Garden

Summer is a vibrant time for fresh produce, offering a colorful bounty of fruits and vegetables that are as delicious as they are nutritious. From juicy cherries to succulent melons, summer’s harvest provides endless opportunities to create refreshing and healthy dishes. Let’s dive into some of Summer’s Best Produce and explore delightful recipes that highlight their flavors.

Local Cherries 

Cherries are synonymous with summer. Bing cherries, with their deep red color and sweet flavor, are perfect for snacking. Rainier cherries, known for their golden-yellow hue and delicate sweetness without the higher acid levels, are great for eating by the handful. 

Fresh Melons

Nothing says summer like fresh melons. Whether it’s a traditional cantaloupe, honeydew, or the lesser-known but equally delicious organic Umi black seedless watermelon, these fruits are hydrating and perfect for hot days. Enjoy them individually or toss together a delicious fruit salad, fruit kebabs, or try your hand at “shaved fruit dessert.”

Don’t forget to try delicious, super sweet, orange fleshed honeydew! This hybrid variety of melon is a cross between green fleshed honeydew and orange fleshed muskmelon. The result is an incredibly sweet and beautiful fruit to add to your breakfast spread!

Big Seeded Old-Fashioned Watermelon

For those who love a bit of nostalgia, the big seeded old-fashioned watermelon offers a taste of summers past. Its sweet, juicy flesh and fun-to-spit-out seeds make it a family favorite. Seeded old-fashioned watermelons are one of Summer’s Best Produce items. Serve in oversized wedges and host a seed spitting contest! Or try your hand at homemade Watermelon Aqua Fresca!

Flavor Bomb Tomatoes
& Tower Basil

These tomatoes are aptly named; their intense flavor bursts in every bite. They are excellent for salads, salsas, or just eating fresh off the vine. Try them tossed with mozzarella, basil, cucumber and a drizzle of Sotto Voce olive oil.

Tomatoes & basil are best buds. Pick up a tower basil plant to have basil on hand as your garden tomatoes ripen. Tower basil, with its robust aroma and flavor, is essential for summer dishes, especially when making pesto or caprese salads.

Local Peaches & Berries

The juicy sweetness of local peaches is unparalleled. Fruits are picked at optimum ripeness for flavor, not for traveling long distances. Local berries, such as strawberries and raspberries, especially from Washington, are also summer staples, known for their exceptional flavor and freshness.

Garlic Spears

Garlic spears are the flower of young garlic plants picked before flowering. They offer a mild, garlic flavor, perfect for grilling. They have a short season of availability, but are absolutely worth picking up when they are available.

Summer Recipes to Savor

Fruit Kabobs

Fruit kabobs are not only delicious but also fun to make. Thread chunks of watermelon, melon, peaches, and strawberries onto skewers. Serve with a yogurt dip flavored with a hint of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Grilled Fruit

Grilling fruit enhances its natural sweetness. Try grilling peach halves, pineapple slices, or melon wedges. Brush lightly with olive oil and grill until you see char marks. Serve as a side dish or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert.

Berry and Basil Dessert

For a light and elegant dessert, toss fresh strawberries and raspberries with a bit of sugar and let them macerate for 30 minutes. Serve over a dollop of mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt, and top with thinly sliced basil.

Watermelon and Feta Salad

This classic combination is a summer favorite. Cube big seeded watermelon and mix with crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onions, and chopped mint or basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.

Making the most of summer’s best produce is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors and health benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables. Whether you’re snacking on juicy cherries, savoring a fresh fruit salad, or enjoying a grilled fruit dessert, these recipes highlight the best of what summer has to offer. Visit your local Tacoma Boys’ and H&L Produce to find the freshest ingredients and celebrate the season with these delicious dishes.

Urban gardening is a thriving trend, offering a fantastic way for city dwellers to grow their own fresh produce and ornamental plants. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a small apartment balcony, urban gardening can fit your lifestyle and provide you with beauty and food throughout the season. Here’s everything you need to know to get started urban gardening in the South Sound.

Veggie Starts: Beginner’s Best Friend

For those new to gardening, veggie starts are an excellent way to jump-start your garden. We have a huge selection of locally grown veggie starts and fruiting bushes. Tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and herbs are a great place to start. These young plants give you a head start, making it easier to achieve a bountiful harvest.

Tomatoes: Compact Varieties

Tomatoes are a favorite among those who are urban gardening in the South Sound. Compact container varieties are perfect for small spaces. Varieties like ‘Tiny Tim,’ ‘Patio Princess,’ and ‘Tumbling Tom’ are bred for container gardening. They require support as they grow, so use cages or stakes to keep them upright.

