Perhaps one of the most beautiful flowers around is the tuberous begonia. There are many varieties, from single or double flower, ruffled-petal flowers, to camellia- or carnation-form flowers. There are even pendulous forms perfect for hanging baskets. Their colors are extremely vivid, ranging from reds and red-orange to orange, yellow, white and hot pink; there are even bi-colored varieties. The tuberous begonia is a highly versatile plant whose almost fluorescent flowers are wonderful in flowerbeds, patio containers, window boxes or even hanging baskets.

Tuberous begonias will bloom for you all summer long and into early fall. Although they are not frost hardy, they can be pulled out of the ground as they start to go dormant in fall, then cleaned off and stored in a cool, dry location over winter and replanted in spring after any danger of frost is gone. Handled correctly, they can provide years of beauty in the garden.

Tuberous begonias should be planted in soil that maintains moisture, but also drains (no standing water). If you plant into the ground, you may need to amend your native soil with Gardner & Bloome Soil Building Compost. If you are creating colorful containers, be sure to plant using a high-quality potting soil like Gardner & Bloome Blue Ribbon Potting Soil.

These begonias like indirect light or dappled shade locations and need to be kept moist with regular watering. Please take care not to let them dry out. To maintain their vibrant blooms, feed regularly with Dr. Earth Bud & Bloom Food.

We have many spectacular varieties available right now, just waiting for a home in your garden. Visit us soon for the best selection.

Blossom end rot happens not just with tomatoes, but also with peppers, squash and watermelons. There are a number of reasons for blossom end rot, all of which start because the plant has an inability to obtain calcium from the soil or the soil is deficient in calcium.

Blossom end rot is a sunken, dark area on the blossom end of the fruit, at the end opposite the stem. As the fruit develops, the rot area enlarges and can grow mold in the damaged area.

A number of factors can contribute to blossom end rot, in addition to calcium deficiency. These include irregular watering, soil mineral imbalance, root damage, broad temperature swings, or even high soil salt content. To compensate for some of these, deep water regularly instead of lightly watering daily; mulch to keep moisture in the soil; avoid high nitrogen foods that encourage foliage growth but not flower growth; avoid using fresh manure (once the plants are in the garden) because it is high in salt content.

But most important of all is the lack of calcium in the soil. To prevent blossom end rot, feed your vegetables regularly with a vegetable food high in calcium, such as Dr. Earth Veggie Food. On existing plants showing blossom end rot, spray the foliage and fruit with a calcium spray, such as Fertilome 'Yield Booster' Blossom End Rot Spray.

The fruit is ripening on your backyard fruit trees and the vegetables in your garden are looking really good. You're starting to anticipate a fabulous harvest. Unfortunately, so are the birds, squirrels and other critters. If you are unwilling to share your garden with your winged and animal friends, consider covering your tree with fruit tree netting. Fruit tree netting is easy to install.

For Fruit Trees
Wrap fabric around or drape over your trees (for tall trees, use a pole to lift the netting over tree-tops). Gather it at the trunk and secure it with twist ties. Just roll back edge of netting for easy harvesting.

For Vegetable Gardens, Grapes, or Berries
Simply drape fabric over garden and secure with stakes, or weigh down the corners with heavy objects. To protect seeds, seedlings, and upright plants, elevate netting 6" or more above the ground using stakes, wire, etc. Lift the netting for easy harvesting.
Fruit tree netting is not only durable and lightweight, but also strong enough to protect your garden from thieving birds and other garden pests. It's a safe alternative to chemicals and is reusable season after season. Pick some up today and protect your much anticipated harvest.

What You'll Need:

• 2 tablespoons coconut milk
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1-1/2 cups shredded coconut
• 3 medium oranges, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 pound seedless green grapes
• 1 pint strawberries, sliced

Step by Step:

Combine the coconut milk and orange zest, sour cream, and brown sugar in a small bowl and mix thoroughly.

Combine the shredded coconut, oranges, grapes and strawberries in a salad bowl.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to mix well.

Cover and chill for 1 hour. Serve cold.

Yield: 8 servings