Weekend Reading 3/8/24

Welcome to Garden Center magazine's Weekend Reading, a weekly round-up of consumer garden media stories meant to help IGCs focus marketing efforts, spark inspiration and start conversations with consumers.

This week: Lasagna gardening, tough groundcovers for arid climates, a fertilizer explainer and keyhole gardening.

What you should know about no-dig, no-till gardening (and how to get started), Jacksonville Florida Times-Union

Paula Weatherby, a Master Gardener Volunteer with the Duval County Extension Service and the University of Florida/IFAS, shares tips on no-dig gardening, a.k.a., “sheet composting,” “sheet mulching,” or “lasagna gardening." It's an organic system of layering compost materials to smother grass and suppress weeds resulting in friable, loamy soil once the materials have decomposed.

Are these groundcovers tough enough for lawns and gardens in dry climes?, Associated Press

AP garden writer Jessica Damiano says that there are several tough, low-growing groundcovers that perform well in arid climates. They may not be able to handle the foot traffic of artificial turf, but they attract beneficial insects and, in many cases, bloom to improve a home’s curb appeal.

Here's How to Understand Fertilizer Numbers and Letters, Country Living

Arricca Elin SanSone explains how to take the mystery out of fertilizing to avoid wasting time and money.

What is keyhole gardening? And how to add this sustainable growing system to your backyard, Homes & Gardens

Head of Gardens Rachel Bull says this method of raised bed gardening is an ideal solution for those living in a challenging climate.

Enjoy your reading, have a great weekend and we'll see you next week!