Your National Gardening Association weekly news for June 3, 2017

Planting Raspberries

"Raspberries thrive in well-worked, well-fed, slightly acid soil (pH 5.5 to 6.8). Like most fruits, they crave sunlight and plenty of moisture, but adequate drainage is critical. Take the time to eliminate perennial weeds as much as possible, either by repeated tilling or by planting a cover crop a year in advance. Be sure to mix in some 10-10-10 "

Growing Marjoram

"Shakespeare knew his herbs, and characterized them in his work. In All's Well that Ends Well, someone gives a compliment, describing another as, "the sweet marjoram of the salad, or rather the herb of grace.""

Weeds- Horsetail

"Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) has been around since dinosaur days. It is a common perennial weed in the northern half of North America, especially in moist soils. Upright stems with cone-like tips bear spores, but horsetail owes its staying power to spreading roots."

Garden Box DIY Projects

"Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb, a seasonal hobbyist, or a newbie thinking about growing your own tomatoes, spring garden season is here. It’s time to get planting. You don’t even have to get your knees dirty! Garden boxes allow you to garden almost anywhere, on your own terms. With some simple materials and a little elbow grease, you can construct your own."

Pest Control- The Cucumber Beetle

"There are two forms of cucumber beetle -- one striped and the other sporting a dozen black spots. Cucumber beetles are pests of far more plants than their name indicates. In addition to cucumbers and their relatives (squashes, gourds, and melons), these beetles are known to feed on beans, peas, corn and blossoms of several wild and cultivated plants. The spotted cucumber beetle feeds on an even wider array of cultivated plants, adding potatoes, beets, tomatoes, eggplants, and cabbage to its menu. The larva of the spotted cucumber beetle is also known as the southern corn rootworm. In addition to corn roots, it infests peanuts, small grains and many wild grasses. You may find them feasting on your roses and dahlias, as well."

Understanding Corn Genetics

"Corn's unique reproductive process has made it a plant breeder's dream. Ever since the theories of heredity put forth by such men as Gregor Mendel and Charles Darwin were recognized in the late 1800s, corn has been continually bred and recrossed to create new varieties."

Photo of Rose (Rosa 'Veilchenblau')
By zuzu:

Photo of Rose (Rosa 'Freisinger Morgenrote')
By Calif_Sue:

Photo of Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'Merchant Marine')
By lharvey16:

Photo of Intermediate Bearded Iris (Iris 'Langport Storm')
By IrisLilli:

Photo of Daylily (Hemerocallis 'Bumble Bee Glee')
By kidfishing:

Photo of Dragon Arum (Dracunculus vulgaris)
By plantcollector:

Photo of Daylily (Hemerocallis 'Fugitive')
By mom2cjemma:

Photo of Cistus x purpureus
By RuuddeBlock:

Photo of Hollyhock (Alcea rosea 'Creme De Cassis')
By Amazindirt:

Photo of Itoh Peony (Paeonia 'Morning Lilac')
By treehugger: