Ever wondered how to preserve gourds? Displaying colorful gourds that mimic the hues of New England’s fall foliage is a festive way to celebrate the season. By preserving gourds, you can use them in your autumn decor for years to come. Miniature gourds look great displayed clustered in a basket or lined up on a coffee table or mantel. I also like to group a variety of tiny gourds with bittersweet and medium-sized warty and ghost pumpkins on the dining room table as a centerpiece arrangement that will last throughout the fall.

Read on for more ideas on how to display autumn gourds, plus learn how to preserve gourds for future seasonal displays.

How to Preserve Gourds | Instructions

Preserving gourds takes a little patience, but is well worth the wait. To start, harvest miniature gourds when they are mature and not any sooner. If gourds are harvested before they are done growing they are more susceptible to rot. A good indicator that a gourd is ready to pick is when the stem is dry and turning brown.

Cut the gourds from the vine leaving at least 2” of stem. The stem will aid in wicking the moisture from the gourds.

Gently wash the gourds in a mild soapy dish detergent and rinse thoroughly.

Wipe the gourds dry and spray lightly with a household disinfectant or mist with rubbing alcohol.

Space the prepared gourds on a few layers of newspaper in a dark, warm, dry area (such as an attic) with good ventilation. Replace the damp newspaper every few days, turning the gourds when you do. Heat accelerates drying and darkness will preserve the gourd’s color. You can also place the gourds under a fan to speed up the drying process. Repeat these steps for the next several weeks until the gourds are noticeably lighter and you are able to hear the seeds rattling inside them when you pick them up.

When the gourds are completely dry, use a paste wax or clear shellac to seal and protect.

How to Display Gourds

Create a gourd birdhouse.

Follow the drying instructions above. Puncture a hole in the dry gourd and use a pumpkin cutter to saw out an opening about the size of a golf ball. Twist the wire around the stem to hang. A wooden dowel may also be inserted under the hole as a perch. Simply puncture a hole directly underneath the cut opening and work the dowel in gently.

Display flowers in gourds and pumpkins.

Mums and Kale look great when placed inside a pumpkin that has been hollowed out to fit the dimensions of the plant pot.

Create Thanksgiving place settings.

Follow the gourd drying and preserving directions above. Slice a small slit in the top of the gourd and slide a handmade cardboard place setting in the opening.

Do you have any new or creative ideas for how to preserve gourds? Let us know!

This post was first published in 2012 and has been updated. 

SEE MORE:
Make a Pumpkin Planter | Pumpkin Crafts
Best Fall Porch Plants
5 Winter Squash Winners | How to Identify, Prepare, Store, and Serve Winter Squash
Fall Decorating Ideas | 10 Simple Ways to Add Garden Style

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Fall is a great time to work in the garden—bright sunny days paired with cooler temperatures make for a perfect climate to plant and prepare for the next growing season. Here’s our fall planting guide for the best five things to plant before New England’s first frost.

New England Fall Planting Guide

What to Plant Before the First Frost

Trees & Shrubs

Fall is an ideal time to plant trees and shrubs. Roots systems will begin to form before the frost sets in, essentially establishing the shrub or tree in the ground for the winter. Mulching around newly planted trees and shrubs will help protect the new transplants throughout the winter as well. Be sure to remove any coverings on the root balls of plants before planting.

Perennials

Don’t let the droopy appearance of perennials that have completed their growing season get you down. Even though they do not look as appealing as they did when they were at their peak earlier in the season, they will bounce back in full force in the spring. If you are undecided about where to plant them now, you can always keep them in pots and soil in a covered or protected area outside until the spring and plant them then. Be sure to label the perennials beforehand for easy identification when it is time to put them in the ground.

Bulbs

September is the time to plant for early spring blooming bulb flowers such as daffodils, tulips, and crocus. Be sure to follow packaging directions for planting depths. A good rule of thumb is to plant tulips and daffodils 6 inches deep and crocus plants 3 inches deep. Bulbs should be put into the ground before late October to allow a bit of root growth before the frost.

Herbs

Fennel, lavender, lemon balm, rosemary, wild strawberry, mint, and parsley are some of the herbs that do well when planted in the fall, provided they are established plants or divided from an existing herb plant and not new growth or seedlings.

Garlic

October is the time to plant garlic in New England—it is planted during the fall because the cloves must be exposed to cooler ground temperatures before they can begin to grow. They will remain in a suspended state throughout the winter and begin growing full force in the spring when the temperatures are warmer. Garlic cloves must be planted separately and not clustered together or as a whole garlic. Green shoots will appear in the spring.

What fall planting tips do you follow? Do you have any perennial favorites that you plant?

This post about fall planting was first published in 2013 and has been updated. 

SEE MORE:
Fall Chore Shortcuts | Gardening Advice
How to Plant Fall Bulbs
How to Make Mums Last Longer | Gardening Advice

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When to Plant Acorns

The post How to Grow Oak Trees from Acorns appeared first on New England.

