Hartley Magazine

All the latest news, hints, tips and advice from our experts

Cutting maintenance levels in gardens

Garden and greenhouse enthusiasts should consider the maintenance involved when redesigning their outdoor space, it has been asserted. Writing for the Star Press, Minnetrista horticultural manager Cassie Banning explained beautiful perennial borders can be lovely to behold but difficult to look after. She offered readers a number of hints on how to design a low-maintenance […]

Know what to do with infected plants, gardeners told

Garden and greenhouse growers in Pennsylvania have been advised on how to deal with infected plants. An article in the Philadelphia Inquirer suggested affected species can be spotted by lesions that appear greasy and a mix between green and brown in colour. It said plants in the garden and greenhouse should be checked on a […]

Battling black swallow-wort

Garden and greenhouse enthusiasts have been warned to look out for black swallow-wort. The weed can wreak havoc with plants and can take over entire green spaces, an article in the Examiner warned. It said the problem is particularly prevalent in the Boston area and is identified by its dark, oval-shaped leaves and deep-blue, five-petalled […]

Gardeners advised on growing in humid conditions

Summer in many parts of America means humidity that can be ideal for tropical plants. However, a recent article stated places like Baltimore do not have the year round heat necessary to sustain these varieties without the help of a greenhouse. The piece in the Examiner highlighted a few specimens which should be able to […]

Growers advised on use of containers

People who like to use their garden and greenhouse space to grow food have been given advice on cultivating in containers. The Poughkeepsie Journal suggested potting soil mixes are more useful for this type of horticulture than normal kinds as it is less likely to dry out. Gardeners should use rotted vegetable scraps, trimmings and […]

What’s Wrong with my Plant?

Five questions for strong healthy growth What do gardeners really want? Recently, I conducted an unscientific two-day sampling of homeowners’ gardening questions. The most common concerns were about how to help ailing plants. I spent an enjoyable weekend, volunteering in the “Ask An Expert” booth at the Sunset Celebration, a hoopla of all things great […]

Bonsai portal to be launched

Garden and greenhouse enthusiasts are being invited to try a new portal focused on growing small trees. Learning2Bonsai.com is still being beta tested, but aims to educate horticulture fans on the art form. Users are able to share photos and tips to help each other develop their passion, explained BonsaiOutlet.com principal Ashley Carrier. “Membership is […]

Fruit and veg ‘can help decorate’ greenhouse and garden

Garden and greenhouse growers have been informed they can use fruit and vegetables to help design the landscape of their green space. A recent article in the Examiner pointed out having an open mind in terms of what and where you grow can harvest pleasant results. “In the garden, fruits and vegetables do not have […]

Greenhouse enthusiasts given advice on water use

Garden and greenhouse enthusiasts should think about which plants may require attention with a hose or watering can, even during periods of sustained or heavy rain, it has been suggested. According to the Examiner, containers can sometimes be tucked away in positions where precipitation finds it difficult to reach – such as in a porch […]

How to stop squirrels munching your fruit

A Pennsylvania newspaper has been advising gardeners how to stop squirrels nibbling their tomatoes. The Philadelphia Inquirer suggests the best way to protect fruit and veg from such critters without harming them is to put a protective barrier known as a soft fruit cage in place. It explained this can consist of metal poles supporting […]

Tips on growing healthy bananas

Bananas can be good as a source of potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and fibre, the Examiner reported recently. The online resource gave tips on how to incorporate the fruit into your diet, but horticulturalists may be more interested in the conditions needed to grow their own in their garden or greenhouse. According to Banana-Tree.com, […]