we all want a stunning garden, right? one awesome way to achieve this is by deadheading your flowers.
If you’re not familiar with it, deadheading means snipping off the dead or faded blooms from your plants. It not only spruces up your garden, but also helps keep your plant babies healthy and blooming for longer. So, let’s dive into everything you need to know about deadheading flowers, including why, when, and how to do it!
benefits of deadheading flowers
Deadhead your flowers once their blooms start to look worn out and droopy. Snipping off the dead flower heads stops the plant from wasting energy on seed development and redirects it towards producing fresh new blooms. It’s best to deadhead frequently throughout the growing season for happy, healthy flowers. Keep in mind, some flowers prefer to hold onto a few seeds, so don’t remove every deadhead completely.
The timing of deadheading can vary depending on the type of plant species. With some plants, like petunias and geraniums, you might need to deadhead every few days to maintain a continuous bloom cycle. Be sure to research your flower type to know the perfect timing to deadhead.
when should you NOT deadhead flowers?
At the start of the season, hold off on deadheading until the plant has produced a few seeds. This is most vital for plants that require their seed pods to produce new flowers in the following season, like lilies. Additionally, some plants, such as cosmos and zinnias, have a beautiful seed head that can add interest to your garden even after the blooms have faded.
Certain flowers produce deadheads that contain seeds birds love to munch on. Flowers like aster, bee balm, black-eyed susans, coneflowers, false sunflowers, gayfeather, globe thistle, ligularia, pennisetum, sedum, and sunflowers are some examples. For these flowers, resist the urge to deadhead. Leave the deadheads as nature’s snack bar for our bird friends!
comment étêter les fleurs
Supprimer les têtes de fleurs mortes est un jeu d’enfant! C’est comme si vous donniez une petite coupe de cheveux à vos plantes, mais avec beaucoup moins de tracas. Voici comment procéder :
Repérez la fleur morte ou fanée et faites vos adieux.
Repérez l’endroit où vous devez couper : au-dessus de la première série de belles feuilles ou de bourgeons et en dessous de la fleur morte.
Sortez votre beau sécateur ou vos ciseaux et commencez à couper! Attention aux bourgeons frais.
Après avoir coupé les têtes mortes, donnez à vos plantes un peu de soin avec de l’eau et de la nourriture, pour aider vos fleurs à reprendre de la vigueur et à être encore plus belles. Pensez à utiliser un engrais comme l’Engrais pour Plantes Ultra Bloom Miracle-Gro® Shake ‘N Feed.
Enfin, rangez et désinfectez vos outils de taille avec de l’alcool à friction. Et voilà, c’est fait : votre jardin ressemblera à un paradis fleuri en un rien de temps!
So why not try deadheading your flowers? It’s not rocket science, and there are a variety of techniques you can try until you find what works for you. You might even find it to be a relaxing and enjoyable way to connect with your garden. Give it a go and get ready to show off your beautiful garden full of healthy plants and stunning blooms!
Working with your hands, creating and sustaining life, watching plants thrive, each of these key parts of being a gardener have exponential benefits on our mental wellbeing.
But while tending to a garden might usually feel like therapy, it can also be equally as stressful if done without the proper knowledge. There are so many gardening rules to keep up with, many of which novice gardeners learn through trial and error. But don’t stress! To help you put your best green thumb forward, we gathered these simple, straightforward gardening “do’s and don’ts” you need to know.
Read your seed packets: They typically have all the information you need to make sure you’re planting your seeds deep or shallow enough, using the right amount of light, and watering the ideal amount and frequency.
DO
Give your plants space: Overcrowding can cause real conflict! Plants that grow too close together will compete for sunlight and nutrients, which will negatively impact their growth and chances of survival.
DO
Time your watering: The best time to water your plants is in the AM. During the day, water will evaporate from their surface, protecting them from fungal diseases that happen when plants stay wet for too long. Can’t commit to an AM watering routine? The second best time is in the early evening.
DO
Remember to include flowers: They do more than just add colour and beauty. They also attract bees, which help keep your garden thriving by pollinating your other plants.
