Don’t put away your gardening tools yet! Spring planting season may be over, but there are actually many plants that can be added to the garden later in the year. These summer annuals are perfect for replacing short-lived spring annuals. Add these late-season pops of color to keep your garden looking its best this year.

Coleus

Color isn’t all about flowers! Coleus offers stunning foliage in a variety of colors, making it perfect to brighten up your garden late in the season. For best results, plant coleus in partial shade. You can also use it for container plantings. Keep the show going longer by pinching off any flowers that form.

Alternanthera “Purple Knight”

Much like coleus, alternanthera offers stunning foliage. It does best in partial shade to full sun, and can be used as a landscape plant or grown in containers. Late in the season, it’s a great filler for areas of your garden that are looking a little thin.

Pentas

Pentas bloom in shades of pink, white, and lavender. Their flowers are clusters of small trumpet-shaped blooms, with star-shaped openings. Butterflies and hummingbirds absolutely love them, and pentas love hot weather. You can’t beat them as a midsummer fill-in for sunny spots.

Tuberous Begonias

In Maryland, tuberous begonias grow best in containers with relatively good drainage. However, spending a little bit of effort to plant them will yield a big show. Their flowers bloom in almost every color, and they’ll keep growing strong until the first frost. They make wonderful hanging basket plants for porches, and can also be brought indoors to enjoy during the winter. Plant in full sun to partial shade.

Scaevola

Sometimes called “fan flower,” scaevola is a trailing annual plant with purple or white flowers. If your container gardens could use a pep-up, plant scaevola along the edges for long-lasting color. Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Wishbone Flower

Look for Torenia, or “wishbone flower,” as another summer container filler. It’s semi-upright with purple or dark pink flowers and creamy throats. A tough plant with a bit of tropical flair, it will bloom like crazy until frost.

New Guinea Impatiens

We love these garden workhorse flowers. You can basically plant them and forget them! Some varieties have darker leaves, but all have bright, almost tropical-hued flowers. Grow in full sun to partial shade in containers, or as a mass planting in your landscape beds. They’re real showstoppers!

Geraniums

Geraniums offer flowers in a variety of hues, and are great for attracting bees and butterflies to the garden. Plant geraniums in full sun to get the most blooms and water when the soil gets dry. Be careful not to overwater because this will increase the risk of disease. You can bring a pot of geraniums indoors to enjoy for the winter, too. Just make sure it gets bright light.

Don’t let your summer garden become lackluster! Fill blank spaces and add more color and life to your garden with these summer annuals. The beauty they bring is well worth the extra effort. For help finding what would work best in your garden, come into one of our store locations and speak to an expert today.

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You’ve hung the stockings, decorated the tree and strung the twinkle lights. Only one thing left to do!

Add holiday houseplants to complement your decor. They instantly liven up a space and spread joy.

They’re the finishing touch!

Plus, their lively blooms, colors and smells are the definition of holiday cheer! Stock up on indoor plants that are perfect for sharing with hostesses and friends now.

Learn about the four most popular picks for holiday houseplants and how to care for them below.

Five Holiday Houseplants to Give and to Get

Start with the perfect holiday houseplant! The rest is easy.

1. Classic Poinsettia. No other plant quite marks the season like the poinsettia does. With more than 100 varieties available today in colors of red, white, pink and more, this plant can be found just about everywhere.
2. Colorful Christmas Cactus. Red and green all over, this flowering houseplant is easy to care for and bursts with sweet, red blooms all season.  Enjoy your Christmas cactus year after year as this is an annual bloomer!  It also has been known to bloom more than once a year!
3. Amazing Amaryllis. The ultimate statement piece! Bold, stunning and elegant, amaryllis delight with vibrant red and snowy white blooms.
4. Stunning Norfolk Island Pine. A mini Christmas tree, this festive plant looks festive when adorned with mini lights and homemade ornaments or just plain on its own. Plus, they can grow up to 12’ tall if properly cared for!
5. Delightful Cyclamen. Cyclamen’s densely heart-shaped foliage hugs and surrounds whimsical and amazing flowers with love. With bright flowers in shades of pink, white or red, they’re great for adding a pop of color where you need it. Under the right conditions, they can bloom for more than eight weeks or more.

