When you say the words “rock salt,” New Jersey dog lovers will likely think about their pooches’ paws. That’s because while dogs love to scamper through the snow, they might not enjoy the walk home, as the rock salt and ice melt that we spread in the wake of winter storms can be harmful to our four-legged family members.
It’s a nice image: You want some fresh fruit with your breakfast, so you step out into your backyard, stand under a tree, and pick a few peaches. That’s the dream, anyway. The reality is that fruit trees, like anything you grow, require a lot of care. Here’s a few tips on how to manage that so you can enjoy the taste of fresh-grown fruit without visiting a grocery store.
Not all birds fly south for the winter. The ones that stay up north face a tough few months once the weather gets colder. Most of their natural food supply has been exhausted, and insects have died or gone into hibernation. As we’ve said before, birds are beneficial animals, helping pollinate our flowers and feeding on potentially harmful insects. And backyard birds rely on us to help them get through the winter. You see a birdfeeder in your yard, they see a port in a storm. With that in mind, here are a few types of birdseed New Jersey birds will enjoy feasting on this winter.
Christmas is coming, and this year, you’re doing something different. You’re leaving your artificial tree tucked away in the attic, and heading out to buy the real thing. Before you do that, you may want to read our guide. We know what you’re saying: Why do I need a guide? Aren’t all Christmas trees basically the same? Not quite. Keep reading to see what separates the different branches of this family tree.
Now that there is a chill in the air our minds are focused on fall: cool weather, falling leaves and a chance to prepare our gardens for winter. Fall is the time to prepare your beds for the coming seasons through careful maintenance, from leaf and weed removal to final applications of mulch. Here are some tips from the gardening experts at our garden supply store in NJ to help you along. 1. When will the frost arrive? Winter means different things in different parts of the country. The USDA maintains an online map of the country’s “plant hardiness zone. It lets gardeners see which plants are most likely to thrive based on their region’s annual average minimum temperature. It’s
Anybody with a green thumb can tell you the many great reasons for storing plant bulbs between seasons. This is especially important for dahlias and gladiolas. If you dig up your bulbs instead of leaving them in the ground over the winter, it’s essential to check the health of your stored bulbs. This helps prevent moisture buildup, mold, mildew, and other potential threats. Taking time to inspect your stored plant bulbs can save you hours of frustration later. Follow these tips from our NJ garden center to identify and remove rotting bulbs.
As the holidays approach, your to-do list is likely growing: who’s coming to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner? What are you going to decorate with? Have you crossed off all the gifts you need to buy? But there’s one more thing to add to that list if you have a backyard pond: getting it ready for winter. It may sound like just another task, but preparing your pond for the colder months can save you time, money, and stress down the road. Here are a few easy steps to ensure your pond survives the winter and stays healthy for the next season.
As winter approaches, you may be wondering how to attract birds to your yard. Not all birds migrate south, and with a few simple steps, you can enjoy watching local birds right from your window. One of the easiest ways to do this is by offering a variety of bird seeds. The wider the selection, the more species you’ll attract. Here’s a breakdown of popular bird seed in New Jersey (NJ) and the birds they attract, with insights from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and other expert sources.
