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Home&Garden
12 SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com HOME & GARDEN
The Dispatch
Saturday, March 25, 2023
2 SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com HOME & GARDEN HOME & GARDEN The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 11
Index of Advertisers
Adventure ATV.............................................................................................8
Spring clean your home
office with these easy tips
Busy Bee......................................................................................................8
Bloomers......................................................................................................5
Friendly City Mini Warehouses.................................................................... 12
Lighting Unlimited.........................................................................................8
Lowndes Farm Supply...................................................................................2 STATEPOINT MEDIA 2. Dust: Improve indoor air quality
Penny Bowen Designs...................................................................................5 for healthier, happier working hours.
I
Roto Rooter..................................................................................................2 n the pursuit of work-life balance, Periodically dust your desk, your comput-
S&K Door and Specialty................................................................................8 you may mentally compartmentalize er and monitor, the baseboards, lamps
S&S Landscaping..........................................................................................2 your home office from the rest of the and the tops of ceiling fans. Vacuum the
Superior Granite & Quartz.......................................................................... 11 house. But that doesn’t mean this space carpet and rugs and sweep the floor. Also,
The Granite Guys..........................................................................................5 should get a pass where spring cleaning consider using an air purifier to reduce
Walton’s Greenhouse.................................................................................. 11 is concerned. Here are three easy ways dust, allergens and other air pollutants.
West Point Growth Alliance..........................................................................5 to spruce up your workspace this season: If you’re not sensitive to pollen, invite a
1. File: Make time to finally tackle that fresh breeze by cracking open a window
growing stack of paperwork. Decide what on warmer days.
needs to be filed away, what needs to be 3. Disinfect: After a rough cold and flu
About the cover shredded, and what can simply be recy- season, it’s a good idea to reset your work-
cled. (This would be a good time to man- space by disinfecting the items you touch
Inez Saum and Frances Deignan take cuttings from a coleus, put rooting hor- age those digital files as well.) If you don’t most frequently, such as doorknobs, cabi-
mones on them and place them in soil, at the Master Gardner Greenhouse at already have a dedicated filing system, net handles, light switches, your keyboard,
the MSU Extension in Columbus. Inez has been a master gardener for 21 years put one in place to keep things organized your mouse, landline receivers and hand-
and is the chairman of the greenhouse. Frances has been a master gardener moving forward. Short on floor space? Use held devices. This is especially important
for 12 years and is the chairman of the plant sale. Photo by Deanna Robinson/ a wall-mounted paper organizer instead of to add to your checklist if your home office
Dispatch Staff a traditional filing cabinet. is visited by clients or colleagues.
10 SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com HOME & GARDEN HOME & GARDEN The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 3
Spring cleaning: Don’t toss How to be a nurturing plant Helpful tips and tricks to help your garden grow above the rest
parent in 3 easy steps
that ‘junk,’ it may be valuable! STATEPOINT MEDIA
Nursery manager sees explosion
of interest in growing food
P
STATEPOINT MEDIA WHAT’S IT WORTH? lants add color, life and vibrancy to your BY GRANT MCLAUGHLIN
n Take your found treasures to
I
home’s indoor and outdoor spaces and grant@cdispatch.com
t’s time to hit the Mississippi Roadshow at Trotter
can even improve indoor air quality.
garage, basement, attic Convention Center April 21 be-
M
ginning at 10 a.m. A $100 ticket However, if you are new to plant ownership, ore people than ever are getting into growing
and closets for that age- covers entry, food and a single you may be wondering how to make your foli-
old task of spring cleaning! appraisal.
their own food in home gardens, says one
age thrive. Here’s are three tips for healthier greenhouse manager in Columbus.
Before hauling unwanted plants:
possessions to the curb, ing what makes old sports Mary Tuggle, manager at Walton’s Greenhouse on
1. Make a move: Many plants that do well 18th Avenue in Columbus has seen many first time veg-
you may be surprised collectibles valuable. To outdoors in the warmer months can’t tolerate
to learn they might be help, Crisafulli is sharing etable gardeners in her day, but whereas she once saw
the cold. So don’t wait for subfreezing tempera- two to three new gardeners a day in 2019, she now sees
valuable — especially if some tips: tures to bring planters indoors for the season.
you have sports cards and about five.
Be sure to give your newly-transported plants “Now a lot of people are unsure of the economy and
memorabilia gathering
dust.
Older is usually pricier the right amount of light. This may require the cost of buying (food) at stores,” Tuggle said. “And you
Cards from the 1960s using special grow lights. Keep in mind though just can’t beat fresh.”
With prices of sports and earlier are collectible, that different types of plants thrive better with
cards rising in recent and those from before the different color spectrums and intensities, so
years, take time to deter- 1940s can be worth a lot of group plants under the right lights accordingly. Green Thumb 101: What you need to get started
mine if yours are valuable money, especially those de- If your indoor air is dry in winter, you may find The first thing to do is know what you are growing,
and how to best sell them. picting stars. Do you have that misting the leaves of your warm climate Tuggle said.
“Older sports cards and cards of Hall of Famers, and tropical plants will help provide needed As far as “beginner proof” plants go, Tuggle recom-
memorabilia aren’t just such as Mickey Mantle, humidity. mends starting with tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon
highly collectible; they can Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner 2. Prevent pests: Unfortunately, keeping and squash, which start growing between March and
be worth lots of money. or Ty Cobb? Even non- houseplants often attracts insects that can April if grown from seed, and can be bought as trans-
Recent sales of scarce stars from the early days StatePoint Media image
harm them and bug you. But there are steps plants in early spring onward. These plants are easy to Grant McLaughlin/Dispatch Staff
vintage cards have topped Sports memorabilia and other collectibles can worth lots of money.
of a sport can be worth you can take to prevent a pest problem in your manage and usually grow a hefty crop, Tuggle said. Tommy Krump, 7, and Sam Krump shop for blueberry bushes at Walton’s Greenhouse. Walton’s Manager Mary Tuggle said gardening
anywhere from thousands big bucks, especially if the home. One important thing you can do is to be To get started, Tuggle said to use raised beds 12 amongst younger people has become more popular in recent years, but beginner gardeners need to know how and when to plant,
of dollars to tens of thou- cards have no creases and but most aren’t valuable. store displays and for other sure you are not overwatering plants. Too much inches deep, four inches wide and eight inches long. Pots when to water and what equipment to use before planting.
sands, even hundreds of retain sharp corners and However, photographs and marketing purposes can water in effect drowns plants. It can also create are also a good option. Expect to pay around $100 or
thousands. And really original gloss. postcards depicting sports be pricey. Tin signs from standing water that becomes a breeding ground more, depending on how extensive your raised beds and growing. to 18 inches apart. Plants of intermediate size should
rare cards can go higher,” If you have very old stars and ballparks can be the 1960 and earlier can be for flying insects. You can also provide round- pots are. Kendrick said plants like tomatoes, squash and water- be placed at least 18 to 24 inches apart so they all have
says Al Crisafulli, Auction cards from the 1880s significant. Look for early highly prized, but reproduc- the-clock protection from fruit flies, gnats and Oktibbeha County Co-op Assistant Manager Rodney melons only need intermittent watering. enough room to grow.