Three Tips to Keep Holiday Houseplants Happy

1. Wrap It Up. Take holiday houseplants out of original packaging and place in a festive container. Get creative — tie a bow around it or paint the pot.
2. Season’s Soil. Feed with a liquid fertilizer made for houseplants, such as Espoma’s Indoor! houseplant food, then fill the pot with organic potting soil.
3. Let It Shine. Read the plant tag to see how much sunlight and water your holiday houseplant needs.

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by placing a holiday houseplant here and there! Enjoy those blooming beauties all season.

Originally published as an Angie’s List Experts article.

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Crapemyrtle produces vivid flowers in a variety of colors, making it a favorite for numerous landscaping purposes. In Maryland and surrounding regions, it can be grown alone as a shrub or small tree, and when grouped together creates a stunning hedge or living screen for privacy.

If you’re planting crapemyrtle, choose a variety with a mature size that scales appropriately to the space. This ensures a natural fit and minimal trimming. You should also select a color that matches the outdoor aesthetic. From cherry red to dark purple and virtually every shade of pink, Homestead Gardens has crapemyrtle varieties to meet your exact desires. Check out this handy reference guide from Homestead Gardens.

Plant in good soil comprised of heavy loam to clay. Keep in mind that crapemyrtle prefers sun and heat, and should have adequate moisture and proper drainage. A light application of 5-10-5 fertilizer in early spring is beneficial. Consider using Leafgro compost and Biotone plant food to help crapemyrtle thrive. A Treegator watering bag helps ensure that just the right amount of moisture is available for optimum growth during warm months.

For established crapemyrtle, spring is the ideal time to trim just before it leafs out. Remove low limbs to create a taller canopy. To create a tree-like appearance, remove branches from the center and any suckers popping up from the base, leaving a few main trunks. To maintain a certain height, remove twiggy growth from the top and sides of the plant.

Remember, all crapemyrtles will produce recurrent blooms if the plants are not permitted to develop seed. This means you need to remove spent blooms. On very large trees, removal of very large clusters may be difficult. Therefore pruning is restricted to thinning lower trunks.

In the fall, do not trim crapemyrtle or water extensively. Trimming at this time can hurt the tree, and too much water will encourage fall growth; you want plants to harden and prepare for winter. Additionally, add HG Maryland Select Shredded Hardwood Mulch to protect against root freezing.

Crapemyrtle is a wonderful addition to any yard. With stunning summer blooms and striking fall leaf color, it’s a visual treat all year long.

For help selecting the right crapemyrtle for your conditions, visit with a Homestead Gardens expert in store.

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Shopping List

Seeds

Plant markers

Container with cover

Fertilizer granules

Seed starter mix

Misting spray bottle

Heating pad

Grow Light

Step 1: Select your seeds

Homestead Gardens is proud to carry only the best seeds on the market! Look for Livingston Seeds, Better Botanicals, Southern Seed Exchange, Renee’s Garden and Cornucopia Seeds in our Lawn & Garden Supply department. As you consider what type of garden you want to grow (Herbs? Veggies? Flowers? Squashes?) and the space where you will be growing (In ground? Raised bed? Patio pots?), you will need to look for seeds which produce plants that will flourish in place.

Check the seed packet for:

✓ expiration date

✓ number of weeks to germination

✓ planting depth

✓ watering requirements

✓ light requirements

Step 2: Select your container

You can plant your seeds in just about any container that has drainage, but we recommend something shallow and small enough to place in a warm spot in your home or shed. Botanical Interest has a great two-tiered plastic tray that makes watering a cinch. You can try a simple approach of planting directly into a tray, or you can place individual cells on the tray (a peat pot, egg carton, Botanical Interest recycled paper pots or even an egg shell will do).

