

Spring fever? Start seeds
outdoors early

Seeds already up and growing
inside plastic containers.

Most gardeners know about the two main ways to start seeds: either plant them directly into the soil, or start them early indoors to and transplant later. Much less familiar is “winter sowing” – starting seeds early outdoors with just enough protection to allow germination.

Click here to learn more

Pace yourself with spring
garden clean-up

Clear out dead perennial foliage
as soon as winter breaks.

At winter's end, gardening can seem more like a sprint than a marathon. There’s much to be done as the days lengthen and temperatures rise. But by separating the "must-do ASAP" chores from those that can wait until later in the season, you can enjoy your garden now.

Click here to learn more

Growing potatoes in five steps

A small patch of potatoes growing
in early summer.

Potatoes are among the world’s oldest and most widely grown edibles, dating back in cultivation as early as 5000 B.C. in its native South America. Follow these simple tips and guidelines to savor fresh-from-the-ground potatoes at their best.

Click here for five easy steps

Garden Tips

In this issue…

this month's checklist

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