Director at Love of the through the 1930s, look for “real photo” postcards tions aren’t. flies by plugging a Zevo Flying Insect Trap into “You need to know when to water,” he said. “Watering “They’ll get a three gallon generic pot that is 12
Kendrick recommends taking a good look at the soil you
Game Auctions, an internet tobacco, gum and candy from the 1900s through the Your family’s sporting too much can hurt you. You’ll have insect issues and inches deep and then I’ll put six tomatoes in it,” she said.
a regular outlet near your plants and wherev- buy and making sure to purchase soil conditioners –
sports auction house that brands, such as Old Judge, 1940s, which are photo- goods, such as balls, gloves fungus issues.” “You can’t keep enough water on that once that plant
graphs printed on postcard er flying insects enter your home or gather. which can cost anywhere between $4 and $20 – to help
helps families identify and Piedmont, Sweet Capo- and bats, can be valuable. Kendrick also recommends using insecticides. Know- grows.”
backs. Rather than chemical insecticides, the traps amend any sand-based soils prone to drying too fast. He ing how your plants are susceptible to insects and how
sell valuable items. ral, Goudey or American Pre-1950s uniforms and use multi-spectrum light technology to attract Another thing to avoid is trusting your neighbors to
As with sports cards, catcher’s masks, helmets also recommends buying a soil testing kit, which costs to keep them safe will keep aphids, stink bugs and other water your plants while you are off on summer vacation.
Crisafulli has assisted Caramel. flying bugs into a discreet glue sheet cartridge. around $10.
people in selling such If you want to sell star power matters, so and other equipment are insects. If you do ask someone to water the plants while you’re
preserve those Babe Ruths When the cartridge is full, replace it and toss The Mississippi State Extension service also provides Once you know your enemies and how and when to
keepsakes as a grandpar- sports items for the most highly collected, especially the used one without ever having to touch a gone, make sure they know to water as often as you do
as opposed to images of when endorsed by star play- soil testing services. water, all that is left to do is plant. and don’t just spray the hose on them the day before you
ent’s autograph collection money, consider a special- dead bug. To learn more, visit zevoinsect.com.
your great grandma’s baby ers. Top condition brings “Sandy soils are going to dry out a lot quicker,” Kend- Tuggle said planting in late March to early April, just get back.
and an uncle’s childhood ty auction, such as Love 3. Know your lifestyle and limitations: There
baseball cards, for tens of cousin once-removed. And the highest prices, but even rick said. “Your soil has to retain a lot of water, and you before Easter or right after is usually the best time to get “They go out of town and leave their neighbor’s
of the Game, which has are many plant species that while beautiful, can amend those soils with products we have like raised
thousands of dollars. In the expertise to properly when it comes to photos, used equipment can be your plants in the ground. If you plant them too early, teenage son watching their water,” she said. “He’s going
look for old markings on don’t require much care. So, if you’re new bed soil in bags that are complete growing mediums that you might end up with a shorter growth cycle.
one life-changing event, he research sports ephemera valuable. to owning plants, consider starting out with to water the day before they get back. You have to know
helped a family determine the back, such as photogra- “The golden rule is the you would use if you’re growing out, like fertilizers, soil “It (the cold) slows the growing process down,” she that person is a consistent waterer and won’t leave them
and maintains bidder lists lower-maintenance options, such as succulents conditioners, soil based products that have organic wood
that a baseball bat that of collectors specializing in pher, publication and date older the sports card or said. “You can plant it this week and it’ll come up and soaking in water (either).”
stamps. or snake plants. Because these plants don’t type matter in it.” you plant two weeks (from now) and they will be ahead of
spent decades protecting sports. More information item, the more valuable it need much water, they are also great options Kendrick also advises beginners to keep their first
their home was used by usually is. Pre-1975 pieces Tuggle also recommends first time planters purchase the one you planted this week because the cold will hit it garden small. Planting too much can become a burden
is available at loveofthe- for those who travel frequently or those who
Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig gameauctions.com. Memorabilia start to get interesting and are simply forgetful. Have furry friends? Always
Osmocote fertilizer, a slow release fertilizer priced at
$11.99-$29.99 depending on size.
and change the (growing) cycle.” rather than a passtime if you plant more than you are
— and Love of the Game Set aside old advertising are worth researching,” check whether a given plant is toxic to pets willing to harvest. To avoid this, start small, buy one of
Auctions sold it for almost posters depicting sports says Crisafulli. before bringing one home. Some helpful don’ts each and start from there, afterall, there is always next
half a million dollars. Postcards and stars and food, tobacco Don’t just clean out your Having a green thumb can seem like magic. Some do’s for your first garden Tuggle said one of the biggest mistakes people make year to do more if you need to, he said.
Today, that bat could bring photographs or sporting goods brands. “junk” this spring, examine However, with the right tools and knowledge, Once you have mixed in your soil, purchased your is trying to plant too many crops in the same circle. It “You have to plant a lot of seed to make the crop have
more than a million dollars. We all have keepsakes Ads from magazines aren’t it closely to potentially anyone can become a nurturing plant parent. plants, beds and containers, it’s time to get digging. is best to pay attention to how far you space your plants enough but if you buy a six pack of squash, you have a
The key is understand- of vacation destinations, valuable, but those used as maximize its value. With that in mind, here are some tips to keep the garden from one another. Your smaller plants should be to 12 family of them, that’s all you need,” he said.
4 SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com HOME & GARDEN HOME & GARDEN The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 9
Making the most of your yard landscape The outdoors are ‘in’ this year
From trimming shrubs and trees to Local interior designers talk bringing
adding new plants, professionals nature into your home
offer their input BY ABIGAIL SIPE ROCHESTER
arochester@cdispatch.com
BY ROBERT SCOT T
N
rscott@cdispatch.com ot everyone has the space or the time to keep
a garden. Sometimes, bringing the outside into
W
armer weather is here, and that has those who your home is the best bet to stay connected
have been cooped up during winter itching to with nature.
get outside. “Being connected to nature makes you feel more
The most common outlet for this pent up energy is comfortable,” said Penny Bowen of Penny Bowen Inte-
the yard. rior Designs. “It makes you feel more comfortable in
your surroundings and at home. And more peaceful… It
Yards say a lot about a person. To maintain a healthy, helps your attitude towards life, because you feel more
beautiful yard, proper landscaping is essential. at peace and more at one with your surroundings.”
Will Spann, owner of S&S Landscaping in Columbus, Bowen, a Columbus designer, has over thirty years
said when it comes to landscaping, there are some com- of experience in designing people’s homes. She and
mon misconceptions. Cyndi Parker, the manager at Something Southern in
“Monday through Friday, I bid jobs all day long,” Starkville, talked about the best ways to give your living
Spann said. “We run into questions like, ‘When should I space a natural connection.
do this? When should I do that? Are my plants going to Parker and Bowen both agreed that bringing nature
into your home is in style this year. To achieve the Photo courtesy of Penny Bowen
come back this year?’ That’s the No. 1 question.” look, each designer focused on the materials in a home Pictured is a wooden-base glass top table that Penny Bowen recently styled into a home.
The concern over perennial plants and their apparent before all else.
demise during the winter can cause gardeners to act Bowen said materials like wood, stone, and even “Natural light and bright spaces are color on the ceiling. She said that this combination is
rashly, pulling the plants and starting over. However, brick can be used to create a more natural look. It is both natural and reminiscent of older southern homes.
patience is key in situations like this. helpful if these materials are already pre-existing in a beneficial physically and emotionally. Or, if you favor darker natural colors, Parker pointed
“I would wait until at least the end of March or into home’s flooring or walls. But she said you can also add towards creating an accent wall.
April. … A lot of people right now are wanting to pull more natural materials through furniture choices. People are generally more positive “Maybe you could do a deep green on that wall, and
Bowen pointed out a table with logs as a base that
some plants up that they think are dead. … Don’t give up
she recently styled in a home as an example of how to and generally more creative in those that could be your accent wall,” Parker said. “That just
means that when you do your draperies that rest along
hope,” he said.