Step 3: Plant your seeds

1. Cover the tray with a thin layer of seed starter mix (we recommend Espoma Organic Seed Starter)
2. Moisten soil lightly with a spray mister
3. Soak or Scarify your seeds
4. Add fertilizer granules, we recommend just 2-3 per cell
5. Repeat Step 1 to cover fertilizer with seed starter mix
6. Add seeds, about 3-4 per cell
7. Repeat Step 1, then mist with water
8. Cover; set in a warm, lit place. We recommend a seed starting heat pad or grow lights, available in all our store.

Step 4: Care for your seedlings

✓ Always water your seedlings from the bottom. Check the water level daily.

✓ Make sure seedlings receive enough light and warmth.

✓ When the majority of seeds have sprouted, remove the cover to prevent seedling wilt.

STEP 5: Harden Off Seedlings

Your seeds have tiny embryos inside that will unfurl and grow when exposed to food, light and warmth, kind of like us humans! That growth is called germination. When your seeds have germinated and grown true leaves, it’s time to acclimate them to outside conditions. This slow and gentle introduction to the world is called “hardening off”. Rapid exposure to the heat of the sun, wind, rain and other climate changes can cause shock and damage.  will germinate. Instead, let your plant babies learn about the world around them a few minutes and then a few days at a time.

Once seeds have a set of “true leaves” you can begin to take them outside, after chance of frost, in increasing increments of time each day, for 6-10 days. Once your plants are ready, you can transfer to the garden. You’ll need potting soil made for harvest. We recommend an organic mix. Don’t forget to feed and fertilize your plants, water appropriately, and enjoy the fruits of your labor with each bite when you harvest!

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Watering can make or break your gardening success. Too much and the plants drown. Not enough and they turn to a crisp. Here’s what you need to know about watering your plants to ensure they stay happy, healthy, and beautiful.

Read About Your Plants

Some plants, like sage and rosemary, are native to the Mediterranean and thrive with little water. Others, like cucumbers, need consistent moisture to produce well. Knowing a bit about the plants you have can help you create a watering schedule.

Opt for Less Frequent Drenching Rather than Frequent Quick Showers

The best way to water is to give your plants a thorough soaking once or twice a week rather than a quick watering every day. This allows water to soak deep into the soil and helps plants develop deep roots, which will make them more drought-resistant.

Learn About Your Soil

The frequency with which you need to water will, in part, depend on what your soil is like. Heavy clay soils tend to hold water better than lighter, sandy soils will. However, water takes longer to soak into clay soils and may run off if there’s a lot of water at once. Adding organic matter, like good quality compost, can help regulate moisture levels in either soil type.

Let Your Soil Dry Out Before Watering

Your soil doesn’t always need to be perfectly moist. Letting your soil dry out between waterings can encourage plants to develop deep root systems and become more resilient.

Check Your Soil

Soil should be moist, but not soaking wet. This is particularly true for potted plants. If you grab a handful of soil and gently squeeze, it should form a clump and not crumble apart. However, if you can squeeze water out, it’s too wet. Don’t just check the surface though, dig down about 3 inches into the soil. If you do this periodically while running your sprinkler, you’ll be able to identify approximately how long you need to water each time. For plants that need consistent moisture, plan to keep the soil about as moist as a wrung-out sponge.

Get a Timer

One of the best ways to stay on top of your watering is to install a timer for your sprinklers or drip irrigation. You can also get flow timers that can be set based on gallons of water rather than time. Make sure you turn it off if you get more than an inch of rain at a time. Too much moisture can be just as damaging as too little.

Remember That Plants Need Change

Over the course of the season, your plants’ water needs may vary significantly. Their needs will vary with the weather. They’ll need more if it is hot and dry, and less if you’re getting regular rain. Watering needs also change with the light. As summer turns to fall, the daylight grows shorter and plants grow more slowly, taking up less water. Keep this in mind throughout the season.

One of the easiest ways you can improve your garden is to water well. Follow these tips to make sure you’re watering properly this summer. As an additional tip, if you struggle to keep up with watering, try planting native varieties. Plants that can naturally be found in Maryland like bee balm, coral honeysuckle, and Black-Eyed Susans typically require less frequent watering.

