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Creeping Phlox

Creeping Phlox - Phlox Stolonifera The Creeping Phlox is a low-growing perennial plant with small, vibrant pink flowers that form a dense carpet-like display in spring. It forms a beautiful, lush pink carpet array of blooms and is an excellent spreading groundcover plant that will control weeds and overgrowth near hillsides and banks you can not maintain. Due to its numerous benefits and aesthetic appeal, it is a popular and versatile plant used in landscaping.  The plant is a solid option for those who want to add gorgeous color to their yard. This plant, also known as the mountain type, moss type, and moss pink, is native to the central and eastern United States, and its beauty makes it a popular option for gardens around the globe. What are the benefits of adding this vibrant plant to your yard or garden? Creeping Phlox Has Brilliant Colors It's flowers are stunning, with colors ranging from pale blue, white, and pink to bright violet. Each flower has five hardy petals, but some have six petals. The plants bloom through the spring and summer, providing lasting color for approximately one month. As an evergreen perennial, the plant remains green throughout the year. It can brighten up an otherwise dull, dreary yard in the peak of the cold weather season. Creeping Phlox Is A Filler Plant This plant grows five inches tall and up to 13 inches in diameter. In addition to the expanse of a single plant, the plant proliferates. Many use its beauty as an alternative to grass or a filler in their more extensive gardens. Because of its short height, it does not need to be cut back like grass and other ground cover. Weeds increase and can make your yard look poorly maintained in a matter of weeks. The plant is dense with tightly clustered leaves. When in bloom, the flowers blanket the tops of the plants. Because of its unique traits, the plant prevents or minimizes weed growth. As a result, your gardens can continue to look fabulous without needing to devote hours of your valuable time to pulling weeds regularly.  Grass generally only thrives on ledges and steep banks, making your grounds look barren and subject to erosion. The plant, however, thrives in these areas. Its presence can dramatically reduce the damaging effects of erosion while enhancing aesthetics. It is well-suited for providing immediate and long-term benefits to your property. It thrives in drainage and bright light. It wants somewhere it'll spread easily and turn into a carpet in spring.  It is a perennial that returns every year. It blooms for 2-4 weeks in the spring and it's evergreen so you can have it for year round ground cover.  It starts quickly and spreads into a mound of foliage and flowers. When properly managed and under the right conditions, it can cover a lot of land in just a few seasons.  Creeping phlox is easy-care, but it does need to be pruned once the flowers are faded. Install it in moist place and water it in summer.

Pawpaw Tree

Pawpaw Tree: Asimina Triloba The Pawpaw tree is a small deciduous type with large, tropical-looking leaves and greenish-brown, banana-like fruits. It is known for its unique flavor and suitability for North American temperate regions. It is one of our hottest sellers because of its native fruiting abilities, distinctive appearance, contributions to biodiversity, potential for edible fruit, ability to create natural habitats, and role in promoting ecological balance, which makes it a valuable addition to outdoor spaces. One of the key advantages of using it in landscaping is its distinctive appearance. Ours are already pollinated when shipped, and we guarantee they will bear fruit when they are mature. Pawpaw trees are a popular choice, and property owners are looking for medium-sized plants with an unusual look. They have a slim, grayish-brown trunk topped by thick clusters of leaves. Its crown is usually higher than it is vast and can be slightly triangular. They can reach up to 50 feet high. Their pleasantly compact shape makes them look excellent when planted as a focal point in a lawn. Landscapers also like to plant them in bunches or rows to create accent points near driveways, sidewalks, or other landscapes.  One of the most distinctive traits of this plant is its gorgeous leaves. Each branch is draped in large leaves that gracefully droop downwards. The leaves are a smooth oval shape with a slight flare towards the tip, and they are rich, emerald green for most of the year. In early fall, long before other plants change color, these leaves turn a rich golden-yellow color that adds plenty of appeal to your landscape. Pawpaw Tree Offers Appealing Flowers in Spring Starting in mid-spring, this plant begins to produce some very eye-catching blossoms. The flowers of this plant are a rich, purplish-red color. The deep burgundy flowers have a set of three small petals nestled inside of a set of three larger petals. The flowers often appear before the plant regains the leaves it lost in winter, so the effect of the deep purple blooms on bare branches is quite striking. The Pawpaw Tree Fruits In Summer And Fall During the summer and fall months, they produces some exciting fruit. These fruits start around two inches wide and gradually grow to six inches. They're an elongated, oval shape with a green, matte peel. The fruits' colors can include subtle variations of yellow, brown, orange, and green, adding many stunning features to the plant. The contrast between the darker leaves and the paler fruit clusters makes this plant look especially interesting and exciting. This Is Our Most Popular Fruit Tree At TN Nursery Where do they grow best? They grow best in USDA hardiness zone 5-8 on neutral to moderately acidic well-draining loam soil, deep and rich loam soil. They like full or part shade, often river valleys or forest but not in the major canopy.  When is it possible to get fruits from them?  They generally take between 4-8 years to start producing fruits based on the environment and type. Grafting also helps in reducing the time taken before fruiting.  How can we best fertilize them?  10-10-10 - A slow-release, balanced fertilizer should be spread on them when they are in flower. Fungicides should be used sparingly, nitrogen in particular being the main one which stops fruit production.  How long do they live?  They are said to live for about 60 years if allowed the best possible growing conditions, but they can live much longer. Usually fertile for about 25-35 years of their reproductive life.

