Whether you’re a new gardener with only a few sprouts to your name or a seasoned grower with an enviable green thumb, anyone can benefit from a few words of wisdom. Be it a flower suggestion for that frustrating sunless spot in your yard or a vegetable plant perfect for the Central Pennsylvania climate, Susquehanna Style has you covered with a little help from our friends. Read along to see what readers had to say about their gardening successes, and get a few fantastic tips for your greenery.
What is your favorite plant combination for container gardening?
“Caladiums, sweet potato vine and impatiens as a filler.” - Kim Hill, Harrisburg
What’s your favorite plant to use in a window box?
“Vinca vines with geraniums.” - Jen Trich Nevil, Lancaster
“Wire vine. [It’s] very hardy, does not overtake other plants, but is a filler, [and] lasts well into fall.” - Linda Hess, Myerstown
“Ornamental peppers.” - Heather Montgomery, Philadelphia
Do you use rain barrels for your garden?
“Yes, for years. They are awesome, and plants thrive when compared to watering from the hose.”- Heather Jane Kreider, Manheim
100 percent of polled readers use rain barrels for their gardens.
What are the most successful plants in your vegetable garden?
“Red raspberries, spaghetti squash, tomatoes, green peppers, yellow squash. Hoping for a better year with sweet potatoes, looking forward to starting to plant again, uh I mean my husband...” - Deborah Fisher, Gap
What is the best plant for shady areas of your property?
“Different ferns and hostas.” - David Albright, York
“Elephantine Hosta.” - Caroline Morris, York
Do you have any top tips for fertilizing your plants?
“For roses, [use] Epsom salts and banana peels. It’s earth friendly and cheap!” - Kelly Reed Shaw, York
What’s your favorite perennial plant?
“Daffodils.” - Julie DeBoard, Hummelstown
“Clematis!” - Cheryl Kauffman, York
“Butterfly weed. Bring back the monarchs!”- Wendy Brister, York
“Peonies.” - Annette Fisher, York
What is your favorite annual plant?
“Impatiens.” - Patricia Reinert Lawson, Port Royal
“Portulacas. They do well in [bad] soil, direct sun, no water or deadheading, and bloom their little hearts away constantly! I love to put hot pink and orange together!” - Karen Kratosky Spidle, Harrisburg
Do you compost?
“Yes! Just started last year.” - Erin Cramer, Lancaster
“Sure do, we’ve composted for about 10 years.”- Lora Deller, York
Nearly 70 percent of polled readers compost for their gardens.
What are the best plants for spots with direct sunlight?
“Geraniums.” - Susan Ferguson Ragan, Havre de Grace, Md.
“Sunflowers! Duh!” - Bruce Jenkins, Lancaster
“Corn, tomatoes, green beans, broccoli, strawberries, peppers... You get the picture.”- Dave Miller , Middletown
What’s your favorite plant to use as filler in your garden?
“Daylillies.” - Sandi Barefoot, York
“Vincas make a great filler around the edges of the garden. They come in vibrant colors and are very easy to grow!” - Natalie Kopp, Harrisburg
Compiled by Hannah Wigton
