Blog

LINK: https://www.naturehills.com/cooperative_extension

Nature Hills Horticultural Staff is always happy to assist you with your gardening questions and challenges. But sometimes, customers pose location-specific questions to us that we are unable to answer. We don't always have knowledge of the regional climate and soil conditions. We do not want to pass on incorrect information to you. In situations such as these, we always recommend the customer contact their local cooperative extension office.

The cooperative extension offices

These days, every region is becoming more aware of precious water resources. And, gardeners are busy people, so time is also something to carefully safeguard. Watch the video below to get the pros and cons of different techniques, and learn how to adjust automatic water systems as you need to. 

Water-Wise landscaping is here, and we don't think that philosophy is going away. This is true all across the country as people realize how expensive water bills are getting. Learn the finer details of using timer for watering plants and automatic watering system for plants. That means automatic sprinkler systems, too. 

Have a question? Email us at [email protected]!

Nature Hills sells all kinds of plants, including trees, shrubs, fruiting trees & plants, perennials, roses, vines, grasses - you name it! And every one of our beautiful and useful plants loves a layer of mulch to keep the weeds down and provide cover for their roots.

New and Existing Plants Benefit Greatly From a Layer of Mulch Over the Roots

Watch as Ed Laivo, one of our resident horticulturalists, breaks it down for you. See what kind of mulch is right for several applications around your landscape. Learn about the proper depth for new plantings and as an annual topping.

During the video, you'll understand the different types of mulch, and when to use them. You'll see when to use compost as a mulch. You'll get tips on how to apply (and re-apply) mulch as a top

#ProPlantTips from Nature Hills on Repotting Container Grown Fruit Trees

Let Ed Laivo, Nature Hills resident Fruit Horticulturalist, show you tips and tricks of repotting container grown fruit trees for the best results. 

What size pot comes next as you repot your fruit tree into a larger size container? You'll learn everything from the right potting soil mix to use to how to handle the roots of the plant as you repot it.

Growing fruit in containers is a wonderful way to produce delicious food, and gain a highly ornamental patio plant in the process. If you live in a cold growing zone, and must grow tender fruit - like the Australian Finger Lime - in containers, you'll definitely want to watch.

In this blog, you'll get expert how-to's on growing the biggest, prettiest roses possible. This really means taking the time to carefully prune your roses each year. 

And we'll give you some inspiration, too. Take a look at the hottest design trend, partnering your climbing roses with companion plants like Clematis vines. Gorgeous! 

Read on to learn more.

A Quick Review of Tips to Overwinter Roses

In the Northern cold winter states, roses go completely dormant and need winter protection.

We have found the best way to overwinter Hybrid

Today more than ever, people across the country are growing their own fruit. There are many reasons for this, and we applaud the effort!

Nature Hills growers deliver backyard orchards with commercial orchard-grade, vigorous fruit trees and bushes. Our fruit trees produce fruit for cooking, baking, or fresh eating straight from the tree.

There is nothing like reaching out and picking fruit from your very own plant. And one of the coolest things is that we offer a wide mix on the site.

You’ll see beloved modern cultivars like ‘Honeycrisp Apple’ (yes, the kind you see on grocery store shelves). But you’ll also get a chance to try the more unusual heirloom varieties, like the astounding ‘Mutsu Apple

Nature Hills offers a wide variety of plants that will effectively screen a view for you. But which is the RIGHT tree for you? Well, take a look at our "Top 5" selections to get a sense of what other homeowners have used very successfully.

Need More Help Deciding?

Email our plant experts at [email protected]. We'd love to learn more about your unique situation. What are your goals, and what characteristics does your property have? 

Privacy isn't always limited to fast-growing Evergreen tree selections, either. Flowering trees and shrubs

Growing Citrus trees at home is such a rewarding experience. Your family and friends will delight in the fragrance and taste of healthy, home grown fruit.

However, to be successful requires that you monitor your plants for signs of pests or disease. The best time to deal with a problem is before it becomes a problem.

There are a number of different pests and diseases that can affect Citrus in different areas. When not sure always check with your local Ag Extension Service.   

With all product recommendations, follow label directions for dosage and application instructions for safest, most effective results.

The Nature Hills Horticultural team recommends the following

Magnolias are relatively pest free and easy to grow and care for. Read on for care tips from the Nature Hills Horticulture team.

Select the Right Site for Your Magnolia

Pick the right Magnolia variety that fits the space in your yard. Be sure to check the Plant Highlights on every product page for the hardiness zone to ensure it will grow where you live.

Make sure the soil is well drained and that your new Magnolia will get more than half a day of sun for best flowering. 

Ideal growing conditions? Easy!  A rich, moist, well drained soil with an even moisture supply is suggested, but know they are very adaptable. 

How to Improve Your Soil Conditions

Perhaps you don’t have ideal c

We asked our Horticulture Team for their best Tips and Tricks for growing healthy, delicious, gorgeous Blueberries in a permaculture garden. People across the country can successfully grow these wonderful bushes. 

There are 5 main growth habits of Blueberries, including: Northern Highbush, Southern Highbush, Lowbush, Hybrid Half-high and Rabbiteyes. These varieties range widely in chill hours, cold hardiness, different fruiting seasons, size, and flavors.

Selecting the right variety is key to successfully growing blueberries. Nature Hills offers many varieties, and one will work best for your area.

Zones 3 and 4 can grow Half-Highs, including Northblue, Northcountry and Polaris.

Zones 5 and 6 can reliably grow Northern Highbush (Vaccinium