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Did you know that stormwater runoff, water that reaches the bay after a rainstorm, is actually a huge cause of ocean pollution? This water carries litter, pet waste, sediment, excess nutrients, and chemicals into the bay, all of which harm marine life, water quality, and people. If you have a yard, one easy step you can take to help preserve the Chesapeake Bay from runoff is following these simple Bay-Wise gardening tips.

Landscape with Native Plants

The first step you can take is to select native grasses and plants (perennials, trees, and shrubs) for your landscaping. Native plants are well suited to local growing conditions and typically require less fertilizer and pesticide use than non-natives. They also develop larger root systems than many cultivated varieties, and therefore take up more rainwater and absorb more excess nutrients from the rest of the garden while preventing or slowing runoff. Growing native plants also helps native wildlife thrive — especially pollinators such as hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, and bees.

Native Plants to Grow

Flowers:

•       Monarda (bee balm)
•       Eastern Columbine
•       Native Milkweed
•       New York Ironweed
•       Black-Eyed Susan
•       Golden Groundsel
•       Turk’s Cap Lilly
•       Joe Pye Weed
•       Cardinal Flower
•       Pussytoes
•       Foxglove
•       Beardtongue

Grasses:

•       Panicum
•       Little Bluestem
•       Northern Sea Oats
•       Big Bluestem

Shrubs & Vines:

•       Rose Mallow
•       Hillside Blueberry
•       Serviceberry
•       Coral Honeysuckle
•       Arrowwood

Plant a Tree

Trees have large root systems that are excellent at taking up water and nutrients. As with other plants, we recommend selecting a native variety, which will be easy to maintain and will support local wildlife.

Native Trees

• Pawpaws
• White Oaks
• Flowering Dogwood
• Eastern Redbud
• Southern Magnolia
• American Holly
• Black Gum
• Eastern White Pine

The State of Maryland is partnering with businesses, communities, and citizens to help fund more native tree cover. You can receive a coupon for $25 off the purchase of a native tree from the Marylanders Plant Trees program.

Pass the Word Along

While making a difference in your own yard is important, you can double your impact by educating others. Talk to your friends and neighbors about the importance of Bay-Wise gardening and explain what you’re doing in your yard. You can also put up a sign in front of your wildflower bed.

Become a Bay-Wise Gardener

If you’d like to take this a step further, consider becoming a certified Bay-Wise gardener. A program through the University of Maryland Extension, the Bay-Wise program, is taught by Maryland Master Gardeners and covers multiple elements of Bay-Wise landscaping and stormwater management.

Stormwater runoff affects local wildlife, marine life, and people. By using these Bay-Wise gardening techniques, you can help mitigate local stormwater runoff and help protect our beautiful bay.

For more information about how to preserve our Bay, check out these Bay Wise Gardening tips from our expert, Heather Wheatley.

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To all the valued customers of Homestead Gardens,

I am writing to update you on what’s happening at Homestead Gardens’ Davidsonville location this March.

We are undergoing renovations to our facility designed to create a better customer experience. One of the most significant changes will be to our greenhouse where we are replacing the roof to make shopping for annuals and vegetables more comfortable year-round, especially on hot days.  Originally the project was to be finished in February, but inclement weather has delayed the completion.

As a result, we will not have our annual Flower Show.  Not to worry, though. During March, we will have a full assortment of fresh flowering products arriving daily. Growers will be delivering the colorful flowering pansies, primrose, potted spring flowers as well as blooming hellebores that really help bring the feeling of spring to your home during these crisp days of late winter.

Additionally, you will find in stock a wide selection of summer bulbs and vegetable seeds, complete seed starting kits with grow lights, fruit and nut trees, patio furniture and all the other products you have come to expect at Homestead Gardens this time of year.