Seek Unique Plants

Finding a fun plant you’ve never grown keeps you engaged in your garden, while you wait eagerly to see the fruit of your labor. Pick up several cucamelon–also known as Mexican sour gherkins– starts or seeds. These tiny, watermelon-lookalikes taste like cucumbers with a hint of lime, adding a unique twist to your garden and your meals. They are a delightful surprise in salads and are delicious pickled. They thrive in warm weather and can be grown in pots or directly in the ground. 

Go Vertical

Vertical gardening is perfect for urban spaces where ground space is limited. Vines like beans and peas and cucamelons, as well as espaliered fruit trees, can be grown vertically to save space. Flowers like black eyed susan, sweet pea, honeysuckle, clematis and star jasmine make quick vertical garden screens when planted in mass. Even indeterminate tomatoes can be grown on long poles or trellises for a privacy screen. Trellises, wall-mounted planters, and stacked garden beds are great solutions to incorporate vertical gardening into your space.

Friend v. Foe: Companion Planting

Companion planting involves growing plants together that benefit each other through sharing nutrients or by repelling pests. In pots, this technique can maximize space and enhance growth. For example, basil and tomatoes make excellent companions; basil repels pests that might attack tomatoes, and the two plants thrive under similar conditions.

Windowsill Herb Garden

An herb garden on your windowsill, whether indoors or outdoors, is a convenient way to have fresh herbs at your fingertips. Herbs like basil, mint, parsley, and chives grow well in small pots and require minimal space. Ensure they get plenty of sunlight and regular watering. Trim them back and use them to keep them growing strong.

Create a Balcony Oasis

Even if you only have a balcony, you can create a lush garden. Choose plants that do well in containers and can thrive in the light conditions your balcony offers. Tomatoes, peppers, and herbs are excellent choices. Use railing planters, hanging baskets, and tiered plant stands to maximize your growing area. Consider lightweight planters, like hypertufa, for use on balconies. 

Hanging Gardens

Hanging planters are ideal for adding greenery without taking up floor space. They are perfect for trailing plants like strawberries, herbs, or decorative flowers. There are even hanging blueberry varieties, perfect for patios and balconies. Choose durable hangers and ensure they are securely fastened to avoid accidents.

Ceramic Pots: A Stylish Choice

Ceramic pots are a popular choice for urban gardeners in Tacoma due to their aesthetic appeal and durability. You can use a tray beneath pots to keep water from spilling out onto residents in lower balconies or from causing water damage to decks. They come in various sizes and designs, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your garden. Remember, some ceramic pots can be heavy, so choose wisely based on where you plan to place them. A rolling stand beneath your pots makes it easy to mix up your seating area or maximize sunlight on your plants. At Tacoma Boys and H&R Produce our gorgeous pots are always BUY ONE, GET TWO FREE!

Soil, Compost & Mulch – Oh my!

Choosing the right soil is crucial for a successful urban garden. Look for a high-quality potting mix that retains moisture but drains well. Compost adds essential nutrients, and you can source it locally or make your own. We carry several types of soil and compost for your needs. Fertilizers, whether organic or synthetic, should be used according to the plant’s needs. Top your plantings with mulch, such as straw or wood chips, to help retain moisture and suppress weeds, making it a valuable addition to your garden. Retaining moisture is especially important when growing in pots.

Whether gardening on a patio, a balcony, or a sunny front porch, urban gardening in the South Sound is a rewarding way to connect with nature, even in a bustling city. With the right tools, plants, and techniques, you can create a thriving garden oasis in any space. Happy planting!

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and you’re probably wondering what gift will make your mom feel truly special. Whether your mom is a gardening enthusiast, a foodie, or a lover of beautiful flowers, there are plenty of options to choose from at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce. Here’s our comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

Local Cut Flower Bouquet

Cut flowers are a great place to start when it comes to showing mom you’re thankful for her. They brighten up any room and bring a smile to anyone’s face. This Mother’s Day, consider gifting your mom a bouquet with her favorite flowers. Roses, lilies, and tulips are always popular choices. If you want to add a personal touch, consider creating a custom arrangement with her favorite colors. Cut flowers are a classic and elegant way to show your appreciation. At Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce we stock plenty of locally grown flowers for all occasions.

10,000 Floral Baskets for Mom

If you’re looking for a gift with a bit more longevity, consider a hanging basket. With approximately 10,000 baskets to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your mom’s style. For a touch of vibrant color, consider a basket filled with begonias, impatiens, or geraniums. If your mom has a sunny porch or patio, choose a basket with sun-loving blooms like petunias or calibrachoa.

Shade Garden Hanging Baskets

For a unique gift that will last all spring and summer, why not create a shade garden oasis for mom? These baskets are designed to thrive in shady spots, making them perfect for moms who love spending time outdoors but don’t want to worry about constant sun exposure. Shade garden baskets typically contain a mix of ferns, hostas, and shade-loving flowers. Your mom will appreciate the low-maintenance beauty of this gift.

