When the leaves start falling in Massachusetts, it can be tempting to give the entire yard one last big cleanup before winter. But a perfectly tidy garden is not always the best thing for your plants or the wildlife that visits them. At Salt Box Nursery in Billerica, MA, we recommend taking a more selective […]
During summer, lush foliage and colorful flowers can make almost any landscape feel full. But once fall arrives and plants begin to slow down, the structure of your garden becomes much easier to see. That makes fall an excellent time to evaluate your landscape and plan improvements for next year. At Salt Box Nursery in […]
Fall is a beautiful time in Massachusetts, and it is also an important season for the wildlife that shares our gardens. As temperatures drop and flowers begin to fade, a few simple gardening choices can help provide food, shelter and habitat for birds, pollinators and other beneficial wildlife. At Salt Box Nursery in Billerica, MA, […]
As the growing season winds down in Massachusetts, you may be tempted to clean up every garden bed and cut your perennials to the ground. But before reaching for the pruners, take another look. Some plants benefit from fall cleanup, while others are worth leaving through winter. Healthy stems and seed heads can provide food […]
If you’ve been thinking about adding a tree or larger shrub to your landscape, don’t wait until spring. September can be one of the best times to plant in Massachusetts. Cooler air reduces stress on newly planted trees and shrubs, while soil warmed by summer encourages root development. Plant this fall, and your new addition […]
Spring may get most of the attention when it comes to gardening, but fall is one of the best planting seasons in Massachusetts. Cooler air combined with soil that is still warm from summer creates favorable conditions for establishing many trees, shrubs, and perennials. Planting in fall gives roots time to begin establishing before winter, […]
While summer is still in full swing, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your fall landscape. Planning ahead gives you the best selection of plants and plenty of time to create colorful gardens that will shine well into autumn. Whether you’re refreshing flower beds, planting shrubs, or preparing a vegetable garden, late […]
By August, even the healthiest container gardens can begin to show signs of summer wear. Weeks of blooming, frequent watering, and warm weather can leave annuals looking stretched, faded, or simply tired. The good news is you don’t have to start over. A little maintenance now can keep your containers colorful and thriving right through […]
As summer begins to transition toward fall in Massachusetts, bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators are still actively searching for nectar. By adding plants that continue blooming through the late season, you can enjoy weeks of beautiful color while providing an important food source for the pollinators that help keep our gardens thriving. A […]
Many New England gardeners think spring is the only planting season, but late August is actually one of the best times to add trees and shrubs to your landscape. Warm soil, cooler nights, and fewer periods of extreme heat create ideal conditions for strong root development before winter arrives. Cooler Nights Mean Less Stress As […]
Late summer is the perfect time to give your garden a fresh start before fall arrives. A few simple tasks now can improve plant health, refresh tired beds, and prepare your landscape for another beautiful season. ✓ Water Deeply Continue watering: Trees and shrubs Perennials Vegetable gardens Containers Deep watering promotes healthier roots. ✓ Pull […]
As summer begins to wind down in New England, many gardens can start to lose some of their early-season color. Fortunately, plenty of dependable perennials continue blooming into late summer and fall, keeping your landscape vibrant while providing valuable nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. By adding a mix of late-blooming perennials, you can […]
Hydrangeas are among the most popular flowering shrubs in home landscapes, prized for their spectacular blooms and season-long beauty. But what happens when your hydrangea produces plenty of healthy leaves and very few flowers? If you’re wondering why your hydrangea isn’t blooming, you’re not alone. Blooming problems are one of the most common hydrangea questions […]
Few garden vegetables are as rewarding as homegrown tomatoes. Whether you’re growing juicy slicing tomatoes, sweet cherry tomatoes, or heirloom varieties, a little extra care throughout the growing season can make a big difference in the quality and quantity of your harvest. If you want healthier plants, fewer problems, and baskets full of delicious tomatoes, […]
There’s something magical about seeing butterflies flutter through the garden on a warm summer day. Beyond their beauty, butterflies are important pollinators that help support healthy ecosystems and thriving landscapes. Unfortunately, many butterfly populations have declined due to habitat loss and a lack of suitable food sources. The good news is that homeowners can make […]