Lemons, Limes, Oranges and More

 

Meyer lemon growing indoors in a container

Photo:  Ria Malloy, University of Maryland Extension

Why grow citrus trees in Maryland, where we have to overwinter them indoors? The wonderful scent of the blooms, the glossy green foliage, and the freshest fruit are all great reasons. 

Did you know that a ripe lime is often yellow?  Key Limes, or Mexican limes, are smaller, seedier, and less tart than many types.  Persian limes are milder, perfect for cocktails and general cooking. Key limes are prized for their aromatic, tart flavor, and are used by dessert makers. 

Key Limes are smaller than many varieties

The Meyer Lemon is thought to be a cross between a lemon and a sweet orange. They were brought from China in the early 20th century. The orange-yellow pulp is sweeter than common lemons. A thin yellow skin is less bitter than that of a grocery store lemon. 

Meyers are thin skinned and sweeter than store-bought lemons

Amazing Fragrance!

Ponderosa lemons are much larger but still a versatile substitute for regular lemons. They can be massive; a fruit in our greenhouse last year was easily the size of a child's head! Weighing up to 5 pounds, they are excellent for high-volume juicing, making tasty lemonade. 

Huge compared to other lemon fruits

Calamondins are a popular citrus hybrid with small, sour fruit prized in the Philippines. The flowers and fruit are very fragrant; the fruit has the sweetness of an orange coupled with the tart taste of lime. Perfect in drinks and sauces, or made into marmalade.

 

Beautiful, tart and fragrant

As much as the fruit, fragrance, and taste add to our lives, we prize citrus in Maryland for the wonderful porch and patio plants they make. Here are tips for keeping them happy.

Outside, after all danger of frost has passed, choose an area with some protection from the hottest afternoon sun to prevent sun scald on the fruit. 

Meyer Lemons in stock now

Use a potting mix that is porous and sandy. One of my favorites is Ocean Forest from Fox Farms. 

Water the well-drained soil when the top is dry, allowing water to run through the pot. Avoid any water standing in a pot's saucer.

Once fall arrives, look for temperatures to be the same inside and out,  at about 65F.  Keep citrus in a warm spot with 4 hours of direct sun in front of a window. If you are unable to provide the sun and warmth, keep it in 45-55 F; expect the plant to go dormant, though any fruit on the plant will ripen. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Humidity is important. Keep the plant away from heating vents and provide a pebble tray. 

Nice selection of lemons, limes and calamondins

Stop in today for a look at the many citrus trees currently in stock. Though we sell them year-round, we have the outdoor space now to maintain a fantastic selection of citrus. 

Uncle Jim's Almanac

 We were planning on putting a list of things we should be doing in our vegetable garden on today's blog when we ran across Uncle Jim's Almanac. Bob's Market and Greenhouses supplies our growers with young plants produced for our garden center. Located in the Central Ohio Valley, Bob's climate is much like ours. Read on for some excellent gardening tips. 

Be careful in the heat out there this week. 

