Hartley Magazine

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

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, […]

Be water-savvy, Minnesota gardeners told

Minnesota garden and greenhouse enthusiasts have been urged to be savvy about how they water their plants. The recent dry weather has caused concern for the survival of species in a number of gardens, according to the Star Tribune. Readers were told to assess their plant list and prioritise those that need watering the most. […]

Gardeners can identify flowers with iPhone

Garden and greenhouse growers with an aptitude for gadgets may be interested in a new iPhone application. The FlowerPedia 1.0 software from Muli Mobile offers flower identification and information technology on the Apple handset. It allows horticulture fans to sift through photos and details of over 100,000 plants, belonging to 500 genera in more than […]

Edible Crops to Grow in Summer Greenhouses

As summer’s temperatures climb, it can seem hopeless to grow anything inside the greenhouse. But with adequate ventilation, there are actually some excellent candidates for these conditions. If you think in terms of plants that like the heat—there really are quite a few. You’ll need to decide whether to plant them in containers—these should be […]