Go Big or Go Home

If you’re a believer in going big or going home, consider our monster-sized baskets. We have nearly 500 king-sized hanging baskets filled with a stunning variety of flowers. These baskets are truly the biggest and most beautiful you’ve ever seen. Whether your mom prefers relaxing in full sun or shade, there’s a basket to brighten her favorite outdoor space. 

Gorgeous Ceramic Pots

Ceramic pots are another excellent gift option for Mother’s Day. They’re perfect for moms who enjoy indoor gardening or have limited outdoor space. Our ceramic pots come in various sizes, shapes, and colors, allowing you to choose one that matches your mom’s decor. Fill the pot with your mom’s favorite flowers, or give her a collection of smaller pots for a diverse display. Remember: our ceramic pots are always Buy One, Get Two Free!

Grow a Veggie Garden or Berry Patch

If your mom loves growing her own food or has always wanted to try, consider giving her an array of veggie starts or berry plants to get her garden started. Blueberry bushes and strawberry pouches are a fun and easy way to grow berries at home. Go the extra mile and schedule time to plant the garden with your mom.

Personalized Gift Baskets

Customized gift baskets are a specialty of Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce. Create a basket filled with your mom’s favorite things. Local tea & coffee, an array of hot sauces, gorgeous house plants… there’s really a basket perfect for every mom! Hand pick your items and let us arrange them or suggest a theme and let us fill the basket with goodies. Give us a call or stop into the store nearest to you to order.

Cook Mom Dinner

To complete the celebration, consider planning a special Mother’s Day dinner. Check out our meat specials for a selection of high-quality cuts, perfect for a homemade dinner. And don’t forget the beverages. Grab some wine, beer, or all the fixings for a great cocktail or mocktail.

With these gift ideas, you’re sure to choose the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Start with flowers, plant a garden together, whip up a delicious meal, and enjoy time with sipping a cocktail. It’s a perfect recipe for showing your appreciation!

Container gardening is a great way to beautify your outdoor spaces and satisfy your desire to garden, even in a small space. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, mastering the art of container gardening can bring joy and bounty to any space. With a few tips and tricks, everyone can start container gardening for big impact, even on a small deck or patio.

Choose the Right Pots & Soil

Quality pots make a difference when it comes to outdoor gardening. It’s important to pick pots that are made to withstand our shifting seasons here in the Pacific Northwest. At Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, we source quality pots and make them affordable through our Buy One, Get 2 Free Ceramic Pot deal that is offered year-round.

Out of the thousands of pots available at our stores, we know you’ll find a style that works for you. Start by picking pots with holes at the bottom so excess water can drain out. This prevents your plants from drowning. Then, use good potting soil – not soil from your yard. It has the right blend of nutrients and drainage to help your plants grow well.

Find a Winning Combo: Spiller, Thriller, Filler

A great rule of thumb for creating a visually stunning container garden is to follow the spiller, thriller, filler design principle. Choose one standout plant that is fairly upright in form–the thriller– to serve as the focal point of your arrangement, then complement it with trailing plants–the spillers–to add depth and dimension. Finally, fill in any gaps with smaller, complementary plants–the fillers–to create a cohesive and balanced look. Need some suggestions? Ask our knowledgeable staff and peruse garden websites for ideas on how to use this trio when container gardening for big impact.

Seeds, Starts, & Potted Plants

Seasoned gardeners know that the best bang for your buck comes from growing plants from seed. Some plants are notoriously easy to grow from seed and happily reseed themselves around your garden. Sunflowers, marigolds, zinnias, and calendula are great flowers for first time seed sowers to try. However, not everyone has the time and energy needed to tend to new seedlings, and this is where starts and potted plants make the most sense. 

Don’t shy away from plant starts. They may seem tiny, but they have had plenty of time to establish root systems and store up energy in their small pots and will take off growing in size and bulk when added to good soil in your container.

Larger potted plants are great for adding to the center of your pot for instant impact. Use these as that central “thriller” and either seed or smaller starts around the outer edges of your pot. 

Layering Bulbs for Long Lasting Displays

For continuous color throughout the growing season, consider layering bulbs in your containers. It takes some strategic planting, but the reward is a kaleidoscope of colors from summer through fall.

Bulb options for Spring Planting: anemones, begonias, calla lilies, caladiums, cannas, crocosmia, dahlias, elephant ears, freesia, gladiolus, lilies, ranunculus, and tuberoses.

Hanging Baskets & Pouches

Take your container gardening to new heights with hanging baskets and pouches. These versatile containers are perfect for adding vertical interest to your outdoor space, whether you’re hanging them from a pergola, balcony railing, or porch ceiling. Choose from our huge selection of sun and shade hanging baskets and pouches.