DON’T
Ignore signs of pests or disease: Notice something off about your garden? Take action immediately. Pest invasions and plant diseases, if left untreated, can become much more difficult to control as they get worse.
DON’T
Overwork your soil: Course, textured soil is full of healthy organic matter. It allows for easier water and nutrient penetration, because it’s less compressed than fine soil. So keep that in mind when working yours!
DON’T
Work the soil while it’s wet: This can make it more tight and compact – which leaves less room for water and air to get through. As worked soil dries, it forms clumps, which are hard to break apart and contribute to slower drainage. It can take YEARS to rebuild healthy soil once that happens!
DON’T
Walk in your garden beds: This compacts the soil – which, as we mentioned above, reduces its ability to retain water and nutrients that your plants need to survive. Instead, use a board to walk on, which can help distribute your weight more evenly.
DON’T
Forget to roll with the punches: Gardening is about the journey, not the destination. It’s about learning new things, experimenting with new methods, and letting your creativity shine. It’s inevitable that you’ll experience roadblocks throughout your journey – but the key is to learn from them, and roll with it!
QUICK TIP
Add a layer of mulch around your plants! It can help them retain moisture, inhibit weed growth, and regulate your soil’s temperature.
If you want to keep your plants alive, there are a few things you have to do: give them light, feed them now and then, and – of course – water them.
Sounds easy right? Then why doesn’t your plant collection look like it’s getting enough water? The answer is easy, overhead watering may not be saturating your plant’s soil. The solution: Try bottom watering.
what is it?
Bottom watering plants is a method of watering that waters potted plants from the bottom up. The plant is placed in a tray or container of water and absorbs water via capillary action through the holes in the bottom of the pot.
Instead of dumping liquid onto the top of the soil of your container plants, you allow the soil to soak it up into its roots from the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
is bottom watering better for your plants?
Bottom watering helps you to avoid drowning your plants in their pot. The soil will only absorb as much moisture as it can hold. It also prevents certain pests, because the top layer of soil will stay dry when watering your plant.
can you over water by bottom watering?
Yes, if the plant is sitting in water too long, you can still overwater your plant through bottom watering. However, bottom watering is a more controlled method of watering your plants. Just make sure your plant is in a nursery pot or a pot with drainage holes.
how to bottom water:
Fill a large bowl or saucer with water.
Remove your plant from its planter (but keep it in the nursery pot).
Let the plant sit in the bowl/saucer for about 15 minutes.
PRO TIP
If you’re finding that your plants are bigger than any bowl you have, you can fill a nursery tray or even your kitchen sink with water to sit your plant in.
benefits of bottom watering:
Less pests because the top layer of soil doesn’t get too wet.
Thorough and even water intake
Less chance of damage to your home from spills from the watering can
Patio season is coming to a close and it’s time to prep your garden for next year.
Taking the time now to clean up your garden will make a HUGE difference next spring. Not sure where to start? Use this checklist to prep your garden for next year.
Do you have any tips or tricks you use to make sure your garden is primed for the next spring? Share your knowledge with the community in the Plant Chat.
New to gardening? No problem-o. You can start your own dream garden with these 10 easy-to-follow tips.
1
location, location, location.
Starting a garden is just like real estate, it’s all about location. Place your garden where you’ll see it regularly, you’ll want to admire it and watch for any unwanted activity. That way, you’ll be much more likely to spend time in it.
2
let the sunshine in, or should you?
Misjudging sunlight is a common when you’re first learning to garden. Watch the sun at different parts of the day to see how it plays through your yard before choosing a spot for your garden. If you plan on planting edibles like vegetables, herbs, and fruits, they need at least 6 hours of sun in order to thrive.
3
refresh your plants.
One of the best gardening tips is to plan your new garden near a water source. Make sure a hose is close to your garden site, that way you don’t have to lug water each time your plants get thirsty. An easy way to tell if plants need watering is to push a finger an inch down into the soil (that’s about one knuckle deep). If it’s dry, time to get out the hose.
4
starting at the bottom now we’re here.
