Annuals & Tropicals

The Garden Scoop - Keyhole Gardening

The Garden Scoop - Keyhole Gardening

April 2, 2025

Something old is new again. Keyhole Gardening has (re)gained popularity. It originated in Africa out of necessity. Creating an organic recycling tank in the center of a garden to help grow vegetables in dry, rocky soils. 

The Garden Scoop - Pots for Pollinators

The Garden Scoop - Pots for Pollinators

March 20, 2025

Pots for Pollinators! That reads like a poster. It really should be on t-shirts too. Soon garden centers will be filling up with all sorts of amazing annual flowers. I had a chance to go on a Nursery Tour at Gertens and I can assure you they’ve got it growing on!

How to Air Dry Flowers

How to Air Dry Flowers

February 24, 2025

Preserve the beauty of your blooms! Drying flowers is easier than you think, just follow these simple steps to enjoy everlasting floral decor.

The Garden Scoop - 2025 AAS Annuals winners

The Garden Scoop - 2025 AAS Annuals winners

January 7, 2025

Oh boy, All America Selections has chosen their winners in an array of categories but today, we're celebrating a few of their chosen Annuals. And, WOW, they are amazing. The 'Scoop gives some background on AAS and shares photos of these annuals along with a little story about a wild "pet" rabbit... 

Top Ten Tomato Problems & How to Solve Them

Top Ten Tomato Problems & How to Solve Them

August 21, 2024

There’s nothing like a home-grown tomato! Pick it, pop it in your mouth and savor that fresh flavor. Our Minnesota climate makes it a bit more challenging, but we don’t give up and that’s why, every year, we receive a lot of questions that start with, “What’s wrong with my tomatoes?”

Top Ten Annuals Care Guide

Top Ten Annuals Care Guide

August 9, 2024

Joanne is one of Gertens seasoned Annual House experts & here she shares her top ten list to help maintain your annual flowers through the season!

VIDEO: Caring for Valentine's Day Flowers | Garden Guy Dale

VIDEO: Caring for Valentine's Day Flowers | Garden Guy Dale

February 14, 2024

Garden Guy Dale shares tips for caring for Valentine's Day flowers.

April 27, 2021

Tips on Growing Annuals in Shade

If you have a yard without a lot of sun it can be hard to find plants that will give you color all summer long, but there are options! Gertens has a wide variety of annuals that prefer the shade. 

When to Plant Summer Flowering Bulbs

When to Plant Summer Flowering Bulbs

April 14, 2021

The experts at Gertens are ready to help with planting your summer bulbs! Get all the tips here!

Deer and Rabbit Resistant Plants

Deer and Rabbit Resistant Plants

January 13, 2021

Deer and rabbits are lovely animals to gaze at from afar but not so lovely as they graze at your garden buffet. Gertens Experts provide a list of plants that they are less likely to eat!

Colorful Fall Annuals

Colorful Fall Annuals

December 20, 2020

With fall comes a facelift for your gardens. The summer annuals are spent, it’s time to add some color to compliment those rich fall hues of orange, red, purple and gold. Gertens offers plenty of different selections to choose from.

December 16, 2020

Impatiens Downy Mildew

Impatiens downy mildew can be devestating. The experts at Gertens offer information and prevention techniques!

November 24, 2020

Keep Baskets & Containers Fresh All Season

Keep hanging baskets and planters looking their best all season long with a few tips from the experts at Gertens.

Gardening with Kids

Gardening with Kids

November 23, 2020

The benefits are nearly as endless as the ways to get creative, learn and “grow” with kids. Gertens provides helpful tips for fun gardening projects with kids.

Overwintering your Tropical Plants

Overwintering your Tropical Plants

November 22, 2020

In our climate, tropical plants are usually considered annuals and disposed of at the end of each season. The experts at Gertens provide helpful tips on how to wintering over your tropical plants.