Skip the grocery store and grow pears in your backyard! ‘Bosc’ pear trees are easy to grow and provide a harvest of delicious fruits. Farmer Briana Yablonski shares how to grow these beloved pears at home. While apples are some of the most popular fall fruits, pears come in a close second. Late-ripening varieties like ‘Bosc’ allow you to enjoy juicy fall fruits, and a large harvest means you’ll have plenty to preserve. Plus, since ‘Bosc’ pears have a great storage life, you can continue to enjoy fresh fruits into the winter. Growing pears at home may seem overwhelming, especially if this is your first time planting a fruit tree. However, as long as you have the proper environment, planting and caring for these trees is pretty simple. I’ll explain how to select an ideal location for your ‘Bosc’ pear tree and provide the proper follow-up care. I’ll also share some common problems to look out for and offer tips for preventing and treating these issues. What Is a Bosc Pear? The ‘Bosc’ pear is an heirloom variety of the European pear (Pyrus communis). It’s a popular commercial variety readily available in grocery stores, but it’s delicious enough to warrant growing at home. The fruits have an elongated shape with light brown skin and firm flesh. Native Range Despite their common name, European pears are native to western China. Around 3,000 years ago, they arrived in Europe, where people cultivated them for fresh eating and cider making. Pear lovers cross-pollinated the trees to develop new varieties, such as the ‘Bosc’ pear. This variety emerged sometime in the early 19th century, although its people debate its exact origin. Some people say the pears were first created in Belgium, while others argue they were discovered in France. Regardless, this pear variety made its way to the eastern United States in either 1832 or 1833. While you can still find ‘Bosc’ pears growing in this region today, they are primarily grown in the Pacific Northwest. Characteristics ‘Bosc’ pears stand out from other European pears due to their unique shape, texture, and color. The fruits have a classic pear shape but sport a more elongated neck than varieties like ‘D’Anjou’ and ‘Barlett.’ Their skin is a warm, light brown prone to harmless discolored patches known as russetting. These pears have firmer flesh than many other European pears, so they’re excellent for slicing and using in baked goods. However, their sweet and slightly spicy flavor and noticeable juiciness make them great for fresh eating. ‘Bosc’ pears develop their sweetness when they’re still quite firm, so you can eat them before they’re completely soft. The trees themselves are similar to other European pears. Their mature height depends on the rootstock. Most ‘Bosc’ scions are grafted onto semi-dwarfing rootstocks, so they’ll grow between 10-15 feet tall. However, obtaining smaller trees by grafting onto dwarfing rootstocks and larger ones by grafting onto standard rootstocks is also possible. Planting Bosc Pears There are two main options when it comes to planting pear trees: potted and bare-root. Both options are readily available through in-person and online nurseries and can produce healthy specimens. However, each option has its advantages and requirements, so choose the one that best fits your garden and needs. No matter which option you select, choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun. Be sure you won’t hit any underground utilities when digging, and check for any overhead obstacles that will hit the tree’s growing branches. Pollination requirements: To set fruit, ‘Bosc’ pears require another pear variety that blooms at a similar time. ‘Comice,’ ‘D’Anjou,’ and ‘Corsica’ are all suitable pollinators. Planting Bare-Root Trees Bare-root trees are dormant plants that nurseries dig up, trim, and ship without soil. Their slim design means they’re lighter weight and easier to ship than those growing in containers. Therefore, they’re often less expensive than potted specimens. Since bare-roots are dormant, you must plant them when outdoor vegetation is dormant. You can plant anytime from the late fall through early spring, as long as the ground isn’t frozen. Planting in the fall is ideal since it lets the plants settle into their new home and put on root growth before they break dormancy. A day before you plant your tree, place the roots in water and let them soak for 24 hours. The following day, dig a hole a bit wider than the tree’s roots and set the tree in the hole so the graft union is a few inches above the soil line. Backfill with soil and water well. Planting Potted Trees Container-grown trees grow in plastic pots. Since they are already growing in soil, you don’t have to plant them as soon as you bring them home. Like bare-root trees, fall and spring are the best times to plant. When it’s time to plant, dig a hole as deep as the plant’s rootball and twice as wide. Remove the tree from its container and gently loosen the roots with your hands. Place the tree in the hole, spread the roots, fill it with soil, and water well.