When you first start a garden, the most important piece of advice is to invest in soil that’s nutrient-rich and well-drained. You can do this by using the right blend by mixing 3 inches of Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Garden Soil into the top 6 to 8 inches of existing soil if you’re planning to plant in the ground.
5
contain yourself.
When space is at a premium, you can use containers to make the most of it. Many plants thrive in pots, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruit trees, berries, and shrubs. Make sure when gardening in containers, the pot is large enough for the plant it’s hosting, and fill it with Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control® Potting Mix. It’s specially formulated to help plants in pots thrive, and it also helps protect against over- and under-watering.
6
your perfect match.
It’s important to select plants that match your growing conditions. This means putting sun-loving plants in a sunny spot, and giving ground dwelling vines like pumpkins and melons ample elbow room (or a trellis to climb). Do your homework and choose varieties that will grow well in your environment with the space you have. Instead of trying to grow from seeds get a head start with vigorous young plants.
7
learn your frost dates.
Timing is everything. Planting too early (or late) in the season can spell disaster for your garden. You’ll need to know the last average spring frost date for your area so you don’t accidentally kill plants by putting them out too soon. Another date to make note of is your first average fall frost date so that you get your plants harvested or moved indoors before late-season cold damages them.
8
mulch, your secret weapon.
Layer it on. Apply a layer of mulch that’s 2 to 3 inches deep around each plant. Mulch will go to work reducing weeds by blocking out the sun, and reducing moisture loss through evaporation, so you have to water less. For a polished look, put down a layer of Scotts® Nature Scapes® bagged mulch. You can also use straw, shredded leaves, pine straw, or other locally available materials.
9
feed me.
A great start to your garden starts with great soil, but that soil works best with regular boosts of high-quality nutrition for your plants. In other words, great soil + top-notch plant food = super garden success! So, a month after planting, begin feeding your garden with plant food like Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food. Be sure to follow label directions.
Saving time and money while giving your garden the best chance to flourish is not impossible. An easy solution is also a natural one and the best way to feed your plants. It’s mulch! Nothing says Spring is near quite like a freshly mulched yard. Mulch isn’t just for aesthetics; it’s beneficial to your plants and soils. Here are just 6 of the top reasons you should mulch this Spring:
1
location, location, location.
Starting a garden is just like real estate, it’s all about location. Place your garden where you’ll see it regularly, you’ll want to admire it and watch for any unwanted activity. That way, you’ll be much more likely to spend time in it.
2
let the sunshine in, or should you?
Misjudging sunlight is a common when you’re first learning to garden. Watch the sun at different parts of the day to see how it plays through your yard before choosing a spot for your garden. If you plan on planting edibles like vegetables, herbs, and fruits, they need at least 6 hours of sun in order to thrive.
3
refresh your plants.
One of the best gardening tips is to plan your new garden near a water source. Make sure a hose is close to your garden site, that way you don’t have to lug water each time your plants get thirsty. An easy way to tell if plants need watering is to push a finger an inch down into the soil (that’s about one knuckle deep). If it’s dry, time to get out the hose.
4
starting at the bottom now we’re here.
When you first start a garden, the most important piece of advice is to invest in soil that’s nutrient-rich and well-drained. You can do this by using the right blend by mixing 3 inches of Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Garden Soil into the top 6 to 8 inches of existing soil if you’re planning to plant in the ground.
5
contain yourself.
When space is at a premium, you can use containers to make the most of it. Many plants thrive in pots, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruit trees, berries, and shrubs. Make sure when gardening in containers, the pot is large enough for the plant it’s hosting, and fill it with Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control® Potting Mix. It’s specially formulated to help plants in pots thrive, and it also helps protect against over- and under-watering.
6
your perfect match.
It’s important to select plants that match your growing conditions. This means putting sun-loving plants in a sunny spot, and giving ground dwelling vines like pumpkins and melons ample elbow room (or a trellis to climb). Do your homework and choose varieties that will grow well in your environment with the space you have. Instead of trying to grow from seeds get a head start with vigorous young plants.
7
learn your frost dates.
