December 2024: Vegetables for the Winter
Following is a list of four vegetables that will do well in the fall and into the winter here in south Alabama. There are others but these four are four of my favorites. I use them in many dishes and am always looking for new ways to use them. Other vegetables we simply have to…
October 2024: Fall Plantings
What do you want to plant this time of the year? INTRODUCTION Some plants can be planted by seeding but to help ensure some flowering plants. You may find it better to transplant plants that have already been started and are available in many of our local nurseries or garden centers. You should also be…
June 2024 – Ground Covers
Ground Covers – June 2024 This month we will sidestep our ACES Grow More Videos and look at ground covers. There are many uses for ground covers: a steep slope in your yard, choke out weeds, shady areas where your normal grasses do not grow well, full sun and dry areas, edging, erosion control, and…
February 2024 Prepare for Spring Planting
Soil Testing Probably the first thing you want to do is to have your soil tested to ensure you have the correct nutrients. The major issue here in Baldwin County is to make sure the soil pH is correct. This means that you will probably have to add lime to your beds. To soil test,…
January 2024 Milkweed Issues
As mentioned in our short article in this month’s newsletter there are some issues with growing tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) in our area. If your main goal is to help the monarch butterfly – then do not grow tropical milkweed! There are some caveats to this statement which I will mention below. The first thing…
December 2023 Milkweed and Monarch Butterflies
Truly one of the most fascinating and unique plants in the plant world. It is deadly to some insect species and on the other hand absolutely necessary to other species of insects. Born on the wind with their feathered seeds they can spread for large distances. With its hundreds of different variants being found all…
July 2023 Summer Wild Flower Gardens
Summer Wild Flower Gardens This article will certainly be longer than usual, and it will occasionally be modified over the summer. So, check back to see new pictures, primarily, and additional information. Any of the plants mentioned herein may be found as seeds and/or potted plants at most of the garden centers mentioned in a…
June 2023 Urban Green Back 2 Basics
As mentioned in our newsletter for this month I will address the series of webinars entitled: Urban Green: Back 2 Basics Wednesdays Webinar Series. This series of webinars prepared by the Alabama Extension Home Grounds teams addresses basic gardening and landscaping training for individuals in limited spaces. This series of webinars has been in production…
May 2023 Bougainvillea
As mentioned in the May QC Newsletter the Bougainvillea plant is quite easy to grow in our area. Let’s add a few more details on this beautiful plant. Winter care – I would suggest planting bougainvillea in a pot so you can move it inside during our winters. Generally, 40 degrees is the lowest recommended…