Crocosmia bursts into flower in summer with fiery bloom spikes that add visual interest and draw pollinators. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe explores the zest and carefree nature of the bulbous perennials. Crocosmia brightens the border with sword leaves and blooms in bright orange, reds, and yellows. They emerge in summer among strappy leaves and flower through fall, providing nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Eye-catching in both sun and dappled shade, the old-fashioned favorites delight with easy care. With consistent moisture, crocosmia happily naturalizes (sometimes too happily). Crocosmia is vibrant in a group, offering contrast in texture and color. Here, we’ll explore how to grow these bulbous perennials for dynamic interest. What is Crocosmia? The Crocosmia genus houses about seven species, with thousands of cultivars, many of which are Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit recipients for their bold blooms and ease of growth. Their fiery trumpets enliven the border with tubular flowers on gently arching scapes. The heirlooms also make striking cut flowers in fresh florals. These low-growing perennials form clumps through spreading corms to create colonies. The spiked flowerheads appear in mid-summer for color through autumn. Related to gladiolas in the Iridaceae (iris) family, bloom spikes hold two rows of petaled trumpets in tapered sprays. The genus name derives from the Greek krokos, or “saffron,” and osme, “smell.” The flowers emit a subtle scent, intensified when dried petals, leaves, and stems steep in hot water. Crocosmia, also called montbretia, copper tips, or falling stars, make lovely groupings in borders, cottage gardens, pollinator plantings, and cutting gardens, and naturalistic arrangements. Pair them with bananas, canna, flowering ginger, and agapanthus for a tropically-inspired display. Combine them with other perennials like salvia, dahlia, coneflower, rudbeckia, and ornamental grasses for a full-color panorama. Crocosmia also offers vertical interest in containers. Characteristics The South African natives hold their blooms for a long time in reds, golds, and bicolors. Bloom sprays open from the bottom to the top with a symmetrical flare. Slender, strappy foliage is medium green with a fan of blades. Upper growth stems from underground corms, thick, starchy, bulb-like roots that can be flat or round with fibrous layers. Some species spread vigorously in their optimal growing conditions, leading them to be invasive in some areas. Crocosmia x crocosmiifora is a popular ornamental that escapes garden cultivation. Most cultivars are better behaved. Avoid planting the genus if aggressive in your region, which can displace other plants, including native species. Forming a dense mat, crocosmia is a competitor for water, sunlight, and nutrients. Thin and divide the colony to keep it from spreading out of bounds. After flowering, bright green seedpods emerge, extending the interest and providing forage for birds. In their optimal conditions, they’ll drop, scatter, and yield seedlings. With wildflower qualities, montbretia are carefree growers. Deer and rabbits mostly avoid them, and they have few pests and diseases. Hardy to USDA zone 6, they benefit from extra winter protection or lifting and storing corms in zones 5 and lower. Native Area Native to southern Africa, from Sudan to South Africa to Madasgar, Crocosmia is indigenous to provinces in southeastern Africa where they grow in moist grasslands and along streambanks. Planting Spring offers the best planting conditions with warming soils that foster quick sprouting. Start with corms or nursery potted specimens. For corms, plant them three to five inches deep with a close spacing to allow for a six-inch spread. Aim to have the slightly pointed end facing upward and the flat root end pointed down. Plant potted nursery selections anytime from spring through fall, avoiding dry spells and heatwaves that can stress new plantings. In cold climates at the lower hardiness zones, lift the bulbs for planting in the spring. The shallow-rooted specimens are easy to dig. Clean and dry the bulbs to store in a cool, dry spot over the winter. Plant them after the threat of spring’s final frost passes.

If you love cooking, you probably love the taste and versatility of red onions. But did you know that you can grow these onions easily at home? In this article, horticulture expert Matt Dursum covers how to plant, grow, and care for red onions in your garden. Red onions are a magical ingredient. They give salads and sandwiches a satisfying spicy crunch. Curries and chutneys wouldn’t be the same without them. And red onion pickles? Don’t get me started! As versatile as they are in the kitchen, these tender bulbs are equally easy to grow in the garden. They’ll stand up to almost any climate, and novice gardeners can enjoy their easy maintenance and bountiful harvests. Let’s dive into learning more about red onions and how to grow them in your home garden. With a few guidelines in mind, you can harvest massive red onions throughout the year. What Is It? Red onions are herbaceous biennial vegetables with flavorful foliage and juicy bulbs. They’re members of the Amaryllidaceae family of plants, which include garlic, white onions, leeks, shallots, and chives. They’re some of the oldest and most widely used vegetables on earth. The red variety evolved over thousands of years from species of wild onions. Humans have cultivated them since ancient times. In India, the first record of their use dates back 5,000 years and in ancient Egypt, to 3500 B.C.E. The red color of these onions comes from anthocyanin pigments in their skin. These natural dyes have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. These bulbs also contain a huge amount of vitamins and minerals. Because of this, these allium varieties are incredibly important in a healthy diet. Characteristics Red onions are biennial but often grown as annuals. You can harvest them around 110 to 115 days after sowing. They grow large and flavorful green foliage around their bulbous base. The leaves are hollow and can grow up to 2 feet tall. Every part of the plant is edible and highly nutritious for humans. However, they may be toxic to pets such as dogs, horses, and cats. Native Area Red onions evolved from wild onions in Central Asia, similar to white onions and other species in the Allium genus. Ancient societies propagated them for their red color, and soon, they spread throughout the ancient world. From ancient Egypt to ancient China, these delicious bulbs became mainstay ingredients in a variety of cuisines. People then brought them to the Mediterranean region where they took hold in Greece and Rome. Pliny the Elder wrote about them and the ancient Greeks used them as a dietary supplement. After spreading throughout Europe, these red-skinned bulbs made it across the pond to the Americas. Today, these flavorful crops grow all over the world and are some of the most widely consumed vegetables on the planet. Planting You can grow healthy plants from seeds, bulbs, or transplants. Seeds are a little harder to grow, but they are cheaper. All you’ll need are the right growing conditions and healthy seeds under a year old. Plant your sets in early spring, just before the last frost date. Once you can work the soil in your garden, you can get them in the ground. These vegetables are cold hardy and don’t mind a little frost. Find an area with full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Place each immature bulb or ‘set’ into the soil about 1 or 2 inches deep. Keep the rows over 1 foot wide and space your sets apart by around 6 inches. This will encourage aeration and prevent harmful fungal infections from forming in cramped growing conditions. How to Grow Like other members of the onion family, red onions are incredibly easy to grow. However, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. Read on below to learn more about how to grow these wonderful staple vegetables.