In the meantime, it is important to decide what new Robert Scott/Dispatch Staff
bring more wood into a space.
“Natural is definitely a trend this year,” Bowen said.
environments.” that wall, you do those in white, so you get that strong
dramatic contrast and that focus on your accent wall.”
additions to a yard are desired, because no work should Will Spann, owner of S&S Landscaping in Columbus, gives a presentation on landscaping to the Lowndes County Master Gardeners. Cyndi Parker, manager at Something Southern
He said there are common landscaping misconceptions such as weed barrier, overwatering, what type of mulch is best and when is “I recently took a tree trunk base table and put a glass Parker also said to bring in plants, real or fake, to
commence without a solid plan in place. the best time to plant? top on it, as a way to bring in those natural elements Parker said to avoid blinds, and to put your draperies as make your home come alive.
Everything that is planted must be maintained, and into a room.” high as possible and wider than the window, so they can “You have to think about greenery and florals. You
that is where many often fall short, according to Spann. Ultimately, Spann said the key to a successful land- Parker agreed with Bowen that the materials in your be pulled out of the way when needed.
“Are you willing to water as much as is needed?” he “I would wait until at least the end of scape is careful planning and implementation. home are key to achieving a natural look. She focused Bowen pushed the window coverings in a different
can easily bring in plants, whether they’re real plants
that you have to maintain or faux ones that look real,
on wood as one of the “most natural” materials.
said. “We want all of this magnificent stuff, but we don’t
have time to water it. … Think about that before you
March or into April. … A lot of people Trees, especially Crepe myrtle, should not be planted
too close to houses or sidewalks. Shrubs should not be “You have to think about what’s outside. Trees, the
direction, continuing to play with a variety of different
textures to draw attention to the windows.
not the cheap ones,” Parker said. “Another thing we like
to use are tall wispy branches. You might have a tall
sky, and everything else. You have to consider the
drop a bunch of money on landscaping that you can’t take right now are wanting to pull some clustered together, and should instead be planted 3-feet- colors and the textures,” Parker said. “I would focus on
“If you do a gauzy, sheer type of drapery panel,
that would feel light and airy,” Bowen said. “And then
pot where you put just a few branches in that you would
care of.” apart from the trunk. Holly offers a nice, green addition easily see outdoors.”
Another key aspect of yard management is pruning plants up that they think are dead. … to the landscape, but it requires full sun and regular
natural wood tones in your furniture.”
Both designers stressed that the best way to get your
the shade on the window, you could use a woven wood For a more unique look, Bowen recommended going
shade, which is a more natural material.” for a “plant wall,” as an extra way to bring vegetation
and trimming bushes, shrubs and even trees.
Pruning is when dead or overgrown branches, stems,
Don’t give up hope.” pruning.
These things need to be taken into consideration
home to feel more natural is by using a variety of mate-
rials and textures, to create variety in your home.
But if you can’t change the materials in your home, into your house. This could mean installing faux plant
Will Spann, owner of S&S Landscaping or you’re working on a budget, both designers pointed paneling, hanging plants from macrame plant hangers,
etc. are cut off to encourage new growth. before planting begins. Bowen and Parker also stressed that you need to towards two things: Paint and plants.
An issue that many local gardeners face is deer. The emphasize the windows in your home, as sunlight is key or using live plants on a “plant bookshelf.”
However, the trimmings do not have to go to waste. “I’m also really big on planning for the future,” he “Probably the least-expensive and highest impact “Another thing you could do is take a bookcase, like
Ralph Null, a retired Mississippi State University woodland creatures wreak havoc on local lawns, but said. “How big is this plant going to get? That’s some- to bringing the outside in.
“Natural light and bright spaces are beneficial physi- option would be plants,” Bowen said. “Next would a floor to ceiling bookcase, and line it with sedum, or
professor and longtime floral designer said items such as Spann offered up some seemingly deer-resistant plants thing that people don’t think about when they start plant- be painting. Like if you painted your walls in natural another succulent,” Bowen said. “That kind of repeti-
he has found success with. cally and emotionally,” Parker said. “People are gener-
the trimmings from a yard can be used to create beauti- ing. Did you plant it too close to your house? People try ally more positive and generally more creative in those colors, like sky blue, green, or tan… One trendy color is tive thing is very artistic, but also very natural because
ful floral arrangements that brighten up the inside of a They include: loropetalum, Sunshine Ligustrum, Vin- to crowd their beds to make them look so nice at first, off-white, and then you can put natural materials against you’re working with plants.”
environments.”
home as well. tage Jade, abelia, barberry, forsythia, ornamental grasses when two or three years of patience would help out a lot. Parker said to avoid anything that blocks the win- the off-white, and it stands out like it’s a blank canvas.” No matter what you’re doing to bring nature into
“I use a lot of native flora and fauna, so I collected and boxwoods. Because what I see is, people call us and say it is out of dows, and if you want draperies, you should make sure Parker remained in the same color palette, but your home, Bowen emphasized that you have to “think
everything I could from my yard,” Null said. “(Combating deer) is tough,” he said. “It’s a battle.” control. They just didn’t preplan.” they don’t “obstruct” any light that comes through. recommended using white for the walls, and a sky blue outside of the box.”