Uncle Jim's Almanac

July 2026 By John Morgan on Jul 01, 2026 10:00 am Hey there, fabulous gardeners of the Mid-Ohio Valley! July is peak summer garden glory in USDA Zones 6 and 7—think bumper crops of tomatoes, cucumbers snaking up trellises, and zinnias popping like fireworks. The heat is on, days are long (until the 4th at least), and your plants are growing faster than zucchini in a rainstorm. Focus on deep watering, mulching like your harvest depends on it (it does), staying ahead of pests, and harvesting often to keep things productive. We've mixed local Mid-Ohio Valley know-how, WVU Extension tips, and real dirt-under-the-fingernails experience into week-by-week tasks. A dash of humor, practical advice, and no nonsense. Grab your iced tea, slap on some sunscreen, and let's keep that garden thriving! 🌞🍅 🌙 Moon Phase Date Garden Tasks 🌗 Tuesday, July 7th Barren Time, Weed & Maintain 🌑 Tuesday, July 14th Plant Seeds and Transplants 🌓 Tuesday, July 21st Plant or Harvest Aboveground Crops 🌕 Wednesday, July 29th Plant Root Crops Mid-Ohio Valley (USDA Zones 6 & 7) — Bob's Market and Greenhouses Week 27 (June 29–July 5, 2026 – wrapping from June) Monday, June 29–Sunday, July 5: Top up mulch (2–4 inches) to beat the heat and lock in moisture. Deep water everything consistently (1–1.5 inches per week). Harvest early summer crops like beans and zucchini regularly—before they turn into baseball bats! Scout for pests like hornworms and aphids. Week 28 (July 6–12, 2026) Monday, July 6: Refresh mulch around veggies, flowers, and shrubs to suppress weeds and cool roots. Tuesday, July 7 – Last Quarter Moon: Barren time—focus on weeding, turning compost, and general maintenance. Hand-pick any pests you spot. Wednesday, July 8: Side-dress heavy feeders like tomatoes and corn with balanced fertilizer. Thursday, July 9: Deadhead flowers (zinnias, cosmos, dahlias) to keep the blooms coming all season. Friday, July 10: Check trellises and supports—cucumbers and tomatoes are getting heavy! Saturday, July 11: Harvest herbs and veggies daily to encourage more production. Sunday, July 12: Monitor for heat stress—water early morning and consider shade cloth for tender plants. Week 29 (July 13–19, 2026) Monday, July 13: Thin seedlings if needed and succession-sow quick crops like beans or radishes. Tuesday, July 14 – New Moon: Prime planting time! Sow more bush beans, okra (Zone 7 bonus), or heat-loving flowers. Wednesday, July 15: Pinch herbs and train vines for better airflow and yields. Thursday, July 16: Fertilize containers and hanging baskets weekly—they dry out fast in the heat. Friday, July 17: Scout daily for squash bugs, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Neem or soap sprays early work wonders. Saturday, July 18: Harvest regularly and share the bounty (or sell at the market!). Sunday, July 19: Refresh landscape beds and enjoy those pollinators buzzing around your flowers. Week 30 (July 20–26, 2026) Monday, July 20: Deep water and mulch to combat any dry spells—consistency is key. Tuesday, July 21 – First Quarter Moon: Great for aboveground crops—harvest or plant more beans, cucumbers, or basil. Wednesday, July 22: Prune spent blooms and take softwood cuttings for propagation if you're feeling ambitious. Thursday, July 23: Mow lawns at 3–4 inches and keep an eye on storm damage. Friday, July 24: Plant or direct sow late-season heat-lovers like sunflowers or nasturtiums for color. Saturday, July 25: Check soil moisture and adjust irrigation as needed. Sunday, July 26: Celebrate your hard work with a garden walk—those first big heirloom tomatoes are chef's kiss! Week 31 (July 27–August 2, 2026 – heading into August) Monday, July 27: Continue pest patrol and deadheading—don't let the heat win. Tuesday, July 28: Succession plant for fall crops where space opens up (think more greens in partial shade). Wednesday, July 29 – Full Moon: Focus on root crops or soil-building tasks. Thursday–Sunday: Keep harvesting, watering deeply, and staying ahead of weeds. Prep for potential late July heat waves by mulching extra and monitoring tomatoes for blossom end rot. July is pure garden magic in the Mid-Ohio Valley and Maryland—hot days, bigger harvests, and that satisfying feeling of filling your plate (and maybe a few jars) from your own backyard. Stay consistent with water and mulch, laugh off the occasional zucchini explosion, and you'll cruise into a strong fall season. Swing by Bob's Market for any supplies, plant recommendations, or just to chat gardening. Need August tasks, variety suggestions, or pest fixes? Holler in the comments or at the greenhouse! Read in browser »   Recent Articles: June 2026 May 2026 April 2026 March 2026 February 2026   Uncle Jim's Almanac

Vegetable of the Week: Asparagus

Asparagus Photo Courtesy of University of MD Extension

 Asparagus may be my favorite green vegetable. As a kid, our family ate canned asparagus. Once we dined on fresh asparagus spears, we never went back. 

Growing asparagus is very rewarding; after all, the perennial may last for decades. Usually planted with one-year-old roots, it can take three growing seasons for a good harvest. 

One-year-old roots are sold in bunches of 10 or 25

When purchasing roots, look for predominantly male plants that are more productive in the garden. We have carried New Jersey Knight or Millennial roots for the last several seasons. Plant in March. Soak roots for several hours before planting. 

