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Pollinator Protection Patch Posted on 11 Apr 11:36 , 1 comment

This might be one of our most exciting projects ever!  We are thrilled to dedicate this huge patch of the property for the pollinators that visit our veggie gardens.

 This patch is approx 30 ft by 130 ft!



What is a Pollinator Protection Patch?

This is our Pollinator sanctuary.
Pollinators require two essential components in their habitat: somewhere to nest and flowers from which to gather nectar and pollen.
We've shared about the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge in the past.  This is our way of expanding on that idea while expanding our pollinator garden.

 

 

Why are we planting for Pollinators?

There are hundreds (probably thousands) or articles available online about the importance of pollinators for crop production.
One recent concern a customer mentioned to us was blossoms forming and then falling off their squash plants.  In this case, the issue is most likely a lack of pollination.

You don't have to plant a large area to successfully attract pollinators to your garden.  It can be done by simply interplanting flowers and herbs in your current garden or setting aside a place dedicated to pollinator friendly plants.

We have decided to dedicate this large of a space because we are fortunate to have the extra room.  Most importantly, we do not use chemicals or sprays that would harm pollinators on ANY part of the property.

 

What are we planting in our

Pollinator Protection Patch?

This was a tough decision because honestly I wanted to plant ALL of the flowers!

First, we're starting with a
region-specific wildflower mix



A few other pollinator-friendly varieties we're planting include:


An annual, lemon flavored variety. Superb tea plant; striking pink-purple flowers, beautiful and tasty.


The flavor of Borage is similar to a cucumber.  Borage has bright blue, star-shaped flowers that explode in a blue profusion all summer attracting honey bees.


Sunflowers are easy to grow and hardy plants


 

COSMOS

 

LUPINE, WILD PERENNIAL

 



ZINNIAS

Specifically Zinnia Mix because I love the colors!


We might add a few others as this project progresses such as Purple Coneflower.  Stay tuned for updates!



I hope you have enjoyed another educational article.  If you have additional questions, please leave a comment below or send an email to mary@marysheirloomseeds.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marys-Heirloom-Seeds/229833070442449

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NEW Regional Wildflower Mixes Posted on 14 Jun 06:37 , 0 comments

Mary's Heirloom Seeds
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June 14, 2017
Our gardens are THRIVING it's time to add more seed varieties!
At Mary's Heirloom Seeds we currently offer over 450 varieties of seeds
(probably closer to 500 by now)
We offer quite a few Wildflower Seeds

Because you asked, we decided to add a few region-specific wildflower varieties!
Enjoy!
for your Region
 
**CLICK THE IMAGE for a complete list of seed varieties included in each seed mix**
 
 
This wildflower seed mix is formulated for the Gulf Coast, Caribbean, Southern Florida and extreme Southern Texas.


Midwest wildflower seed mixture is made up of 19 species chosen for their lasting blooms as well s their rugged ability to withstand the extremes of the Midwestern climates.Under normal conditions, this mix may reach a height of 24-30 inches.
Mountain wildflower mix is designed to do exceptionally well in the mountain areas of the U.S. The mix consists of 19 species. Many of the wildflower varieties do well in higher elevations with limited moisture. Will reach a height of 36-48 inches under normal conditions
 
 
 
 

 Northeastern wildflower seed mix is designed specifically for the special needs of the Northeast. This attractive wildflower mix is made up of 19 species of which a third are annuals and the remaining are biennials or perennials. This mix will grow 36-48 inches tall under normal conditions.
 
 

 
 
 
 
At  Mary's Heirloom Seeds we're constantly adding to our Planting Tips page!
 Many of you have asked about growing different varieties from seed so we'll continue to share our Growing Tips & Videos
Let's get planting!
CLICK HERE for more unique
 Wildflower Varieties 
HELPFUL LINKS 
If you have additional questions please feel free to ask. 

 

Happy Planting,

 

Mary's Heirloom Seeds, P. O. Box 3763, Ramona, CA 92065

Planting Wildflowers in Your Garden Posted on 11 Mar 07:10 , 2 comments

One of the best things about wildflowers is how easy they are to grow!  In case you missed it, we recently posted an article of EDIBLE FLOWERS at Mary's Heirloom Seeds!

Plan
Check for your last frost date and plant after this has passed.
Choose a spot on your property that gets 6 or more hours of direct sun a day.
Prepare your soil be clearing the area of all existing growth. Simply dig up everything that is growing, turn the soil and rake the area flat. If this is an area that has never before been gardened, you may need to till the area up to remove growth.
 
Plant
Mix the seeds with sand for better visibilty and scatter the seeds directly on top of the soil.
We recommend lighly compressing the seeds into the soil, making sure not to bury them. You can either walk on them, use a board or just pat down with you hands.
 
Grow
Water so that the soil is moist, not soaking wet, until the seedlings are about 4-6" tall. After that, the seedlings will survive on natural rains. If you are experiencing very dry weather, we recommend watering occassionally.
Spring, summer and fall are all wildflower planting times, depending on your region, your weather, and the way you want to approach establishing your meadow. No matter when or where you plant, site preparation is roughly the same. But the first consideration is not the season; it's your climate.
 
For mild-winter areas: If you're planting in a warm place such as California, Florida or southern Texas, with minimal — or no — winter frost, you can plant almost anytime, except during your hottest season. Best time is just before your rainiest season begins, and when you know the weather will not be too hot for young seedlings. In Florida, fall is best. In California, most wildflowers are planted during the winter to take advantage of California's greening in early spring.
 
Nasturtiums
For all areas with killing frost: If you have definite killing frost in winter, things are different. In these areas (most of the country) spring and fall are both fine for planting, and each has its advantages.
 
Wildflowers can re-seed and continue to grow for many years if planted in an area that will allow them to flourish.  Saving seeds from these wildflowers is easy and will ensure flowers for the future.
 
Companion Planting with Flowers


Companion planting is based around the idea that certain plants can benefit others when planted next to, or close to one another.
 
Companion planting exists to benefit certain plants by giving them pest control, naturally without the need to use chemicals, and in some cases they can give a higher crop yield.

Marigolds: Basil, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant, gourds, kale, potatoes, squash and tomatoes.  Often called the "workhorse" of pest deterrents.

Bachelor Button: Attracts pollinators to the garden
 
Lavender: cabbage, cauliflower and fruit trees

Nasturtium: cucumbers, melon, squash, cabbage, broccoli, tomatoes, celery, carrots and radish.  Repels Carrot fly, Japanese beetle, whitefly, aphid and cabbage moth.  


Echinacea Purpurea
Sunflower: Corn, squash and beans.  Attracts pollinators to the garden.

Lupine: nitrogen rich.  Attracts pollinators.  Traps aphids!
Echinacea and Yarrow:  Attracts pollinators to the garden. *Also reported to have medicinal properties*
 
More great companions include:
Additional info on Companion Planting:
I hope you have enjoyed another educational article.  if you have additional questions, please leave a comment below or send an email to mary@marysheirloomseeds.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marys-Heirloom-Seeds/229833070442449

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