8 SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com HOME & GARDEN HOME & GARDEN The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 5
6 SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com HOME & GARDEN HOME & GARDEN The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 7
Vegetable and Herb Planting dates for Spring Vegetable Planting dates for Fall When to start Perennial Flower Seeds When to start Annual Flower Seeds
Crop Plant Seedlings or Transplants Start Seeds Outdoors Start Seeds Plant Seedlings Start Seeds Start Seeds Indoors Start Seeds Indoors
Arugula N/A d Mar 7-22 Mar 7 Crop Indoors by or Transplants Outdoors (Weeks before last Plant (Weeks before last Plant
Basil d Mar 22-Apr 12 Mar 22-Apr 5 N/A Arugula N/A N/A d Oct 2 Flower SPRING frost date) Outdoors Flower SPRING frost date) Outdoors
Beets N/A d Mar 7-29 Mar 8-20 Beets N/A N/A d Sep 22 Anise Hyssop 8-10 weeks On the last frost date Allium 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Bell Peppers d Mar 29-Apr 12 Mar 29-Apr 5 N/A Bell Peppers d May 24 d Jul 19 N/A Asclepias (Milkweed) 10-12 weeks 1-2 weeks after last frost Ageratum 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Broccoli d Feb 21-Mar 15 Feb 21-Mar 7 N/A Broccoli d Jul 26 d Aug 23 N/A Catmint 8-10 weeks On last frost date Alyssum 6-8 weeks 1-2 weeks before last frost
Cabbage d Feb 21-Mar 7 Feb 21-Mar 7 N/A Cabbage d Jul 16 d Aug 13 N/A Columbine 8-10 weeks On last frost date Aster 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Cantaloupes d Apr 5-19 Apr 5 N/A Cantaloupes N/A N/A d Jul 9 Coreopsis 8-10 weeks On last frost date Bachelor Button 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Carrots N/A d Feb 14-28 Feb 14-19 Carrots N/A N/A d Sep 17 Daisy 10-12 weeks 1-2 weeks before last frost Calendula 6-8 weeks 1-2 weeks before last frost
Cauliflower d Feb 21-Mar 15 Feb 12-Mar 7 N/A Cauliflower d Jul 26 d Aug 23 N/A Delphinium (perennial) 10-12 weeks 1-2 weeks before last frost Celosia 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Celery d Mar 29-Apr 12 Mar 29-Apr 5 N/A Celery d May 15 d Jul 24 N/A Dianthus 10-12 weeks 1-2 weeks before last frost Coleus 8-10 weeks 1-2 weeks after last frost
Chives N/A d Feb 21-28 Feb 21-28 Corn N/A N/A d Jul 29 Echinacea (Coneflower) 8-10 weeks On last frost date Cosmos 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Cilantro (Coriander) N/A d Mar 22-Apr 5 Mar 22-Apr 5 Cucumbers N/A N/A d Aug 3 Foxglove (Digitalis) 10-12 weeks 1-2 weeks after last frost Delphinium (annual) 6-8 weeks 1-2 weeks before last frost
Corn N/A d Apr 5-26 Apr 5, Apr 20-26 Eggplants d May 24 d Jul 19 N/A Gaillardia 8-10 weeks On last frost date Gomphrena 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Cucumbers d Apr 5-19 Apr 5 N/A Green Beans N/A N/A d Aug 3 Helianthus 8-10 weeks On last frost date Impatiens 8-10 weeks 1-2 weeks after last frost
Dill N/A d Mar 22-Apr 26 Mar 22-Apr 5, Apr 19-26 Jalapeño Peppers d Jun 13 d Aug 8 N/A Heliopsis 10-12 weeks 1-2 weeks after last frost Marigolds 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Eggplants d Apr 5-19 Apr 5 N/A Kale d Aug 15 d Sep 12 N/A Hibiscus 8-10 weeks 1-2 weeks after last frost Morning Glory* 3-4 weeks After last frost
Green Beans N/A d Mar 29-Apr 19 Mar 29-Apr 5, Apr 19 Kohlrabi N/A N/A d Sep 17 Hollyhock 8-10 weeks On last frost date Nicotiana 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Jalapeño Peppers d Mar 29-Apr 12 Mar 29-Apr 5 N/A Lettuce N/A N/A d Sep 27 Monarda (Bee Balm) 8-10 weeks On last frost date Petunia 8-10 weeks On last frost date
Kale d Feb 21-Mar 15 Feb 21-Mar 7 N/A Okra N/A N/A d Jul 29 Phlox (perennial) 10-12 weeks 1-2 weeks after last frost Phlox (annual) 8-10 weeks On last frost date
Kohlrabi d Feb 28-Mar 7 Feb 28-Mar 7 N/A Parsnips N/A N/A d Aug 3 Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) 8-10 weeks 1-2 weeks before last frost Salvia 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Lettuce d Mar 7-Apr 5 Mar 7, Mar 23-Apr 5 N/A Peas N/A N/A d Sep 2 Thyme 8-10 weeks On last frost date Scabiosa 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Okra N/A d Apr 5-19 Apr 5 Potatoes N/A N/A d Aug 23 Viola 8-10 weeks 1-2 weeks before last frost Snapdragon 8-10 weeks On last frost date
Onions N/A d Feb 21-Mar 15 Mar 8-15 Pumpkins N/A N/A d Jun 19 Yarrow 8-10 weeks On last frost date Statice 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Oregano d Mar 22-Apr 12 Mar 22-Apr 5 N/A Radishes N/A N/A d Oct 2 Stock 8-10 weeks On last frost date
Parsley N/A d Feb 21-Mar 7 Feb 21-Mar 7 Spinach N/A N/A d Oct 12 Perennial flowers Strawflower 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Parsnips N/A d Feb 28-Mar 22 Mar 8-20 Sweet Potatoes d Jun 4 d Jul 9 N/A Perennials are plants that are capable of surviving two or more years. While they may die back Sunflower* 3-4 weeks 1-2 weeks after last frost
Swiss Chard N/A N/A d Sep 27 to the ground in winter, their roots survive underground and produce new foliage as the increased Verbena 8-10 weeks On last frost date
Peas N/A d Feb 7-28 Feb 20-28
light and warmth of spring arrives. Most perennials will bloom in the same year that they are plant- Zinnia* 4-6 weeks 1-2 weeks after last frost
Potatoes N/A d Mar 15-Apr 5 Mar 15-20 Tomatoes d May 29 d Jul 24 N/A
ed, while others may need to spend time becoming established first (particularly if planted later in * These fast-growing annuals are often started outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Pumpkins d Apr 5-19 Apr 5 N/A Turnips N/A N/A d Sep 27
the growing season).
Radishes N/A d Jan 24-Feb 14 Feb 6-14 Watermelons N/A N/A d Jul 9
Rosemary d Mar 29-Apr 19 Mar 29-Apr 5, Apr 19 N/A Winter Squash N/A N/A d Jul 24 Annual flowers
Annuals are plants that sprout, grow, bloom, and go to seed all in one season and only for one
Sage d Mar 22-Apr 5 Mar 22-Apr 5 N/A Zucchini N/A N/A d Aug 8
When to plant Bulbs season. When winter comes, the plant dies, relying on its many seeds to germinate in the following
Spinach N/A d Feb 7-28 Feb 20-28
Bulbs to plant in the fall Bulbs to plant in the spring Caring for Bulbs spring. Because of this, most annual flowers are easy to grow from seed, taking about 6 to 8 weeks
Sweet Potatoes N/A d Apr 12-26 Apr 12-18 On average, the first frost occurs on November 6.
Allium Begonia (tuberous) Wait until spring-flow- to grow to a transplantable size, though there are always exceptions to the rule. Some seeds may
Swiss Chard d Feb 28-Mar 7 Feb 28-Mar 7 N/A What Is Planting by the Moon? just take longer to germinate and slower-growing annuals will need to be started earlier. (Be sure to
Anemone Caladium ering bulbs have finished
Thyme d Mar 22-Apr 12 Mar 22-Apr 5 N/A Planting by the Moon (also called “Gardening by the Moon”) is a traditional blooming and their foliage read the backs of your seed packets for plant- and variety-specific recommendations!)
Bluebell (Hyacinthiodes) Calla Lily
Tomatoes d Mar 29-Apr 19 Mar 29-Apr 5, Apr 19 N/A way to plant your above- and below-ground crops, especially at the start of the has died back before dig- Saving seeds for next year
Crocus Canna
Turnips N/A d Feb 21-Mar 15 Mar 8-15 season. Here’s how it works: ging, dividing, or moving In the fall, save your zinnia seeds, sunflower seeds, and more. Remember that after flowers
Plant annual flowers and vegetables that bear crops above ground during Daffodil Dahlia them around. Mark their
Watermelons d Apr 5-19 Apr 5 N/A bloom, their seeds remain, containing the promise of spring.
the light, or waxing, of the Moon. In other words, plant from the day the Moon is Fritillaria Daylilly* locations with brightly-col-
Winter Squash N/A d Apr 5-May 3 Apr 5, Apr 20-May 3 What was once a prolific season of non-stop growth with its vining, flowering and blooming
new until the day it is full. Glory-of-the-Snow (Chionodoxa) Crocosmia ored popsicle sticks so
Zucchini N/A d Apr 5-May 3 Apr 5, Apr 20-May 3 burst of colors, slowly gives way in autumn. Before autumn fades, walk outside and collect some of
Plant flowering bulbs, biennial and perennial flowers, and vegetables that Grape Hyacinth (Muscari) Elephant Ear you can find them more
easily in late summer or the flower seeds still on the plant.