Pick an area of the garden that can stay in asparagus production for years to come. Choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil. The tall ferns of the asparagus plant may shade other plants in the garden, so plan accordingly. Add organic matter like rotted manure to the garden. Add additional fertilizer at the time of planting. Space rows 4 feet apart. Dig a trench about  10" deep. Place a mound of soil/compost along the bottom. You'll be placing the crowns of the asparagus every 12" in the trench. Spread the roots over the mound and cover with an inch of soil. As the plant grows, add more soil until it is even or just above the ground surface. Water roots in. 

Photo courtesy of Nourse Farms

Keep the asparagus bed weeded in the spring to avoid competition for nutrients. 

Do not harvest asparagus spears in the first season. This will allow the roots to store reserves for later years. Once asparagus is in its fourth season, plan on harvesting daily for 8-10 weeks. Snap asparagus off at or slightly below the soil's surface. Be careful when cutting the spears; consider investing in a specialized asparagus knife to avoid injuring the crown. 

Asparagus beetle is a pest that needs to be controlled with either a pyrethrin-based spray or neem oil during the growing season. 

Asparagus beetle photo courtesy of Maryland HGIC

Allow the asparagus to continue growing after harvest. Fern-like foliage will develop. Keep watering as needed. Cut the foliage back to about 2" in late December. Add 4" of mulch to the bed to keep out weeds.   

Taking steps to care for asparagus will result in a plentiful vegetable harvest for many years. 

Stop in for asparagus roots and our Edible Perennials Planting Guide today. 

• 

  Photo from NYT cooking column

  
  

  
  

  • 
    
• 
  

Plant of the Week: Oxalis aka Shamrock

 

Photo courtesy of Catholic Review

St. Patrick’s Day celebration traditions include the wearing of green, a fun parade, corned beef and cabbage, some Guinness, Jamison’s or green bear, and a shamrock plant.

Legend has it that St. Patrick used the three-leaved Shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity-the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit- to the Irish in the 5^th century. The tradition of wearing a shamrock dates back to the 1700’s.

The shamrocks we sell are in the Oxalis family. They can be grown from bulb-like rhizomes, found in our garden shop. Large, blooming shamrocks are featured in our greenhouse this time of year.

Oxalis  green with white or pale pink flowers

The shamrocks have clover-like leaves, in green, purple, or with an Iron Cross. Though primarily sold as houseplants, they can also grow as annuals in spring and summer. They contrast beautifully with other annuals in containers.  

Purple Shamrock Oxalis triangularis

Use a good potting mix. Place in full sun to partial shade and allow the surface of the soil to dry between waterings. The plant may go dormant in the winter (cut back on watering) and reemerge in spring.

Oxalis tetraphylla-Iron Cross Shamrock blooms are dark pink

Don’t be concerned when the leaves close up at night or when disturbed. That’s normal for the Oxalis.  

Though Oxalis may be carried all year, we have the best selection for several weeks preceding St. Patrick's Day. 

"Never iron a four-leaf clover; you don't want to press your luck". 

 

Plant of the Week: Tillandsia

Tillandsias, aka airplants, are magical, quirky weidos. Why do people grow them?

First, they are ridiculously low-maintenance. Think no soil, no repotting, no mess. A quick soak or a couple of mistings a week, plus bright light, and they're happy.

Tillandsia on cholla with moss

Second, they are easy to display in hundreds of ways. Try them in seashells, collected on beach vacations over the years. Display on driftwood, cholla, rocks, hanging from a string, decorating a grapevine wreath, glued to magnets, tucked into picture frames... the options seem endless. 

Our own display is chock full of different tillandsias.

With so many shapes, forms, and textures, the furry, spiky, curly, symmetrical, chaotic objects are living sculptures that can be fashioned all sorts of ways. 

Various bold-colored blooms

Air plants' blooms are a wonderful surprise. Purples, hot pinks, and reds grace the plants for weeks, even months, rewarding the grower/collector with the amazing flowers. 

Last week's Tillandsia Workshop 

Additionally, they're space-friendly. Perfect for desks, dorms, or anywhere a pot isn't necessary, these magical plants totally change the vibe of the smallest space. 

Choosing just the right plants for the project

Tillandsias, like most epiphytic plants, are tough and adaptable, an inspiration to draw from when we face challenges. 

Fun epiphytic workshop

They spark curious glances from our customers, who generally seem to love the fascinating forms they come in. 

Stop in and see our display today. 

Plant of the Week: Hellebores

What's not to love about Hellebores? They're evergreen, deer-resistant, shade-loving, early bloomers, and, above all, beautiful! Once this dang snow melts, you're bound to see flowers emerging from this remarkable plant. 