Long Lasting Cool Wave Pansy

Cool Wave pansies are the ultimate cool-season annual. Known for their exceptional hardiness and versatility, these resilient plants can even withstand freezing temperatures and bounce back with vigor once thawed. They are a great option for container gardening, because they will keep pushing out blooms with little effort from the gardener. Just be sure to keep them well-hydrated, especially during hot summer months, to ensure they thrive.

Container gardening offers endless possibilities for creativity and expression, allowing you to unleash your inner green thumb, regardless of space constraints. With our healthy plants, the right tools, and a good dose of creativity, you can create beautiful, thriving container gardens that will delight and inspire for seasons to come. So roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and let your imagination run wild – build your container garden for big impact!

What better way to welcome the spring season of renewal than by immersing yourselves in the vibrant colors of locally grown flowers and freshly cut blooms? Whether you’re adding a pop of color to your garden with new plants or arranging a bouquet of freshly picked flowers, there’s something magical about the colors of spring. Bring on the spring color with Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce locally grown flowers. 

Cineraria Plants: Hardy Beauties

As winter fades away, Cineraria plants, also known as Senetti, emerge as resilient symbols of spring’s arrival. These hardy plants are known for their ability to withstand unpredictable spring weather, enduring everything from pouring rain to gusty winds. Their vibrant blooms come in a dazzling array of colors ranging from electric blues to deep purples. Flowers will keep coming through the summer with a little deadheading of spent blooms. Whether planted in garden beds or showcased in containers on patios and balconies, Cineraria plants add a touch of exuberance to any outdoor space. Our locally grown flowers are well suited for our climate.

Local Tulips: Timeless Elegance

Few flowers symbolize spring quite like tulips, and our locally grown flowers are no exception. Whether displayed in pots or cut for indoor arrangements, local tulips exude timeless elegance and charm. Potted tulips, with their graceful stems and delicate petals, make enchanting focal points on porches and entryways. Meanwhile, freshly cut tulips bring a burst of color to your workspace or dining table, elevating any room with their natural beauty. Pair them with classic ceramic pots for a touch of romance that never goes out of style.

Cool Wave Pansies: Long-lasting Splendor

It’s hard to resist those adorable little faces! For those seeking a splash of color that lasts throughout the season, cool wave pansies are the perfect choice. These hardy annuals thrive in cooler temperatures, making them ideal for early spring planting. Whether cascading from hanging baskets or spilling over the edges of garden beds, cool wave pansies create stunning displays of long-lasting splendor. Pick up a few hanging pouches for your front porch or to adorn your fence posts. Pansies add the perfect touch of whimsy to every outdoor space. Follow a few simple tips to keep your pansies blooming through the season.

Daffodils: Bring in the Sunshine

Bring the beauty of the outdoors inside with cheerful, cut daffodils. A single bouquet will bring loads of cheer to your indoor spaces. Their bright yellow blooms symbolize hope and new beginnings, making them perfect for lifting spirits after the gray days of winter. Place potted daffodils on windowsills or tabletops to infuse your home with the freshness of spring. Daffodils add a touch of sunshine to any room. 

April Brings the Primrose Sweet

Primroses, with their delicate petals and vibrant colors, are a delightful addition to any garden or indoor space. These early spring bloomers thrive in cool spring weather, just like pansies, but are happy in shade, making them perfect for brightening up shady areas of the garden. Regular deadheading of spent blooms encourages continuous flowering throughout the season. With proper care, primroses will reward you with their charming blooms and cheerful presence year after year.

Succulents: Add Texture and Drama

Succulents, known for their dramatic forms and gorgeous greens, offer a striking contrast to the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest landscape. While this region is renowned for its abundant rainfall, succulents can still thrive with the right care. In the Pacific Northwest, it’s essential to choose succulent varieties that are well-suited to the cooler, wetter climate. Opt for cold-hardy species such as sedum and hens-and-chicks, which are better equipped to withstand the occasional frost and damp conditions. When planting succulents in this region, ensure they’re placed in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. Position them in areas with ample sunlight for these sun loving plants. Pick up a shallow pot from our huge selection of ceramic pots and plant several species together for a dramatic effect. 

Don’t Forget the Soil! 

All gorgeous color has its start with the soil. Give your plants the nutrition they need with compost, fertilizer, mulch and more. We carry everything you need to keep your garden abundant. You can also get a head start on your vegetable garden by sowing seeds for cool weather crops such as lettuce, spinach, and kale or by picking up healthy veggie starts that are ready to plant out. These early plantings will give you a jumpstart on the season and ensure a bountiful harvest later throughout the spring, summer, and fall. 

Whether you’re tending to your gardens or arranging bouquets for your homes, take time to allow the colorful tapestry of spring flowers to lift your spirits. Stop by our stores today to find some inspiration and stock up on locally grown flowers and everything you need for gardening and flower arranging!