bear crops below ground during the dark, or waning, of the Moon. In other Hyacinth (Hyacinthus) Freesia Many old-fashioned annuals grow quite well from seeds collected and stored at home. Zinnias,
On average, the last spring frost occurs on March 22. early fall, which is the time
words, plant from the day after the Moon is full until the day before it is new Iris* Gladiolus sunflowers, cosmos, marigolds, California poppies, impatiens, petunias, cleome, snapdragons,
d Frost dates — indicate the best planting dates based on your local average frost dates. Average frost dates are based to divide and transplant.
again. Snowdrop (Galanthus) Lily, Asiatic/Oriental (Lillium) Fall is also the time nigella and calendula are among the easiest seeds to harvest and replant in the spring.
on historical weather data and are the planting guideline used by most gardeners. Old-time farmers swear that this practice results in a larger, tastier harvest, Squill (Scilla) to dig up summer-flower- Perennial seeds can also be saved. Just keep in mind that some perennials may take a couple
Moon dates — indicate the best planting dates based on your local frost dates and Moon phases. Planting by the Moon so we’ve included planting by the Moon dates in our planting calendar, too. Tulip ing bulbs that need to be years from seed to maturity. So, it’s not the fastest way to go, but it’s certainly more cost-effective
is considered a more traditional technique. stored inside for winter.
Source: Almanac.com * This hardy perennial may be planted in the spring or fall. than buying starter plants at a nursery.
6 SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com HOME & GARDEN HOME & GARDEN The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 7
Vegetable and Herb Planting dates for Spring Vegetable Planting dates for Fall When to start Perennial Flower Seeds When to start Annual Flower Seeds
Crop Plant Seedlings or Transplants Start Seeds Outdoors Start Seeds Plant Seedlings Start Seeds Start Seeds Indoors Start Seeds Indoors
Arugula N/A d Mar 7-22 Mar 7 Crop Indoors by or Transplants Outdoors (Weeks before last Plant (Weeks before last Plant
Basil d Mar 22-Apr 12 Mar 22-Apr 5 N/A Arugula N/A N/A d Oct 2 Flower SPRING frost date) Outdoors Flower SPRING frost date) Outdoors
Beets N/A d Mar 7-29 Mar 8-20 Beets N/A N/A d Sep 22 Anise Hyssop 8-10 weeks On the last frost date Allium 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Bell Peppers d Mar 29-Apr 12 Mar 29-Apr 5 N/A Bell Peppers d May 24 d Jul 19 N/A Asclepias (Milkweed) 10-12 weeks 1-2 weeks after last frost Ageratum 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Broccoli d Feb 21-Mar 15 Feb 21-Mar 7 N/A Broccoli d Jul 26 d Aug 23 N/A Catmint 8-10 weeks On last frost date Alyssum 6-8 weeks 1-2 weeks before last frost
Cabbage d Feb 21-Mar 7 Feb 21-Mar 7 N/A Cabbage d Jul 16 d Aug 13 N/A Columbine 8-10 weeks On last frost date Aster 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Cantaloupes d Apr 5-19 Apr 5 N/A Cantaloupes N/A N/A d Jul 9 Coreopsis 8-10 weeks On last frost date Bachelor Button 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Carrots N/A d Feb 14-28 Feb 14-19 Carrots N/A N/A d Sep 17 Daisy 10-12 weeks 1-2 weeks before last frost Calendula 6-8 weeks 1-2 weeks before last frost
Cauliflower d Feb 21-Mar 15 Feb 12-Mar 7 N/A Cauliflower d Jul 26 d Aug 23 N/A Delphinium (perennial) 10-12 weeks 1-2 weeks before last frost Celosia 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Celery d Mar 29-Apr 12 Mar 29-Apr 5 N/A Celery d May 15 d Jul 24 N/A Dianthus 10-12 weeks 1-2 weeks before last frost Coleus 8-10 weeks 1-2 weeks after last frost
Chives N/A d Feb 21-28 Feb 21-28 Corn N/A N/A d Jul 29 Echinacea (Coneflower) 8-10 weeks On last frost date Cosmos 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Cilantro (Coriander) N/A d Mar 22-Apr 5 Mar 22-Apr 5 Cucumbers N/A N/A d Aug 3 Foxglove (Digitalis) 10-12 weeks 1-2 weeks after last frost Delphinium (annual) 6-8 weeks 1-2 weeks before last frost
Corn N/A d Apr 5-26 Apr 5, Apr 20-26 Eggplants d May 24 d Jul 19 N/A Gaillardia 8-10 weeks On last frost date Gomphrena 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Cucumbers d Apr 5-19 Apr 5 N/A Green Beans N/A N/A d Aug 3 Helianthus 8-10 weeks On last frost date Impatiens 8-10 weeks 1-2 weeks after last frost
Dill N/A d Mar 22-Apr 26 Mar 22-Apr 5, Apr 19-26 Jalapeño Peppers d Jun 13 d Aug 8 N/A Heliopsis 10-12 weeks 1-2 weeks after last frost Marigolds 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Eggplants d Apr 5-19 Apr 5 N/A Kale d Aug 15 d Sep 12 N/A Hibiscus 8-10 weeks 1-2 weeks after last frost Morning Glory* 3-4 weeks After last frost
Green Beans N/A d Mar 29-Apr 19 Mar 29-Apr 5, Apr 19 Kohlrabi N/A N/A d Sep 17 Hollyhock 8-10 weeks On last frost date Nicotiana 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Jalapeño Peppers d Mar 29-Apr 12 Mar 29-Apr 5 N/A Lettuce N/A N/A d Sep 27 Monarda (Bee Balm) 8-10 weeks On last frost date Petunia 8-10 weeks On last frost date
Kale d Feb 21-Mar 15 Feb 21-Mar 7 N/A Okra N/A N/A d Jul 29 Phlox (perennial) 10-12 weeks 1-2 weeks after last frost Phlox (annual) 8-10 weeks On last frost date
Kohlrabi d Feb 28-Mar 7 Feb 28-Mar 7 N/A Parsnips N/A N/A d Aug 3 Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) 8-10 weeks 1-2 weeks before last frost Salvia 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Lettuce d Mar 7-Apr 5 Mar 7, Mar 23-Apr 5 N/A Peas N/A N/A d Sep 2 Thyme 8-10 weeks On last frost date Scabiosa 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Okra N/A d Apr 5-19 Apr 5 Potatoes N/A N/A d Aug 23 Viola 8-10 weeks 1-2 weeks before last frost Snapdragon 8-10 weeks On last frost date
Onions N/A d Feb 21-Mar 15 Mar 8-15 Pumpkins N/A N/A d Jun 19 Yarrow 8-10 weeks On last frost date Statice 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Oregano d Mar 22-Apr 12 Mar 22-Apr 5 N/A Radishes N/A N/A d Oct 2 Stock 8-10 weeks On last frost date
Parsley N/A d Feb 21-Mar 7 Feb 21-Mar 7 Spinach N/A N/A d Oct 12 Perennial flowers Strawflower 6-8 weeks On last frost date
Parsnips N/A d Feb 28-Mar 22 Mar 8-20 Sweet Potatoes d Jun 4 d Jul 9 N/A Perennials are plants that are capable of surviving two or more years. While they may die back Sunflower* 3-4 weeks 1-2 weeks after last frost
Swiss Chard N/A N/A d Sep 27 to the ground in winter, their roots survive underground and produce new foliage as the increased Verbena 8-10 weeks On last frost date
Peas N/A d Feb 7-28 Feb 20-28
light and warmth of spring arrives. Most perennials will bloom in the same year that they are plant- Zinnia* 4-6 weeks 1-2 weeks after last frost
Potatoes N/A d Mar 15-Apr 5 Mar 15-20 Tomatoes d May 29 d Jul 24 N/A
ed, while others may need to spend time becoming established first (particularly if planted later in * These fast-growing annuals are often started outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Pumpkins d Apr 5-19 Apr 5 N/A Turnips N/A N/A d Sep 27
the growing season).