Apple Fruit Trees 3-4'

Apple Fruit Trees: Malus Domestica Growing your own apple fruit trees can be a rewarding and delicious endeavor. Whether you're aiming for sweets right off the branch or planning to bake warm pies, there's something special about nurturing these trees from planting to harvest. But before you dive in, it's essential to understand that not all varieties thrive everywhere. Factors like local climate, soil conditions, and even sun exposure play crucial roles in how well your trees will grow and produce fruit. With a little effort and care, you'll soon be enjoying your very own homegrown ones! When growing them, it is important to choose the right variety suited to your climate, ensure proper soil conditions, and provide adequate sunlight and water. Regular pruning and pest management will also promote healthy growth and improve fruit production. Choosing the Right Apple Tree Varieties Selecting the right variety goes beyond simply finding one that survives in your area; you also want to ensure it produces ones that you love. It's like choosing a friend based on what activities you enjoy together- the better the match, the more enjoyable the experience will be when harvest time arrives. When selecting your variety, think about your intended use for them as well. For, crispy varieties are usually preferred, while softer varieties may be better suited for baking or cider-making. Consider your taste buds-do you lean towards sweet or tart? Each variety offers its unique flavor profile, which can drastically affect your enjoyment of homegrown ones. Popular Apple Fruit Trees Varieties for Different Climates Cold Climates: For those residing in northern areas, Honeycrisp stands out with its crisp texture and sweet-tart balance. Northern Spy is renowned for its rich flavors, making it ideal for pies and sauces, while McIntosh delivers a softer fruit perfect for baking. Warm Climates: Moving southward, types like Gala deliver sweetness that's lovely fresh off the tree, while Fuji maintains its crispness even after storage. If you want something zesty with a kick, Granny Smith has you covered-and it holds up beautifully in baking. However, understanding climate suitability and regional preferences isn't enough; your personal taste truly shapes your orchard. Ideal Planting Conditions Proper planting conditions for your apple trees can make all the difference. The ideal environment combines suitable soil, sufficient sunlight, and adequate spacing. Let's explore each component to give you a solid foundation for nurturing your orchard. Soil Requirements To start with, they thrive in well-drained soil. The goal is to create the best possible soil environment where your trees can establish strong roots. Once your soil checks out as suitable for planting, let's discuss sunlight needs. Sunlight Needs Sunlight is another critical requirement. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, the more sun they receive, the better yields and sweeter fruits you'll enjoy when harvest time arrives. Picture this: as the sun dances across your orchard each day, it's providing essential energy that fuels photosynthesis-a process that's vital for producing those succulent ones you look forward to picking. Therefore, choosing a location that maximizes sunlight exposure could lead to an abundant harvest. Now that we've covered soil and sunlight, it's essential to understand how spacing affects growth. Spacing Criteria Finally, space makes a significant difference in the health of yours. Ideally, plant them about 15-18 feet apart. This distance allows each tree enough room to grow without competing for moisture and nutrients. Think of this as giving your trees personal space; they will grow healthier and more robust when they aren't overcrowded. By avoiding too dense an arrangement, you're promoting good airflow and preventing issues related to disease growth, which tends to flourish in crowded environments. Understanding these key elements lays the groundwork for effectively establishing your orchard, paving the way for a comprehensive approach to successful planting techniques. Step-by-Step Planting Guide The first step to a successful planting is proper site preparation. Begin by clraning the area good; this means removing weeds, rocks, and any debris that could interfere with growth. Imagine your new tree as a guest at a dinner party-it deserves a clean space to flourish! Once the area is clear, it's time to dig a hole that's double the width of the root ball. This spacious opening will allow roots to grow freely. However, be cautious not to dig deeper than the height of the root ball-hosting your tree too deep can suffocate its roots. Now that your hole is ready, it's time for the exciting part-planting! Carefully lift yours from its container, being gentle to avoid damaging the roots as you do so. As you place it into the prepared hole, pay special attention to the graft union-the small bulge on the trunk above the roots. This graft should sit above the soil line to ensure healthy growth. Once positioned correctly, begin filling the hole with the removed soil around the roots. Ensure that it's firm but not compacted; you want to offer support without restricting root expansion. Think