AMERICAN GARDENER

Indiana has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold with snowfall, while summers are warm and often humid. Spring and fall bring variable temperatures, which can change quickly from year to year. Rainfall in Indiana is moderate and fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. This supports healthy plant growth but can … Read more

Arkansas has a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Average summer temperatures often reach the high 80s to 90s, while winter temperatures vary by region, with colder conditions in the north and milder weather in the south. This climate creates a long growing season that benefits many fruit trees. … Read more

Strawberries are low-growing plants that produce small, sweet, and juicy fruits enjoyed around the world. They thrive in fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight and consistent watering. Proper care, including mulching, spacing, and feeding, supports healthy growth and abundant fruit production throughout the season. While most strawberries are known for their bright red flesh, … Read more

Strawberries are low-growing plants that thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of sunlight. They prefer slightly acidic soil and benefit from regular watering, especially during flowering and fruiting. Proper spacing ensures good air circulation, reducing the risk of disease and promoting healthy growth. Mulching is an important practice for strawberries. A layer of organic … Read more

Some flowers are naturally hardy and can withstand frost, snow, and freezing temperatures. They often bloom in the coldest months, bringing color to gardens when most plants are dormant. Their resilience allows them to survive harsh conditions that would damage less hardy varieties. These flowers have adaptations that protect their delicate parts from freezing. Many … Read more

Mulching is the practice of covering the soil around plants with a protective layer of material, either organic (like straw, leaves, or compost) or inorganic (like plastic or gravel). It helps conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature, reduce erosion, and improve soil structure as organic mulches break down. Mulching also keeps garden beds tidy and can … Read more

Mulching is the practice of covering the soil around plants with a layer of material, either organic (like straw, leaves, or compost) or inorganic (like plastic or gravel). Its main purpose is to conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature, suppress weeds, and improve soil health over time. Mulching also prevents soil erosion and keeps garden beds … Read more

Mulching is essential for blueberry bushes, which are shallow-rooted, acid-loving plants (optimal soil pH 4.5–5.5) that demand consistent moisture, cool roots, and protection from weeds that compete for nutrients. Mulch conserves water (blueberries need 1–2 inches per week), suppresses weeds, moderates soil temperature (preventing root stress in heat or cold), maintains or lowers pH as … Read more

Winterizing strawberries with mulch is vital in regions with cold winters (USDA zones 3–7 especially). Strawberries are hardy perennials, but their shallow crowns and flower buds are vulnerable to temperatures below 15–20°F (-9 to -7°C), repeated freeze-thaw cycles causing heaving (soil expansion pushes plants out, exposing roots), desiccation from winter winds, and crown rot from … Read more

Mulching is crucial for roses, which thrive with consistent moisture, cool roots, and protection from diseases like black spot (caused by soil splash on leaves). Mulch helps retain water (roses are thirsty during blooming), suppresses weeds that steal nutrients, moderates soil temperature (preventing root stress in heat or cold), reduces fungal issues by blocking splash-back, … Read more