Radishes N/A d Jan 24-Feb 14 Feb 6-14 Watermelons N/A N/A d Jul 9
Rosemary d Mar 29-Apr 19 Mar 29-Apr 5, Apr 19 N/A Winter Squash N/A N/A d Jul 24 Annual flowers
Annuals are plants that sprout, grow, bloom, and go to seed all in one season and only for one
Sage d Mar 22-Apr 5 Mar 22-Apr 5 N/A Zucchini N/A N/A d Aug 8
When to plant Bulbs season. When winter comes, the plant dies, relying on its many seeds to germinate in the following
Spinach N/A d Feb 7-28 Feb 20-28
Bulbs to plant in the fall Bulbs to plant in the spring Caring for Bulbs spring. Because of this, most annual flowers are easy to grow from seed, taking about 6 to 8 weeks
Sweet Potatoes N/A d Apr 12-26 Apr 12-18 On average, the first frost occurs on November 6.
Allium Begonia (tuberous) Wait until spring-flow- to grow to a transplantable size, though there are always exceptions to the rule. Some seeds may
Swiss Chard d Feb 28-Mar 7 Feb 28-Mar 7 N/A What Is Planting by the Moon? just take longer to germinate and slower-growing annuals will need to be started earlier. (Be sure to
Anemone Caladium ering bulbs have finished
Thyme d Mar 22-Apr 12 Mar 22-Apr 5 N/A Planting by the Moon (also called “Gardening by the Moon”) is a traditional blooming and their foliage read the backs of your seed packets for plant- and variety-specific recommendations!)
Bluebell (Hyacinthiodes) Calla Lily
Tomatoes d Mar 29-Apr 19 Mar 29-Apr 5, Apr 19 N/A way to plant your above- and below-ground crops, especially at the start of the has died back before dig- Saving seeds for next year
Crocus Canna
Turnips N/A d Feb 21-Mar 15 Mar 8-15 season. Here’s how it works: ging, dividing, or moving In the fall, save your zinnia seeds, sunflower seeds, and more. Remember that after flowers
Plant annual flowers and vegetables that bear crops above ground during Daffodil Dahlia them around. Mark their
Watermelons d Apr 5-19 Apr 5 N/A bloom, their seeds remain, containing the promise of spring.
the light, or waxing, of the Moon. In other words, plant from the day the Moon is Fritillaria Daylilly* locations with brightly-col-
Winter Squash N/A d Apr 5-May 3 Apr 5, Apr 20-May 3 What was once a prolific season of non-stop growth with its vining, flowering and blooming
new until the day it is full. Glory-of-the-Snow (Chionodoxa) Crocosmia ored popsicle sticks so
Zucchini N/A d Apr 5-May 3 Apr 5, Apr 20-May 3 burst of colors, slowly gives way in autumn. Before autumn fades, walk outside and collect some of
Plant flowering bulbs, biennial and perennial flowers, and vegetables that Grape Hyacinth (Muscari) Elephant Ear you can find them more
easily in late summer or the flower seeds still on the plant.
bear crops below ground during the dark, or waning, of the Moon. In other Hyacinth (Hyacinthus) Freesia Many old-fashioned annuals grow quite well from seeds collected and stored at home. Zinnias,
On average, the last spring frost occurs on March 22. early fall, which is the time
words, plant from the day after the Moon is full until the day before it is new Iris* Gladiolus sunflowers, cosmos, marigolds, California poppies, impatiens, petunias, cleome, snapdragons,
d Frost dates — indicate the best planting dates based on your local average frost dates. Average frost dates are based to divide and transplant.
again. Snowdrop (Galanthus) Lily, Asiatic/Oriental (Lillium) Fall is also the time nigella and calendula are among the easiest seeds to harvest and replant in the spring.
on historical weather data and are the planting guideline used by most gardeners. Old-time farmers swear that this practice results in a larger, tastier harvest, Squill (Scilla) to dig up summer-flower- Perennial seeds can also be saved. Just keep in mind that some perennials may take a couple
Moon dates — indicate the best planting dates based on your local frost dates and Moon phases. Planting by the Moon so we’ve included planting by the Moon dates in our planting calendar, too. Tulip ing bulbs that need to be years from seed to maturity. So, it’s not the fastest way to go, but it’s certainly more cost-effective
is considered a more traditional technique. stored inside for winter.
Source: Almanac.com * This hardy perennial may be planted in the spring or fall. than buying starter plants at a nursery.
8 SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com HOME & GARDEN HOME & GARDEN The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 5
4 SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com HOME & GARDEN HOME & GARDEN The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 9
Making the most of your yard landscape The outdoors are ‘in’ this year
From trimming shrubs and trees to Local interior designers talk bringing
adding new plants, professionals nature into your home
offer their input BY ABIGAIL SIPE ROCHESTER
arochester@cdispatch.com
BY ROBERT SCOT T
N
rscott@cdispatch.com ot everyone has the space or the time to keep
a garden. Sometimes, bringing the outside into
W
armer weather is here, and that has those who your home is the best bet to stay connected
have been cooped up during winter itching to with nature.
get outside. “Being connected to nature makes you feel more
The most common outlet for this pent up energy is comfortable,” said Penny Bowen of Penny Bowen Inte-
the yard. rior Designs. “It makes you feel more comfortable in
your surroundings and at home. And more peaceful… It
Yards say a lot about a person. To maintain a healthy, helps your attitude towards life, because you feel more
beautiful yard, proper landscaping is essential. at peace and more at one with your surroundings.”
Will Spann, owner of S&S Landscaping in Columbus, Bowen, a Columbus designer, has over thirty years
said when it comes to landscaping, there are some com- of experience in designing people’s homes. She and
mon misconceptions. Cyndi Parker, the manager at Something Southern in
“Monday through Friday, I bid jobs all day long,” Starkville, talked about the best ways to give your living
Spann said. “We run into questions like, ‘When should I space a natural connection.
do this? When should I do that? Are my plants going to Parker and Bowen both agreed that bringing nature
into your home is in style this year. To achieve the Photo courtesy of Penny Bowen
come back this year?’ That’s the No. 1 question.” look, each designer focused on the materials in a home Pictured is a wooden-base glass top table that Penny Bowen recently styled into a home.
The concern over perennial plants and their apparent before all else.
demise during the winter can cause gardeners to act Bowen said materials like wood, stone, and even “Natural light and bright spaces are color on the ceiling. She said that this combination is
rashly, pulling the plants and starting over. However, brick can be used to create a more natural look. It is both natural and reminiscent of older southern homes.
patience is key in situations like this. helpful if these materials are already pre-existing in a beneficial physically and emotionally. Or, if you favor darker natural colors, Parker pointed
“I would wait until at least the end of March or into home’s flooring or walls. But she said you can also add towards creating an accent wall.
April. … A lot of people right now are wanting to pull more natural materials through furniture choices. People are generally more positive “Maybe you could do a deep green on that wall, and
Bowen pointed out a table with logs as a base that
some plants up that they think are dead. … Don’t give up
she recently styled in a home as an example of how to and generally more creative in those that could be your accent wall,” Parker said. “That just
means that when you do your draperies that rest along
hope,” he said.
In the meantime, it is important to decide what new Robert Scott/Dispatch Staff
bring more wood into a space.