of this as tucking a child in for bed-firmly but gently. With your tree nestled in its new home, watering becomes paramount. Immediately after planting, water your newly placed ones generously. This process helps eliminate air pockets in the soil and encourages proper root establishment. Aim for moist soil, taking care not to saturate it-too much water can create a swampy environment detrimental to roots. Adding mulch around the base is also essential; it helps retain moisture and suppress weeds but remember to keep mulch away from the trunk itself-this prevents rot and pest issues. Following this step-by-step planting guide will set yours on a path toward thriving health and eventual fruitful harvests. Each action taken now contributes significantly to your tree's long-term success in producing luscious fruit year after year. As we shift our focus now, understanding how to nurture and shape your tree will play a crucial role in maximizing its growth potential. Pruning and Maintenance Tips Proper pruning and maintenance are essential for healthy, productive ones. It's a rewarding endeavor that begins long before you see the first blossoms or fruits. Understanding when to prune your trees sets the foundation for successful growth. When to Prune Aim to prune yours in late winter or early spring, ideally right before the new growth begins. At this point, your tree will still be dormant, which means it can efficiently recover from any cuts made without stressing it. The tree is also less susceptible to disease during this time. Imagine pruning as giving your trees a good, needed haircut just before heading into their active growing season. How to Prune Start by removing any dead or diseased branches-like preventing an illness from spreading within a community, this helps keep the remaining parts of the tree healthy. Next, focus on thinning out crowded sections, allowing more light and air to circulate. This not only improves the tree's appearance but also significantly benefits its health and productivity. Aim for an open-center shape as you prune; envision a well-structured umbrella that allows sunlight and rain to penetrate deeply into the foliage. Beyond effective pruning, regular maintenance is vital to nurturing strong trees. Fertilization Fertilization is another critical aspect of maintenance. In early spring, applying a balanced fertilizer provides essential nutrients that encourage growth. However, it's important to stop fertilizing after July. Late-season growth might leave tender new shoots vulnerable to winter damage after the frost hits. Think of it like preparing for a big storm; you wouldn't want to be caught outside with flimsy clothing just as winter arrives. Instead, aim for a solid layer of protection by allowing your trees to harden off before colder temperatures take hold. Additionally, ensure yours receive adequate water. They thrive with consistent and deep watering-ideally once a week-especially during dry spells. You can check dirt moisture by digging down a few inches; if it's dry at that depth, it's time for a drink! Keeping both hydration and nutrition levels balanced allows your trees to grow vigorously while producing abundant fruit. With these practices in place, you'll set your trees up for strong growth and productivity as they mature. Now let's explore crucial steps to protect them from common threats and ensure their health continues. Harvesting and Storage Techniques Knowing when to pull them from your trees directly impacts the taste and quality of the fruit. Harvest generally occurs in late summer. A useful trick is carefully lifting; if it separates easily from the branch with a gentle tug, it's ready. This simple test ensures that you're getting the most flavorful and ripe fruit. When to Harvest The right timing really matters-if harvested too early, you might encounter sour ones, while waiting too long can lead to mealy or overripe fruit. It's not uncommon for home gardeners to mark their calendars based on previous years' harvest dates, adjusting as needed based on yearly weather variations. Regularly checking them as they near maturity will make this decision easier each season. Harvesting Techniques Once it's clear that yours are ripe, it's time to pick them with care. Use a gentle twisting motion when removing apples from the tree; this minimizes bruising and helps maintain the integrity of both the fruit and tree branches. Supporting them with one hand while twisting gently with the other can prevent tearing stems, a common mistake that can weaken your tree's productivity in future seasons. Proper harvesting practices not only enhance the quality of your crop this year but also preserve tree health for fruitful seasons ahead. Storage Methods Storage Method Duration Notes Refrigerator 1-2 months Keeps fresh longer; humidity control is necessary. Cool Basement 2-4 weeks Ideal for short-term storage; darker conditions are best. Canning 1 year Excellent for preserving large quantities. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy yours for months, making all that hard work worthwhile.  With these techniques in mind, you'll not only optimize your apple harvest but also enjoy your delicious fruits long after picking them. Happy gardening!