Chrysanthemums (Mums)

Marigolds

Sunflowers

Ornamental Kale

Potted Ornamental Grasses

How to Choose the Best Fall Porch Plants

How to Display Fall Porch Plants

Fall Porch Plants Maintenance Tips

• Check the soil of the plants daily to see if they need water. Soil should be damp to the touch, not soaking wet or muddy and not dry, sandy or crumbly.
• Turn pots every few days so all sides of the plant get equal sun exposure.
• Deadhead as needed to keep the flowers looking healthy.
• On evenings when a frost is expected, cover the plants with a blanket to avoid freezing and remove the blanket in the morning when the temperature has risen.

SEE MORE: How to Use Fallen Leaves As Fertilizer Keep Squirrels Away From Fall Bulbs How to Preserve Gourds and Display Them, Too!

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4 Houseplants to Grow from Seeds

Asparagus Fern (not a true fern)

Teacup African Violet

Cactus

Cat Grass

The post 4 Houseplants to Grow from Seeds appeared first on New England.

Plants That Repel Insects and Garden Pests

Marigolds

Citronella

Catnip

Garlic

Castor Oil Plant

The post Plants That Repel Insects and Garden Pests | Natural Gardening appeared first on New England.

How to Grow Sunflowers

History of Growing Sunflowers

Benefits of Growing Sunflowers

Types of Sunflowers: Cultivated vs. Wild

Types of Sunflower Seeds

How to Harvest Sunflower Seeds

A Few Fun Sunflower Varieties to Try:

• Towering Mammoth – A giant sunflower with stems up to fifteen feet tall and heads as large as dinner plates! Towering Mammoths produce great seeds for eating.
• Sunbeam (or Vincent Van Gogh Sunflowers) – These sunflowers can grow up to five feet tall and produce golden-yellow flowers that are about five inches wide.
• Teddy Bear – Although these flowers only grow up to three feet tall, they sport very impressive blooms that are golden and fluffy.

SEE MORE: New England Sunflower Farm & Maze Guide

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How to Plant Fall Bulbs

SEE MORE; How to Keep Squirrels Away From Fall Bulbs New England Fall Planting Guide | What to Plant Before the First Frost How to Make Mums Last Longer

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Hydrangeas are a beautiful garden shrub known for their brightly colored and uniquely shaped blossoms. Hydrangea care can be a little intimidating, but once you know what you’re doing, your plants should flourish without trouble.

Changing Blossom Colors | Hydrangea Care

Hydrangeas have been coined “nature’s own pH tester” as the colors of the showy blooms the shrubs produce are dependent on the acid level of the soil in which it grows. Plants growing in acidic soils tend to produce flowers with blue hues, while those grown in alkaline soils usually sport blossoms in shades of pink. White hydrangea flowers indicate a neutral soil pH. The color of your hydrangea blooms will give you a good indication of the soil content’s make-up.

You can modify the flower colors of hydrangea plants and bushes by simply amending your soil. For hues of blue, add aluminum sulfate to the soil before the appearance of buds. For pink hues, add superphosphate to the soil before the plant begins to bud. For best results, consult with the staff at a reputable garden center or trusted greenhouse or nursery for recommendations on the amount of soil amendments you should use.

Planting Tips | Hydrangea Care

1. When planting or transplanting a hydrangea, be sure to keep the root ball moist until you’re ready to put the plant into the ground, keeping in mind that hydrangeas generally prefer well-drained, rich soils.

2.  Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and approximately twice the width.

3. Loosen the root ball by gently teasing the roots with your hand before placing it in the hole. Do not plant the root ball too deep.

4. Mix 3 cups of compost with 3 cups of peat thoroughly and add it to the hole before filling the soil back in. You may need more or less depending on the size of the hole.

5. Tamp the soil and add mulch to the top of the backfilled soil.

6. Be sure to water well during the first season after planting to lessen the effects of shock and to give the roots a good chance to become established.

Maintenance | Hydrangea Care

After the hydrangea is well-established — this usually takes 2-3 years — remove weak and damaged shoots at the base of the shrub annually to concentrate the energy of the plant. Keep the majority of the older, healthy-growth stem of the shrubs to maintain strong, hardy plants. Remove dead wood shoots and any thin or damaged shoots in the fall after the peak-blooming period has passed. Wait at least 5 years before pruning the hydrangea severely in the fall to make sure the plant is established enough to bounce back in the spring with vigor.

This post was first published in 2014 and has been updated.

Do you have any hydrangea care tips? Share your knowledge in the comments below!

SEE MORE:
Hydrangea Care | My Hydrangea Doesn’t Bloom
The Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival

The post Hydrangea Care | Planting Tips and Maintenance appeared first on New England.

