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Lawn, Gardening & Pests News

Cosmos

Dark purple cosmos in a field.

If you’re looking to add color, charm, and pollinator appeal to your garden, cosmos might be the perfect fit. These bright flowers bloom throughout summer and into fall, thriving in full sun and less-than-perfect soil. Best of all? They’re easy to grow from seed, making them ideal for both beginner and seasoned gardeners. 

Sunflowers

Close up of a yellow sunflower.

Sunflowers are a colorful garden addition. These vibrant, fast-growing flowers can be food sources for people, wildlife, and pollinators. Sunflowers come in various shapes, sizes, and bloom colors. 

Zinnias

Close up of a magenta zinnia.

Zinnias are popular flowers for annual gardens as they are easy and quick to grow both from seeds and transplants. Known for their bold colors and long flowering season, zinnias are a member of the aster family and native to Mexico and Central America and will bring beauty to any garden. 

Wildflowers

Purple coneflowers.

An established wildflower meadow can produce bouquets for the table, all while serving as the perfect haven for insects and wildlife. Adding these plots of wispy flowers transforms a manicured lawn into a magical getaway and can reduce time spent on the lawn mower!  

Marigolds

Field of orange and yellow marigolds.

A favorite for many, the marigold is a versatile annual flower. There are multiple uses for marigolds. From cut flowers, borders, and companion plants, the options are nearly endless. In fact, there are a few different common types of marigolds that you can select to best fit your gardening needs.  

Tulips

A row of purple tulips.

The tulip can be found everywhere from farms, fields, and forests in Appalachia. While native to Central Asia and Turkey, they were planted in West Virginia for their flowers in spring.   

Dahlias

Field of orange dahlias.

Growing flowers by themselves or alongside a vegetable garden can bring a splash a color into your landscape, and what brings more color than dahlias? These easy to grow flowers can be enjoyed for years, all with a little knowledge and proper storage. 

Roses

Close up of a red rose.

Throughout history, roses have been welcoming us with a great display of their fragrant, delicate, and beautiful flowers in every color imaginable.  

Perfect Timing: When to Harvest

One basket of green pepper, one basket of purple peppers and one basket of yellow peppers.

Have you ever entered your garden to find a zucchini that went from a petite vegetable to a 2-foot-long giant that could outweigh a small child? If so, you are not alone! Although you might be able to have bragging rights for the largest produce at a county fair, the eating experience is less than desirable. Produce like summer squash and zucchini are best when harvested at about 6 to 8 inches long.