Pearl-white blooms on dark foliage

Hellebores are native to Europe and Asia. Though some will reseed, they stay put where they are planted in our area.  The one to two-foot plants are popular in woodland gardens. Stems bear cup-shaped flowers in white, purple, pink, and green shades. Plants are poisonous, which is why they are deer-resistant. 

Mixed varieties add early color to my foundation garden

In my garden, they thrive in light to heavy shade. The garden soil is well-drained. They have become drought-resistant after several years. Hellebores are hardy in our zone 7 and from USDA zones 3-9.

New, tender growth emerging in early March

Hellebores like cooler temperatures for planting, making spring and fall ideal. Be careful not to bury the crown too deeply and avoid mulching near the crown. 

Pink -tipped blooms nod in the garden

As the flowers are soon to emerge, remove any tattered leaves to make room for the new growth. Many of the newer varieties of Hellebores stand up straight, not nodding like many of the varieties in my own garden. 

Nodding pink flowers  on bright green leaves

Fertilize in fall or early spring with Plant Tone or your favorite organic or slow-release plant food. 

The forager in me picked early maple leaves, cedar, and bleeding heart to accompany the Hellebores. 

Enjoy these wonderful plants early this season. See our Plantfinder for a look at each of the almost 50 varieties we sell at Valley View Farms in our perennial department. 

Plant of the Week: Cissus discolor--- Rex Begonia Vine

 

Cissus discolor in our greenhouse

Cissus discolor, also known as Rex Begonia Vine, is a fast-growing tropical vine known for its beautiful, colorful, velvety leaves. Its heart-shaped leaves feature deep green, silver, and purple patterns.

Patterned leaves with a purplish back

                                                     

 Grown as a houseplant indoors or as an annual in the spring, it is a great choice for hanging baskets and trellises. In a large container outside, after all chance of frost has passed, Rex Begonia Vine makes an incredible spiller in a mixed pot or raised bed. 

The following culture guide and photos are courtesy of The Missouri Botanical Gardens.

Photo courtesy of the Missouri Botanical Gardens

Common Name: rex begonia vine  

Type: Vine

Family: Vitaceae

Native Range: Southeastern Asia

Zone: 11 to 12

Height: 8.00 to 10.00 feet

Spread: 0.75 to 1.00 feet

Bloom Time: Flowers not showy

Bloom Description: Inconspicuous

Sun: Part shade

Water: Medium

Maintenance: Medium

Suggested Use: Annual

Flower: Insignificant

Leaf: Colorful

Tolerate: Heavy Shade

Photo courtesy of The Missouri Botanical Gardens 

Culture

Easily grown in evenly moist, rich, well-draining soil in part sun. Prefers warm, humid conditions. The foliage will lack its distinct variegation if grown in too much shade. Too much sun will scorch the foliage. Hardy in frost-free Zones 11 and higher. Performance will be negatively impacted by prolonged temperatures of 50°F and below.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Cissus javana, (also known as Cissus discolor), commonly called rex begonia vine, is a herbaceous, tender perennial vine native to Southeast Asia, where it is typically found growing on woody vegetation. Mature vines have delicate, red stems and will reach up to 10' long and 1' wide. The narrowly ovate leaves have cordate bases and will reach up to 6" long and 4" wide. The upper surface of the foliage is dark green and mottled with silvery white while the lower surface is deep purple-red. The small, inconspicuous flowers are held in compound, axilary clusters. The fruits are rounded, 0.25" diameter, purple to black berries. Synonymous with Cissus discolor.

Genus name comes from the Greek word kissos meaning ivy.

The specific epithet javana means "from Java", in reference to part of the native range of this species.

The common name rex begonia vine refers to the appearance of the foliage. This plant is a member of the grape family Vitaceae and is not closely related to begonias.

Problems

Watch for whiteflies. Low humidity or too much full sun can cause the foliage to develop brown patches.

Raised beds at The Missouri Botanical Gardens. Notice how well it contrasts with the chartreuse of the sedum planted in the same bed.

Uses

Suitable for use in mixed borders, hanging baskets or allowed to spill over the edge of a container. Provide a trellis or other structure for the vines to climb up if an upright form is desired. Use as an annual, or bring indoors to overwinter in a bright location when temperatures fall to 50°F.