The purpose of this site is to aid the home gardener in finding information that applies to our garden specifics for the Appalachian Mountains,Piedmont and the Coastal areas.
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Many things about gardening remain the same no matter your zone so basic plant information will also be included. If you are looking for information gardeningcarolina.com is the place to keep returning to learn more about this great hobby.
A good place to start learning about Carolina gardening is the site North Carolina
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

Weather varies significantly from one part of North Carolina to South Carolina. Plants that flourish in one part of the state may do poorly or fail in another area.

Amend.. Amend!

at this time of year when we are seeing all the fantastic new plants we would like to add to our gardens,time to do a soil check. If you have not already done so, take a soil sample to your extension office to see what nutrients need to be added. If you skip this test you are just making expensive choices with fertilizers etc.

I tend to amend my soil by turning over the clay and adding soil conditioner, mushroom compost and peat then add well rotted manure or you can purchcase bags of manure at your garden centers. Not having a huge area to work on, allows me to sit on my kneeler and combine the amendments with the clay by hand.
I just sit and break up the clay chunks and work in the extras by hand. This way I do know the consistency of soil when I plant my new additions. I realize if you are working with a large area you will need to use a tiller but, this is an important step in preparation.

Anyone can stick a plant in the ground and then complain the plant died. If it was planted in clay with no amendments, this is like putting a plant in a brick and trying to keep it watered in the heat. When you are admiring someone's garden I would bet they did lots of yearly preparations.

Sandy soils can be amended too. Simply till in 2 to 3 inches of humus such as manure or compost to help bind the soil. This will improve water retention as well as add nutrients.

Interesting info on amending our clay soils.
http://puyallup.wsu.edu/~linda%20chalker-scott/horticultural%20myths_files/Myths/Amendments%202.pdf

Spring Color

Stylophorum Celandine poppies are native to the Carolinas and grow best in woodland settings.  Once they bloom, seed pods form and when ripe will explode exposing seed which will self sow new plants for the next season.

Celandine Poppy

Plant  in fall and spring to extend the bloom time.  The seed does best if scattered and not buried in soil.   Poppies require plenty of moisture until they are up and growing, so with Fall

planting the melting snow in Spring will suffice.
Poppies do well in all soil types as long as it is well drained.

Papaver somniferum
  is the Opium poppy and is illegal to grow in the United States if used for other purposes than enjoying its flower.  This plant does’t transplant well; direct sow it. Read More about Poppies

Take care that pets and children do not sample poppies as they are poisonous.


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