“Natural is definitely a trend this year,” Bowen said.
environments.” that wall, you do those in white, so you get that strong
dramatic contrast and that focus on your accent wall.”
additions to a yard are desired, because no work should Will Spann, owner of S&S Landscaping in Columbus, gives a presentation on landscaping to the Lowndes County Master Gardeners. Cyndi Parker, manager at Something Southern
He said there are common landscaping misconceptions such as weed barrier, overwatering, what type of mulch is best and when is “I recently took a tree trunk base table and put a glass Parker also said to bring in plants, real or fake, to
commence without a solid plan in place. the best time to plant? top on it, as a way to bring in those natural elements Parker said to avoid blinds, and to put your draperies as make your home come alive.
Everything that is planted must be maintained, and into a room.” high as possible and wider than the window, so they can “You have to think about greenery and florals. You
that is where many often fall short, according to Spann. Ultimately, Spann said the key to a successful land- Parker agreed with Bowen that the materials in your be pulled out of the way when needed.
“Are you willing to water as much as is needed?” he “I would wait until at least the end of scape is careful planning and implementation. home are key to achieving a natural look. She focused Bowen pushed the window coverings in a different
can easily bring in plants, whether they’re real plants
that you have to maintain or faux ones that look real,
on wood as one of the “most natural” materials.
said. “We want all of this magnificent stuff, but we don’t
have time to water it. … Think about that before you
March or into April. … A lot of people Trees, especially Crepe myrtle, should not be planted
too close to houses or sidewalks. Shrubs should not be “You have to think about what’s outside. Trees, the
direction, continuing to play with a variety of different
textures to draw attention to the windows.
not the cheap ones,” Parker said. “Another thing we like
to use are tall wispy branches. You might have a tall
sky, and everything else. You have to consider the
drop a bunch of money on landscaping that you can’t take right now are wanting to pull some clustered together, and should instead be planted 3-feet- colors and the textures,” Parker said. “I would focus on
“If you do a gauzy, sheer type of drapery panel,
that would feel light and airy,” Bowen said. “And then
pot where you put just a few branches in that you would
care of.” apart from the trunk. Holly offers a nice, green addition easily see outdoors.”
Another key aspect of yard management is pruning plants up that they think are dead. … to the landscape, but it requires full sun and regular
natural wood tones in your furniture.”
Both designers stressed that the best way to get your
the shade on the window, you could use a woven wood For a more unique look, Bowen recommended going
shade, which is a more natural material.” for a “plant wall,” as an extra way to bring vegetation
and trimming bushes, shrubs and even trees.
Pruning is when dead or overgrown branches, stems,
Don’t give up hope.” pruning.
These things need to be taken into consideration
home to feel more natural is by using a variety of mate-
rials and textures, to create variety in your home.
But if you can’t change the materials in your home, into your house. This could mean installing faux plant
Will Spann, owner of S&S Landscaping or you’re working on a budget, both designers pointed paneling, hanging plants from macrame plant hangers,
etc. are cut off to encourage new growth. before planting begins. Bowen and Parker also stressed that you need to towards two things: Paint and plants.
An issue that many local gardeners face is deer. The emphasize the windows in your home, as sunlight is key or using live plants on a “plant bookshelf.”
However, the trimmings do not have to go to waste. “I’m also really big on planning for the future,” he “Probably the least-expensive and highest impact “Another thing you could do is take a bookcase, like
Ralph Null, a retired Mississippi State University woodland creatures wreak havoc on local lawns, but said. “How big is this plant going to get? That’s some- to bringing the outside in.
“Natural light and bright spaces are beneficial physi- option would be plants,” Bowen said. “Next would a floor to ceiling bookcase, and line it with sedum, or
professor and longtime floral designer said items such as Spann offered up some seemingly deer-resistant plants thing that people don’t think about when they start plant- be painting. Like if you painted your walls in natural another succulent,” Bowen said. “That kind of repeti-
he has found success with. cally and emotionally,” Parker said. “People are gener-
the trimmings from a yard can be used to create beauti- ing. Did you plant it too close to your house? People try ally more positive and generally more creative in those colors, like sky blue, green, or tan… One trendy color is tive thing is very artistic, but also very natural because
ful floral arrangements that brighten up the inside of a They include: loropetalum, Sunshine Ligustrum, Vin- to crowd their beds to make them look so nice at first, off-white, and then you can put natural materials against you’re working with plants.”
environments.”
home as well. tage Jade, abelia, barberry, forsythia, ornamental grasses when two or three years of patience would help out a lot. Parker said to avoid anything that blocks the win- the off-white, and it stands out like it’s a blank canvas.” No matter what you’re doing to bring nature into
“I use a lot of native flora and fauna, so I collected and boxwoods. Because what I see is, people call us and say it is out of dows, and if you want draperies, you should make sure Parker remained in the same color palette, but your home, Bowen emphasized that you have to “think
everything I could from my yard,” Null said. “(Combating deer) is tough,” he said. “It’s a battle.” control. They just didn’t preplan.” they don’t “obstruct” any light that comes through. recommended using white for the walls, and a sky blue outside of the box.”
10 SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com HOME & GARDEN HOME & GARDEN The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023 3
Spring cleaning: Don’t toss How to be a nurturing plant Helpful tips and tricks to help your garden grow above the rest
parent in 3 easy steps
that ‘junk,’ it may be valuable! STATEPOINT MEDIA
Nursery manager sees explosion
of interest in growing food
P
STATEPOINT MEDIA WHAT’S IT WORTH? lants add color, life and vibrancy to your BY GRANT MCLAUGHLIN
n Take your found treasures to
I
home’s indoor and outdoor spaces and grant@cdispatch.com
t’s time to hit the Mississippi Roadshow at Trotter
can even improve indoor air quality.
garage, basement, attic Convention Center April 21 be-
M
ginning at 10 a.m. A $100 ticket However, if you are new to plant ownership, ore people than ever are getting into growing
and closets for that age- covers entry, food and a single you may be wondering how to make your foli-
old task of spring cleaning! appraisal.
their own food in home gardens, says one
age thrive. Here’s are three tips for healthier greenhouse manager in Columbus.
Before hauling unwanted plants:
possessions to the curb, ing what makes old sports Mary Tuggle, manager at Walton’s Greenhouse on
1. Make a move: Many plants that do well 18th Avenue in Columbus has seen many first time veg-
you may be surprised collectibles valuable. To outdoors in the warmer months can’t tolerate
to learn they might be help, Crisafulli is sharing etable gardeners in her day, but whereas she once saw
the cold. So don’t wait for subfreezing tempera- two to three new gardeners a day in 2019, she now sees
valuable — especially if some tips: tures to bring planters indoors for the season.
you have sports cards and about five.
Be sure to give your newly-transported plants “Now a lot of people are unsure of the economy and
memorabilia gathering
dust.
Older is usually pricier the right amount of light. This may require the cost of buying (food) at stores,” Tuggle said. “And you
Cards from the 1960s using special grow lights. Keep in mind though just can’t beat fresh.”
With prices of sports and earlier are collectible, that different types of plants thrive better with
cards rising in recent and those from before the different color spectrums and intensities, so
years, take time to deter- 1940s can be worth a lot of group plants under the right lights accordingly. Green Thumb 101: What you need to get started
mine if yours are valuable money, especially those de- If your indoor air is dry in winter, you may find The first thing to do is know what you are growing,
and how to best sell them. picting stars. Do you have that misting the leaves of your warm climate Tuggle said.
