National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture

growing a healthy world through the art, science and business of plants, gardens and landscapes

Cultivate Healthy, Connected and Engaged Communities

Recognize Consumer Horticulture as a Driver of the Agricultural Economy

Restore, Protect, & Conserve Natural Resources Through Consumer Horticulture Research and Education

Consumer horticulture is the cultivation, use and enjoyment of plants, gardens, landscapes and related horticultural items to the benefit of individuals, communities and the environment. These activities rely on the understanding and application of the art and science of horticulture.

The Latest News From NICH

Fabulous Summer Bulbs

April 26, 2022

Summer bulbs, which are planted in the spring after danger of frost, extend the garden’s blooming season well into summer until frost. Their…

Continue Reading Fabulous Summer Bulbs

Native Plants: Feed the Birds

February 21, 2022

In the past, we only wanted our yards to be pretty.Now we know what we plant in our yard affects the environment, and…

Continue Reading Native Plants: Feed the Birds

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Oct 31

Happy Halloween all you gardeners!
#happyhalloween
#plantsdothat
#fall
#allhallowseve
#plants
#consumerhorticulture
#NICH

Oct 26

Over 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkin are produced each year in the United States.
The top pumpkin-producing states are Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and California. Pumpkins are our favorite. Oh My Gourd!

#plantsdothat
#NICH
#fruitsandvegetables
#justgrowsomething
#pumpkins
#gardening

Oct 12

#plantsdothat
#plantsdothatforsoil
#soilhealth
#soilhealthmatters
#leavetheleaves

Sep 29

For Pollinators' Sakes, Don’t Spring Into Garden Cleanup Too Soon Next Spring!

The season's first warm weather next spring may coax you out into the yard, but pollinators in your garden aren’t ready to take a chance on the first warm day.

Chrysalids still cling to last season’s dried standing plant material. While you may begin to see bumble bees and ground-nesting bees emerge as flowering trees and shrubs bloom, they still need cover during chilly nights and heavy spring showers. While mining bees, mason bees, carpenter bees, and bumble bees may be out and about by early April, other species such as sweat bees are still hiding out, waiting for the warmer days that arrive in May. Meanwhile, last year’s leaf litter still protects plants and invertebrates against late-season frosts.

So when is the right time to unleash your itchy green thumbs and reach for the rake once the weather warms?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a hard and fast answer to this question, and the exact date will vary based on where you are in the country. Here's a good tip for most areas.

For more information on why you should #LeaveTheLeaves, click on the link in our bio.

#Plantsdothat #consumerhort #leavetheleaves #soilhealth #healthysoil
#healthysoilhealthyplanet #savetheinsects #savethepollinators #gardeningforpollinators

Sep 27

To Shred or Not to Shred. That IS the question.

Many organic gardeners opt for shredding their fall leaves for use in compost piles. While this is certainly a more environmentally friendly practice than bagging leaves and sending them to the landfill—shredded leaves will not provide the same cover as leaving them whole, and you may be destroying eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalis along with the leaves. We suggest that leaves in garden beds and lawn edges be left whole. Where space allows, consider creating a leaf pile and allowing it to break down naturally, or add the leaves gradually to your compost pile over time. Such efforts will keep critters safe and allow you to benefit from the rich garden gift that falls from the trees above.
~ Xerces.org

For more information on how to #LeaveTheLeaves, check out the link in our bio to the Xerces Society web page and to our #PlantsDoThat For Soil Health info sheet.

#Leavetheleaves
#soilhealth
#healthysoil
#healthysoilhealthyplanet
#plantsdothat #consumerhort
#nich

Sep 26

FREE MULCH! FREE MULCH!! Anyone want FREE mulch? All you have to do is #LeaveTheLeaves For more information on how leaving the fall leaves in your garden, check out the link to the Xerces Society page in our bio. #plantdothat #leavetheleaves

Sep 22

Instagram post 17992930943337209

Sep 21

Don't be part of the problem. Be a proactive part of the solution. #LeaveTheLeaves. Know the facts. #fallcleanup #soilhealth #soilhealthmatters #fallleaves #makeadifference

Sep 20

#LeavetheLeaves and Save The Toads!!!

#soilhealth #soilmatters #healthysoil #healthysoilhealthyplanet #savethetoads #PlantsDoThat #fallcleanup #fallleaves

Sep 19

Happy Indoor Plants Week everyone!

Are you going to be bringing in some precious babies for the winter?

Or maybe...🤔 you are thinking about buying some new houseplants?

Start planning and let's make this the best indoor plant winter ever. Instead of #tomatoegirlsummer - let's have an #indoorplantgirlwinter

You game?

#plantsdothat #houseplants #indoorplants #plants #HouseplantsDoThat
#indoorplantweek

Sep 18

#LeaveTheLeaves fact of the day.

Did you know? Box turtles depend on fallen leaves in urban spaces for winter shelter?

Please leave the leaves where you can to support wildlife.

#PlantsDoThat #LeaveTheLeaves #soilhealth #turtlehealth #boxturtles #gardeningforwildlife #soilhealmatters #healthysoil #healthysoilhealthyplanet

Sep 15

Take some time this weekend to recharge. Spend time outdoors with your hands in the soil, or with your plants. Plant something. Harvest something. Do a little clean up. Science has proven being with plants does a body and mind good. #PlantsDoThat #plants #mentalhealth #mindbodyconnection #playinthedirt #soilhealth #soil #garden #plantsdothat

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