Some Like It Hot!!! From meatloaf to spaghetti sauce to salsa to salads, we certainly use a lot of peppers. And, there are so many peppers to choose from that it can be overwhelming to pick one. So what are the differences? Sweet peppers have a mild earthy flavor but no heat. Traditionally called green … Read more
Beautiful blooming hanging baskets are here. They’re perfect for porches, balconies, even a shepherd’s crook in the yard. And it’s about time for the birds to move in and make them their home for the summer. Every spring, I hang a beautiful hanging basket by my front door. And every year, I have little house … Read more
Tomatoes are native to the Americas, like peppers, and were grown by the Aztecs who called the fruits “tomatl”—meaning “plump thing with navel.” Tomatoes are botanically berries, believe it or not! I get a lot of questions about different tomato varieties so here is a brief description of the ones we’ll be carrying this year. … Read more
With school out for the rest of the school year, are you looking for ways to entertain your kids? Here are some plant projects that are both fun and educational. Fun Projects! Carrots Cut the tops off carrots (not baby-cut carrots) leaving about a one-inch stump. Place the stump in a saucer of water, near … Read more
So the first day of “official” spring was this past Thursday—but when is spring really? Well, that depends on who you ask. In the United States, spring begins on the Vernal Equinox (on or about March 20/21) and ends on the Summer Solstice. Meteorologists, on the other hand, consider spring consisting of the months of … Read more
Every year, about this time, I get hit with lots of questions from people who have started seeds indoors. Here are some of the most common questions, I get asked. The single most common question I get asked by customers who’ve started seeds indoors is, “Why are my seedlings long and floppy?” Long, weak stems … Read more
Citrus trees are fun and easy to grow—if you give them what they need. Correct light Pick a window that gets six or more hours of direct sunlight. An unobstructed south window is best—no sheer curtains, blinds, tinted glass or overhang, and no trees outside. Because winter sun is weak and days are short, during … Read more
It’s no secret that I’m not a winter fan. I miss my garden. I miss sitting on the deck on a summer evening watching the fireflies light up my garden. In spring I can nibble on a peppery leaf of arugula or a crisp sugar snap pea and in the summer, a handful of cherry … Read more
Interesting Tidbits about Some Favorite Houseplants With February being Houseplant Month, I thought I’d share some odd and interesting facts I’ve discovered over years about some of my favorite plants. Peace Lilies They’re so pretty with their white flowers but did you know Peace Lilies are not lilies at all but are related to Chinese … Read more
February is houseplant month here at the Great Big Greenhouse. Not only do we have free seminars every Saturday, but we offer free repotting of your houseplants, too. So how do you know your houseplants need repotting? If you find that you’re having to water a lot more often, that’s usually a clue the plant … Read more