Timing is everything. Planting too early (or late) in the season can spell disaster for your garden. You’ll need to know the last average spring frost date for your area so you don’t accidentally kill plants by putting them out too soon. Another date to make note of is your first average fall frost date so that you get your plants harvested or moved indoors before late-season cold damages them.
8
mulch, your secret weapon.
Layer it on. Apply a layer of mulch that’s 2 to 3 inches deep around each plant. Mulch will go to work reducing weeds by blocking out the sun, and reducing moisture loss through evaporation, so you have to water less. For a polished look, put down a layer of Scotts® Nature Scapes® bagged mulch. You can also use straw, shredded leaves, pine straw, or other locally available materials.
9
feed me.
A great start to your garden starts with great soil, but that soil works best with regular boosts of high-quality nutrition for your plants. In other words, great soil + top-notch plant food = super garden success! So, a month after planting, begin feeding your garden with plant food like Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food. Be sure to follow label directions.
Be mindful of how much you mulch as it can create a layer that doesn’t decompose or allow for root growth. The soil can actually become so compacted water and nutrients can’t get down to the roots. You can avoid this by stripping off as much of the old mulch and adding a fresh layer every year. Keep your mulch around 3 inches deep, and keep it away from the trunk of trees or shrubs.
Knowing when and how to water your potted plants is an easy way to ensure your house plants are happy and thrive in your home. Here are a few simple dos and don’ts to keep in mind when it comes to watering your botanical buddy.
pick a pot that is the right size for your plant and has good drainage holes.
DO
understand the unique needs of your plants. Succulents are desert plants and like to be kept on the drier side.They are susceptible to rot if over watered. Tropicals like to be kept moist. Some other types like to dry out between watering sessions. It’s all very personal.
DO
consider seasonality. Plants tend to take it easy in the winter, as a result they require less water. Spring and summeris a whole new ball game, that’s when your plant uses all its energy to grow.
DON’T
let water sit. Dump out any excess water. To prevent rot, water thoroughly and let the water run fully out of the pot, then discard the excess water to avoid soggy soil.
DON’T
water the leaves. We’ve said this a million times. When you’re watering your plant, avoid watering from overhead. Aim that watering can below the leaves and at the soil. This helps prevent bacterial and fungal infections.
DON’T
favour one side of the plant. Your plant may have it’s good side but to keep your plant friend full and lush, evenly water around the whole pot.
QUICK TIP
House plants love music! A bopping playlist also encourages growth.
Babies don’t come with instructions but plant babies do. Even with instructions, you may still have some questions on doing right by your plant. We’ve got you covered with some basic houseplant do’s and don’ts.
pick a pot that is the right size for your plant and has good drainage holes.
DO
understand the unique needs of your plants. Succulents are desert plants and like to be kept on the drier side.They are susceptible to rot if over watered. Tropicals like to be kept moist. Some other types like to dry out between watering sessions. It’s all very personal.
DO
consider seasonality. Plants tend to take it easy in the winter, as a result they require less water. Spring and summeris a whole new ball game, that’s when your plant uses all its energy to grow.
DON’T
let water sit. Dump out any excess water. To prevent rot, water thoroughly and let the water run fully out of the pot, then discard the excess water to avoid soggy soil.
DON’T
water the leaves. We’ve said this a million times. When you’re watering your plant, avoid watering from overhead. Aim that watering can below the leaves and at the soil. This helps prevent bacterial and fungal infections.
DON’T
favour one side of the plant. Your plant may have it’s good side but to keep your plant friend full and lush, evenly water around the whole pot.
QUICK TIP
Plants love a fresh dose of potting mix, so re-pot every year right before the warm-weather growing season.
There you are bringing home a new plant, you’re full of hope and promise. You feed and nurture it but after a while you notice the leaves are turning brown and crispy. Let’s look at a few reasons this could be happening to your plant baby.
1
location, location, location.
Starting a garden is just like real estate, it’s all about location. Place your garden where you’ll see it regularly, you’ll want to admire it and watch for any unwanted activity. That way, you’ll be much more likely to spend time in it.
2
let the sunshine in, or should you?
