Innovation! While The Garden Scoop is not the most tech savvy, one of the new trends and gadgets for 2023 is something called Tertill. It’s a weeding robot from the inventor of Roomba! I was intrigued which required further investigation! Like, how does this thing not mow down your growing vegetable plants? You need to place plant and/or row guards around your keeper plants. PS, you can make these yourself with chicken wire if you need more than what it comes with.
This weeder is solar powered and waterproof, no chemicals at all. Talk about earth-friendly! It kills pre-emergent weeds with special wheels and has a string trimmer for those that have sprouted.
PS, these are NOT inexpensive but could be worth your dollar especially if you go on vacation! You know how fast those weeds can poke out.
Container gardening continues its rise in popularity as the number one way 35- to 45-year-olds garden. They’re great for small space gardens, and there are plenty of plants that fit the bill for this type of gardening, including KnockOut Roses and many edibles. Tomatoes, strawberries, green beans, peppers and the list goes on! I even grew patty pan squash in a container.
Jalapeno peppers growing in this container
Lawn alternatives continue to grow! (See what I did there?) Anyway, replacing expanses of mowed grass into prairies or meadows, if you will, has been on many homeowners' radar for some time and with good reason. They support pollinators of all types, don’t require harmful chemicals, don’t require mowing, are drought tolerant and they’re pretty too! Wildflowers and native grasses can be incorporated at any pace that works for you. Be sure to check with the experts at Gertens or any locally owned nursery to provide you with more information on your area’s native plants, grasses and shrubs! Here is a link to Gertens Native Plants.
Pennsylvania sedge grass
Growing Vertical is trending this year as many who thought they would be moving are going to stay put until the housing market becomes more manageable! I have a fence that could easily allow for shelving, pouches or other mounted containers. Arbors, trellises and pergolas offer many opportunities to expand your garden area. I found this inspirational, check out Garden Design. Just remember that for any plants they mention you’ll need to see if they work for our zone 4 area. Check with the experts at Gertens if you have questions!
There are more trends for 2023. However, trends come and go. They are useful for ideas, but the most important "trend” is that whatever you grow gives joy to you and your loved ones! Keep what works for you and never mind the rest. Of course, if you have plans to sell, then keep your landscape simple.
Always trending,
