Welcome to the Earl May Blog, your ultimate resource for all things gardening. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just starting your gardening journey, our blog offers expert advice, creative ideas, and practical tips to help you cultivate a beautiful and thriving garden. Explore a wide range of topics, from planting and lawn care to outdoor living and seasonal gardening tips. Join our community of garden enthusiasts and discover how to make the most of your outdoor space with guidance from Earl May's trusted experts. Dive in and let your gardening adventures begin.


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Fresh Cut Tree Care

The holiday season is fast approaching and if you haven’t thought about a Christmas tree yet, we bet you will soon! We’ve put together a few tips and reminders to keep your fresh cut tree looking beautiful.

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Christmas Cactus Care

The Christmas cactus is an exotic-looking, yet easy-to-grow houseplant and it’s pet-friendly too! The cactus generally set buds in the fall, and then will bloom from Thanksgiving through Christmas.

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4 Quick Tips for Poinsettia Care

Nothing says “the Holidays are here” like seeing the poinsettias arrive at your local Earl May! There are some quick and easy things you can do to keep your poinsettia looking its best throughout the holiday seasons. Enjoy the festive feel of these beautiful plants as you spend time with family and friends.

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Moonsigns 2026

Roughly speaking, those things which bear their crops above the ground should be planted in a favorable sign when the moon is increasing, known as the Light of the Moon.

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Winterizing Your Outdoor Furniture

You've created your ideal outdoor living space. It's now time to protect your investment, especially as winter approaches. Earl May can assist you in finding the correct size of furniture covers you need and special order for dining, seating, fire pits or umbrellas. Talk to your local Earl May Garden Center team about special orders.

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8 Easy Steps to Grow and Care for Amaryllis

What is better than FRESH flowers for your home? Not much. With the Christmas season around the corner, Amaryllis are a great holiday plant to decorate with. Amaryllis are easy to care for, produce gorgeous flowers for winter interest, and come in a variety of colors.

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Caring for Paperwhites

Paper whites can be grown in shallow bowls with no drainage holes but to create the most impact, use a clear bowl with loose gravel or stones. Paperwhites are also great to show in clear vases!

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Protect Your Trees & Shrubs from Winter Burn

Did you know trees and shrubs can become dehydrated just like you?

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7 Steps to the Best Shaped Artificial Christmas Tree

With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to think about decorating with a tree. With its many advantages, an artificial tree may be the perfect choice for you.

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Tackle Fall Webworms Before They Take Over Your Trees

If you’re starting to see large, silken webs draped across tree branches, you’re not alone. Fall webworm caterpillars are out in full force, and they’re busy weaving their distinctive web masses in trees across our landscapes and gardens. These pests can quickly cause unsightly damage by feeding on the leaves within their protective webs, and the webs can expand significantly as they grow.

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Marvel Grass Seed: Grow a Stronger Greener Lawn with Less Work

Finding the right grass seed for Midwest weather can feel like a guessing game. That’s why we developed our Marvel Grass Seed blend — an Earl May exclusive that takes the guesswork out of growing a thick, beautiful lawn.

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Hardy Shrub Roses: Low-Maintenance Beauties

Looking for stunning, easy-care roses that thrive in the Midwest? Hardy shrub roses are the perfect choice! Unlike traditional hybrid roses, shrub roses are not grafted, making them exceptionally winter-hardy and resilient in tough conditions.

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Bye, Bye Bugs: Proven Pest Solutions

Pesky insects can wreak havoc on your lawn, garden, trees, and shrubs, but Earl May Garden Center has the solutions to keep them under control. Annual Tree & Shrub Insect Control provides season-long protection against damaging pests, while Eight Insect Control delivers fast-acting results for a wide range of insects. For even stronger defense, Super Eight, an Earl May exclusive formula, offers superior pest control to keep your outdoor spaces thriving. Trust our team of experts to help you find the right solution and enjoy a bug-free yard all season long!

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Veggie Gardening: Big Flavor, Small Space

Short on space but big on gardening goals? Whether you’re working with a patio, balcony, or small backyard, you can still grow a bountiful garden with the right seeds and setup. Earl May Garden Center has everything you need for small-space gardening success—from garden seeds to container-friendly supplies and expert advice. Discover how easy and rewarding it can be to grow fresh, flavorful plants in even the coziest of spaces!

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The Best of Tomatoes: Top Varieties

Discover the best tomatoes for your garden with Earl May Garden Center’s top-performing varieties, carefully selected for Midwest growing success. From juicy slicers to sweet cherry tomatoes, we have compiled a list of the “Best Of” plants to bring delicious homegrown flavor to your table.

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Summer Lawn Care Tips

Summer is a time for backyard barbecues, outdoor games, and enjoying the lush green beauty of your lawn. But the heat, drought, and increased foot traffic can take a toll on your turf. With the right summer lawn care routine, you can keep your lawn thick, green, and healthy all season long.

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Benefits of Growing in a Raised Garden Bed

If you've ever wanted to grow your own fresh vegetables, herbs, or even small fruits but don't have the space for a traditional garden, we have great solutions for you! From budget-friendly options like grow bags and containers to elevated raised garden beds and planter boxes, there's a solution to fit your needs.

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Itoh Peony: A Stunning Hybrid Like No Other

Looking to add a show-stopping perennial to your garden? The Itoh Peony is a must-have for any Midwest gardener seeking incredible blooms, hardy performance, and season-long beauty.

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Lilacs: A Midwest Favorite

Lilacs are a beloved classic in Midwest landscapes, offering stunning spring blooms and a nostalgic fragrance that evokes memories of childhood gardens and visits to grandma’s house.

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Garden Phlox: A Stunning, Long-Blooming Perennial

If you're looking for a hardy, repeat-blooming perennial that provides vibrant color all summer long, Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a must-have. With its eye-catching blooms and ability to thrive in the heat, this classic perennial is a favorite among gardeners.

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