Misjudging sunlight is a common when you’re first learning to garden. Watch the sun at different parts of the day to see how it plays through your yard before choosing a spot for your garden. If you plan on planting edibles like vegetables, herbs, and fruits, they need at least 6 hours of sun in order to thrive.
3
refresh your plants.
One of the best gardening tips is to plan your new garden near a water source. Make sure a hose is close to your garden site, that way you don’t have to lug water each time your plants get thirsty. An easy way to tell if plants need watering is to push a finger an inch down into the soil (that’s about one knuckle deep). If it’s dry, time to get out the hose.
4
starting at the bottom now we’re here.
When you first start a garden, the most important piece of advice is to invest in soil that’s nutrient-rich and well-drained. You can do this by using the right blend by mixing 3 inches of Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Garden Soil into the top 6 to 8 inches of existing soil if you’re planning to plant in the ground.
5
contain yourself.
When space is at a premium, you can use containers to make the most of it. Many plants thrive in pots, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruit trees, berries, and shrubs. Make sure when gardening in containers, the pot is large enough for the plant it’s hosting, and fill it with Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control® Potting Mix. It’s specially formulated to help plants in pots thrive, and it also helps protect against over- and under-watering.
6
your perfect match.
It’s important to select plants that match your growing conditions. This means putting sun-loving plants in a sunny spot, and giving ground dwelling vines like pumpkins and melons ample elbow room (or a trellis to climb). Do your homework and choose varieties that will grow well in your environment with the space you have. Instead of trying to grow from seeds get a head start with vigorous young plants.
7
learn your frost dates.
Timing is everything. Planting too early (or late) in the season can spell disaster for your garden. You’ll need to know the last average spring frost date for your area so you don’t accidentally kill plants by putting them out too soon. Another date to make note of is your first average fall frost date so that you get your plants harvested or moved indoors before late-season cold damages them.
8
mulch, your secret weapon.
Layer it on. Apply a layer of mulch that’s 2 to 3 inches deep around each plant. Mulch will go to work reducing weeds by blocking out the sun, and reducing moisture loss through evaporation, so you have to water less. For a polished look, put down a layer of Scotts® Nature Scapes® bagged mulch. You can also use straw, shredded leaves, pine straw, or other locally available materials.
9
feed me.
A great start to your garden starts with great soil, but that soil works best with regular boosts of high-quality nutrition for your plants. In other words, great soil + top-notch plant food = super garden success! So, a month after planting, begin feeding your garden with plant food like Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food. Be sure to follow label directions.
There are so many great reasons for growing houseplants, but deciding exactly where to put them can get tricky and sometimes even confusing.
sun lovers
Sunlight is the number one requirement for indoor plants. All plants need light, but the amount varies substantially. Although some plants, including certain types of cactus and succulents, need bright sunlight, most prefer more moderate, less intense light. Bright, indirect light, such as from an east-facing window, is good for many plants. If your windows face west or south, you may need to move the plants away from the window or soften the intensity with sheer drapes or a light curtain. Now get out your compass and find that east facing window
the low lighters
Pothos, Maidenhair Fern, Snake Plants, Prayer Plants and Lucky Bamboo do well in low light conditions.
Here are a few tips on where to put your plants: Spreading plants around the perimeter and away from the center of the room can make the space appear larger. For instance, place plants on shelves, window sills, or in corners. Hanging plants are back, but it’s essential to find the best spot. Avoid hanging a plant where guests can bump their heads. Be sure the plant is safely anchored, preferably not above a walkway or chair.
Remember that you’ll need to water the plant, so consider how the pot drains. Look at surfaces and architecture around your home in creative ways. If you have space, set plants on the rungs of an old wooden ladder or on top of a cupboard. People often forget that heat rises so plants in high spots may require more water. If plants are at eye level, cover the potting mix with decorative stones or pebbles. Don’t forget plants in the bathrooms. Succulents won’t be happy with all that steamy air, but, philodendron, spider plant, pothos, and most ferns, will thrive in the warmth and humidity.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
join our passionate plant community and gro your garden!
By registering, I am allowing Scotts Canada Ltd. to contact me with news, articles and promotions. I understand that I can withdraw my consent at any time.
