GenAcres Homestead

Great Gardening Gift Ideas for Kids I've been gardening for many years, and one of my favorite things to do is get kids involved in gardening.  It can serve as a great outside classroom.

Natural Beauty of Troughs They're hard to find, can be expensive if you do find them, but if you're lucky enough to score one from Craigs List or a sale at a farm store, there are many advantages to picking a trough up and using it in your garden.

   Hostas - Great Ground Cover Plants! If you're looking for great, easy-care ground cover plants to add to your shady or part sunny perennial garden, there are varieties of hosta that fit the bill!

  Two Free Soil Amendments - -   Leaf Mold and Compost Every gardener knows the health of their soil is one of the most important factors in achieving a successful gardening season.  Here are two FREE renewable resources that you have on hand that will save you money and build up your soil!

   Dividing Hostas in the Summer Although spring and fall are the best times to divide perennials like hostas, you can divide them successfully in the summer.   Here are the most important steps to follow to ensure a healthy summer division.

    Hostas - Perfect for Hypertufa Planters! If you are new to working with hypertufa to make great garden art, planters and the like, you may want to read our Hypertufa 101 articles first.  Read:  Hypertufa 101 . Hypertufa planters are great for plants. They do not heat up in the sun and they are porous which will allow the plant's roots to breathe.

g There are many reasons that hostas remain one of the most popular perennials for a shady garden.  One of the main reasons is that hostas not only survive but actually thrive in shade. Hostas actually give their best performance in moist soil and partial shade whether they are planted in the ground or in a pot or container. Don’t confuse “partial shade” with “deep shade.” No hosta is going to thrive in deep shade. All hostas need some sunlight to photosynthesize. The perfect setting for hostas depends on their leaf color.  Blue, green and variegated hostas will do better in slightly deeper shade, while yellow and gold hostas need more light to bring out their colors. Hostas with more substantial foliage will accept full sun in cooler zones, provided they are given ample and constant moisture. So if your shady garden needs some pizzazz, read on! First, why ARE hostas so popular? Here are just a few reasons to start with. Variety of Sizes Mini Height