Plant the Flower Colors Bees Love

Flowers That Attract Bees

1. Black-Eyed Susan
2. Daisy
3. Roses
4. Sunflower
5. Zinnia
6. Bee Balm
7. Dandelion
8. Clover (all varieties)
9. Goldenrod
10.  Milkweed

SEE MORE: Plants That Attract Hummingbirds to the Garden 10 Best Plants that Attract Butterflies Plants That Attract Birds

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5 Ways to Keep Deer Out of the Garden

1. The next time you get your hair trimmed, bring the hair clippings home and spread the hair around the perimeter of your garden. The human scent is said to ward off deer.
2. Gardeners with pet dogs or neighbors with dogs are less likely to have deer intruders as the scent of the dog and the dog’s marking of the territory is something deer tend to avoid.
3. Animal urine. The urine of deer predators may be purchased at hunting retail and supply stores. It’s important that the urine purchased is from a predator that is native to your area. Sprinkle a few drops consistently over various areas of your property. Repeat this application every two weeks or as needed to keep deer out of your garden.
4. Grow ornamental plants that deer do not like to eat as companion plants near the plants that they do eat. TIP: Deer usually do not eat plants with rough, fuzzy, or prickly foliage. Or choose plants, flowers, and herbs that emit a strong odor — such as garlic, onion, sage, and marigolds. These options are all unappealing to deer. Place several of these plants or a combination of the plants in areas where deer are likely to access your garden.
5. Lastly, some folks swear that installing or using a small blinking LED light-such as those used on bicycles or on pet collars for night travel will keep the deer away.

See More:

When to Prune Shrubs | Gardening Advice

How to Use Fallen Leaves As Fertilizer

New England Fall Planting Guide | What to Plant Before the First Frost

The post Keep Deer Out of the Garden | 5 Non-Toxic Gardening Tips appeared first on New England.

Growing roses in New England can be tricky due to the often unpredictable weather that this region is known for. Roses that are strong and planted properly, however, can be surprisingly low maintenance once they are established. Here are the three easiest types of roses to grow in New England, all of which are hardy enough to survive — and even thrive — in our sometimes harsh climate. You’ll also find simple instructions for getting these New England roses to grow into healthy bushes that provide years of enjoyment.

Easiest Roses to Grow in New England

Beach Roses (Rosa rugosa)

Beach roses are fast-growing bushes that spread quickly and are covered with continually blooming pink or white flowers. They thrive in almost all soil types — from sandy beaches to roadside fences. Once planted, beach roses require very little attention, making them one of the easiest types of roses to grow anywhere.

Climbing Roses

A trellis hanging heavy with fragrant roses is a breathtaking and romantic sight, and one that has been seen in New England gardens for centuries. There are dozens of climbing roses to choose from. Consult your local nursery for available options.

Tea Roses

Originally hybrids from China, these roses have evolved and have been successfully cultivated in northeastern gardens for many years, though they may require wood-framed protection in the winter. They are larger than most climbing roses and are very fragrant. Traditionally found in shades of pink and yellow, they are also available in white and red.

Guide to Planting Roses

Supplies for Planting Roses

• Shovel
• Bucket
• Hose or watering can
• Spade
• Rose bush
• Bone meal
• Aged cow manure
• Peat
• Potting soil
• Mulch

Soil Recipe

Mix together equal amounts (approximately 1/2 cup of each for a medium to large size bush — less for smaller plants) of peat, composted cow manure, bone meal, and potting soil.

Instructions for Planting Roses

1. Prepare ahead of time a mixture of equal parts peat, composted cow manure, bone meal, and potting soil. (See above recipe.)
2. Choose a sunny location and dig a hole that is double the width and depth of the root ball.
3. Gently remove the rose plant from the container and loosen the root ball.
4. Place the rose plant in the hole so that the entire root ball is evenly standing underground. The top of the root ball should be flush to the top of the ground.
5. Sprinkle the mixture of bone meal, soil, manure, and peat into the hole around the shrub and fill the remaining space with clean, rich soil. Cover the top of the root ball with approximately 2 inches of soil, being careful to ensure that the stem or stalk of the plant is not covered with dirt.
6. Spread a few inches of mulch around the plant and water thoroughly every few days.
7. To increase and encourage new rose bud growth, snip off weak, faded, and past-peak blooms as they appear.
8. In the fall, be sure to mulch deeply. Alternatively, wrap fragile shrubs in burlap or cover with a wooden pitched box to protect them from heavy snow and ice — unless, of course, they are beach roses; these bushes are hardy and can survive just about anything.

If you’re looking for types of roses that will thrive in your zone, you can’t go wrong with these three easy roses. Let us know in the comments what your favorite roses to grow in New England are!

This post was first published in 2013 and has been updated. 

SEE MORE:

Foolproof Roses | Winter-Hardy Varieties

Roses | Advice from Gardener Suzy Verrier

A Rose Glossary

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