“Older sports cards and cards of Hall of Famers, and tropical plants will help provide needed As far as “beginner proof” plants go, Tuggle recom-
memorabilia aren’t just such as Mickey Mantle, humidity. mends starting with tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon
highly collectible; they can Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner 2. Prevent pests: Unfortunately, keeping and squash, which start growing between March and
be worth lots of money. or Ty Cobb? Even non- houseplants often attracts insects that can April if grown from seed, and can be bought as trans-
Recent sales of scarce stars from the early days StatePoint Media image
harm them and bug you. But there are steps plants in early spring onward. These plants are easy to Grant McLaughlin/Dispatch Staff
vintage cards have topped Sports memorabilia and other collectibles can worth lots of money.
of a sport can be worth you can take to prevent a pest problem in your manage and usually grow a hefty crop, Tuggle said. Tommy Krump, 7, and Sam Krump shop for blueberry bushes at Walton’s Greenhouse. Walton’s Manager Mary Tuggle said gardening
anywhere from thousands big bucks, especially if the home. One important thing you can do is to be To get started, Tuggle said to use raised beds 12 amongst younger people has become more popular in recent years, but beginner gardeners need to know how and when to plant,
of dollars to tens of thou- cards have no creases and but most aren’t valuable. store displays and for other sure you are not overwatering plants. Too much inches deep, four inches wide and eight inches long. Pots when to water and what equipment to use before planting.
sands, even hundreds of retain sharp corners and However, photographs and marketing purposes can water in effect drowns plants. It can also create are also a good option. Expect to pay around $100 or
thousands. And really original gloss. postcards depicting sports be pricey. Tin signs from standing water that becomes a breeding ground more, depending on how extensive your raised beds and growing. to 18 inches apart. Plants of intermediate size should
rare cards can go higher,” If you have very old stars and ballparks can be the 1960 and earlier can be for flying insects. You can also provide round- pots are. Kendrick said plants like tomatoes, squash and water- be placed at least 18 to 24 inches apart so they all have
says Al Crisafulli, Auction cards from the 1880s significant. Look for early highly prized, but reproduc- the-clock protection from fruit flies, gnats and Oktibbeha County Co-op Assistant Manager Rodney melons only need intermittent watering. enough room to grow.
Director at Love of the through the 1930s, look for “real photo” postcards tions aren’t. flies by plugging a Zevo Flying Insect Trap into “You need to know when to water,” he said. “Watering “They’ll get a three gallon generic pot that is 12
Kendrick recommends taking a good look at the soil you
Game Auctions, an internet tobacco, gum and candy from the 1900s through the Your family’s sporting too much can hurt you. You’ll have insect issues and inches deep and then I’ll put six tomatoes in it,” she said.
a regular outlet near your plants and wherev- buy and making sure to purchase soil conditioners –
sports auction house that brands, such as Old Judge, 1940s, which are photo- goods, such as balls, gloves fungus issues.” “You can’t keep enough water on that once that plant
graphs printed on postcard er flying insects enter your home or gather. which can cost anywhere between $4 and $20 – to help
helps families identify and Piedmont, Sweet Capo- and bats, can be valuable. Kendrick also recommends using insecticides. Know- grows.”
backs. Rather than chemical insecticides, the traps amend any sand-based soils prone to drying too fast. He ing how your plants are susceptible to insects and how
sell valuable items. ral, Goudey or American Pre-1950s uniforms and use multi-spectrum light technology to attract Another thing to avoid is trusting your neighbors to
As with sports cards, catcher’s masks, helmets also recommends buying a soil testing kit, which costs to keep them safe will keep aphids, stink bugs and other water your plants while you are off on summer vacation.
Crisafulli has assisted Caramel. flying bugs into a discreet glue sheet cartridge. around $10.
people in selling such If you want to sell star power matters, so and other equipment are insects. If you do ask someone to water the plants while you’re
preserve those Babe Ruths When the cartridge is full, replace it and toss The Mississippi State Extension service also provides Once you know your enemies and how and when to
keepsakes as a grandpar- sports items for the most highly collected, especially the used one without ever having to touch a gone, make sure they know to water as often as you do
as opposed to images of when endorsed by star play- soil testing services. water, all that is left to do is plant. and don’t just spray the hose on them the day before you
ent’s autograph collection money, consider a special- dead bug. To learn more, visit zevoinsect.com.
your great grandma’s baby ers. Top condition brings “Sandy soils are going to dry out a lot quicker,” Kend- Tuggle said planting in late March to early April, just get back.
and an uncle’s childhood ty auction, such as Love 3. Know your lifestyle and limitations: There
baseball cards, for tens of cousin once-removed. And the highest prices, but even rick said. “Your soil has to retain a lot of water, and you before Easter or right after is usually the best time to get “They go out of town and leave their neighbor’s
of the Game, which has are many plant species that while beautiful, can amend those soils with products we have like raised
thousands of dollars. In the expertise to properly when it comes to photos, used equipment can be your plants in the ground. If you plant them too early, teenage son watching their water,” she said. “He’s going
look for old markings on don’t require much care. So, if you’re new bed soil in bags that are complete growing mediums that you might end up with a shorter growth cycle.
one life-changing event, he research sports ephemera valuable. to owning plants, consider starting out with to water the day before they get back. You have to know
helped a family determine the back, such as photogra- “The golden rule is the you would use if you’re growing out, like fertilizers, soil “It (the cold) slows the growing process down,” she that person is a consistent waterer and won’t leave them
and maintains bidder lists lower-maintenance options, such as succulents conditioners, soil based products that have organic wood
that a baseball bat that of collectors specializing in pher, publication and date older the sports card or said. “You can plant it this week and it’ll come up and soaking in water (either).”
stamps. or snake plants. Because these plants don’t type matter in it.” you plant two weeks (from now) and they will be ahead of
spent decades protecting sports. More information item, the more valuable it need much water, they are also great options Kendrick also advises beginners to keep their first
their home was used by usually is. Pre-1975 pieces Tuggle also recommends first time planters purchase the one you planted this week because the cold will hit it garden small. Planting too much can become a burden
is available at loveofthe- for those who travel frequently or those who
Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig gameauctions.com. Memorabilia start to get interesting and are simply forgetful. Have furry friends? Always
Osmocote fertilizer, a slow release fertilizer priced at
$11.99-$29.99 depending on size.
and change the (growing) cycle.” rather than a passtime if you plant more than you are
— and Love of the Game Set aside old advertising are worth researching,” check whether a given plant is toxic to pets willing to harvest. To avoid this, start small, buy one of
Auctions sold it for almost posters depicting sports says Crisafulli. before bringing one home. Some helpful don’ts each and start from there, afterall, there is always next
half a million dollars. Postcards and stars and food, tobacco Don’t just clean out your Having a green thumb can seem like magic. Some do’s for your first garden Tuggle said one of the biggest mistakes people make year to do more if you need to, he said.
Today, that bat could bring photographs or sporting goods brands. “junk” this spring, examine However, with the right tools and knowledge, Once you have mixed in your soil, purchased your is trying to plant too many crops in the same circle. It “You have to plant a lot of seed to make the crop have
more than a million dollars. We all have keepsakes Ads from magazines aren’t it closely to potentially anyone can become a nurturing plant parent. plants, beds and containers, it’s time to get digging. is best to pay attention to how far you space your plants enough but if you buy a six pack of squash, you have a
The key is understand- of vacation destinations, valuable, but those used as maximize its value. With that in mind, here are some tips to keep the garden from one another. Your smaller plants should be to 12 family of them, that’s all you need,” he said.You can also read