Another exciting renovation is the addition of a dedicated garden education space called The Homestead Gardens Academy Classroom. We know how the community has attended and valued gardening classes at Homestead Gardens over the years. We wanted to create a space that is climate controlled year-round and features upgraded monitors that help attendees view the beauty that is nature as they listen to the speaker.  Keep an eye out for a full listing of workshops and classes happening every weekend at both locations.

The first major event we will have in our newly renovated greenhouse will be the Green Expo on Saturday, March 23, 2019, presented by the Davidsonville Area Civic Association.

From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, you can observe demonstrations and hear from 30 different local companies who are making a difference for the environment by being green.   During the Green Expo you will have an opportunity to shop a wide selection of spring products in all departments.

Mark Your Calendar for Homestead Gardens’ 2019 Spring Kickoff Weekend: Friday, April 5th, Saturday, April 6th and Sunday, April 7th!

Friday April 5:

Homestead Gardens rewards members will find a store full of products fresh from the farm and savings on dozens of in-store specials.  Friday afternoon will be a media, garden communicators and bloggers event. Friday evening from 5:00 – 8:00 PM will be an open house during which our customers and the community can come to see the new changes, sip wine, enjoy beautiful flowers and connect with old friends while finding those one-of-a-kind garden products.

Saturday April 6:

At the Davidsonville location, you will not want to miss the all-star lineup of celebrity garden speakers. Featured speakers include WTOP’s Mike McGrath, local native plant expert Tony Dove, garden-to-vase flower designer Dana O’Sullivan from DellaBlooms, and from Proven Winners Val Rollins with special guest Laura LeBoutillier of Garden Answer.

Also, on Saturday April 6 at both locations will be our annual Chicks on the Loose. Chicken enthusiasts can select and welcome new chicks into their homes, gardens and coops. Choose from a wide selection of breeds, colors and egg sizes; hear from experts on backyard care and find amazing products that make chickens healthy, fun and rewarding.

Sunday April 7:

At the Severna Park location you will hear garden-to-vase flower designer Dana O’Sullivan from DellaBlooms and Washington Gardener editor Kathy Jentz.  

There will be book signings and special in-store savings on Saturday and Sunday of the event – come meet our guests and experts!

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Summer is a relaxing time for all, but don’t forget that some summertime festivities can pose a danger to your pet or make them feel uncomfortable. Always keep an eye out for how they respond to the environment. Here are a few reminders of how to keep your pet safe and comfortable all throughout summer:

1. Fireworks & Thunderstorms

• Keep pets in a secure location, preferably inside.
• Occupy the space with fresh water, toys, and leave a TV or Radio on for noise distractions.
• Prior to the event or thunderstorm, you could try giving your pet a good quality relaxer, such as CBD oil to help with anxiety.
• Make sure your pet has a microchip.
  

2. Sun & Heat

• Stay off pavement/concrete and sand – paws are very sensitive and can burn or blister.  
  • Test with your bare foot for 7 seconds on the surface the dog will be walking on. If it is too hot for you, it will be too hot for them.
  • Consider buying booties for your dog if you will be taking them out on hot surfaces.
• Keep your pet hydrated!
• Know and be on the lookout for the signs of dehydration and overheating: excessive panting, dark red gums, increased heart rate, & weakness.
• Slather on that SPF! Dogs that are white, hairless or lightly colored can burn.
• Morning (before sunrise) or Evening (after sunset) walks are best to minimize heat related stress.
• Play in sprinklers or kiddie pool.
• Limit excessive play or outdoor activities.
• Prevent overheating by taking breaks in the shade every 30 minutes.
• Keep your pet inside when temperatures rise.

3. Toxic Chemicals

• Watch for Poisonous plants.
• Insecticides, insect repellents, sunscreen, citronella products, and glow sticks are toxic to pets, so it’s best to keep them out of reach or away from your pets.

4. Parties & BBQ’s 

• Keep alcohol and food out of pets reach.
  • Some foods are hazardous to your pets health: Onions, grapes, avocados, chocolate, cooked bones, etc.
• Make sure there is plenty of shade available for the pets attending.
• Water activities:
  1. Make sure there is easy access to get in and out.
  2. Rinse your pups after a dip in the pool as the chemicals can be harmful to pets.
  3. Allow time to rest, swimming can be strenuous.
  4. Try to minimize how much ocean, pool, lake, etc. water dogs are consuming because it can dehydrate them faster.

5. Hot Cars

• Even with the windows cracked, the inside temperature of a car can reach 100 degrees in 10 minutes when it is 85 degrees outside!
• Never leave your pet alone in the car. 

6. Pests

• Flea, tick and mosquito prevention is key during the summer months.
• Pets can contract serious health issues from these pests.

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Roses are one of the most beloved flowers due to its beautiful bloom, fragrant scent and cultural significance. From coast to coast, these stunners can make a wonderful addition to your yard.

To help your roses thrive and get the most out of their colorful blooms, consider these tips from the Homestead Garden experts:

Watering:

Roses are thirsty plants. Strive to keep the soil around roses moist, but not wet. Water deeply so that the dirt is moistened to about one foot. Do this every five to six days for moderate climates, and every two to three days for dry climates. Watering in the morning can help soil retain more moisture.

Lend a Hand:

Every day or two, check over your roses to pick off any pests or remove dead foliage. If big blooms become heavy and start to droop, tie supports (we love Peacock plant supports!) to help strengthen the plant so you can enjoy them as long as possible.

Mulch:

A good 6 inches of high-quality mulch can make rose plants happy. It assists in retaining moisture so the plants don’t get too dry, plus it makes a nice visual element within your landscape design. Our experts recommend Homestead’s own Maryland Select Shredded Hardwood Mulch. It is 100% organic and made from a blend of hardwood trees and bark which is ideal for moisture and nutrient retention.

Food:

A slow-release liquid food designed specifically for roses can help give plants a boost. Products with potash and magnesium can encourage more blooms. During summer months, feed every two weeks. Try Espoma Organic Rose-tone®. Rose-tone is a premium organic fertilizer designed to supply the necessary nutrients for growing prize winning roses. The organics in Rose-tone break down gradually providing a long lasting nutrient reservoir activated throughout the growing season.

Pruning:

If you need to prune, cut at a 45-degree angle about 1/4 inch above a bud. Trim clear canes if bushes are getting too crowded, and remove leaves from under six inches above ground to avoid black spot.

Homestead Gardens recommends Fiskars Bypass Pruners – find them in our Lawn & Garden Department!

Winter Care:

In cold climates, winter can be tough for roses. When it’s time for them to hibernate, prune back to waist height (usually mid-autumn). Then add a bed of burlap to help protect plants all winter long.

A final thought: For some homeowners, roses are already established, and these tips will help you make the most of your eye-catching plants. If you’re looking to add new roses to your yard, consult a Homestead Garden expert. There are many varieties to choose from, and our gardeners can guide you to the right options for your needs.

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Getting Involved in the Local Ag Community

Agriculture is a huge part of our American culture that incorporates a lot more than just farming or animals. Agriculture is the foundation of utilizing the land and animals to provide and sustain life. Many people are already in touch with their agricultural roots from gardening or keeping a small flock of chickens in their backyard to participating in their local community garden or even a regional bee hive. It doesn’t take having a small farmette to be agriculturally tuned in. There is a large community of agricultural businesses right here in Maryland. If you would like to learn more about agriculture and how to get back to your roots, there are several options available:

For youth, there are many programs nationwide that have been teaching the next generation all about agriculture and how it connects us all. Two of the most prominently known organizations for youth include 4H and FFA. Adults are involved in leadership and teaching roles, but also as parents learning alongside their children.

As adults, there are still plenty of other ways to get involved, too. A simple first step could be a visit to your local Farmer’s Market to see all of the different agricultural businesses in your area. Each business might have opportunities to get involved or know others who might. There are also programs linked to some of the businesses that you could join to learn more and start your own agricultural backyard, etc. The opportunities are endless, you just have to be open to learning and asking for help.

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