Weeds: the ultimate garden villains, right? Not always! Believe it or not, some so-called weeds are more like undercover heroes. I used to yank out every stray plant without a second thought – until I learned that a few of them were actually helping my garden thrive. From improving soil health to attracting pollinators, some…
Invasive shrubs are terrible for our ecosystem. They can choke out other plants and look awful since they spread everywhere without any rules or control. The good news is that there are ways you can get rid of them. You do have to prepare yourself for persistent efforts because invasive shrubs can (and will) return…
When I first planted Wild Bergamot, I was in it for the gorgeous purple blooms and the promise of a pollinator haven. Little did I know, I had just introduced a super beneficial plant to my garden… and my tea cupboard. Turns out, this flowering plant has been used for centuries to make tea that’s…
If you’re looking to add some greenery to your bathroom, humidity-loving plants are the perfect solution. With the natural moisture in the air, your bathroom can provide an ideal environment for plants that thrive in these conditions. These plants not only thrive but also enhance the space, creating a calming and refreshing atmosphere. Now, I’m…
Ever caught yourself wondering if covering those exposed tree roots with a little dirt could solve all your garden problems? Maybe you’re tired of the untidy look or worried about tripping over them. But before you grab the shovel, there’s something important to consider. What seems like a simple fix could actually end up doing…
Tilling your garden seems like the ultimate “I’m serious about this gardening thing’ move, right?”. I thought so too – until I learned it’s not always the hero it’s made out to be. Sure, it looks satisfying to break up that soil, but what if I told you that tilling might be doing more harm…
Looking to invite some positive energy into your home? Certain plants can do more than just beautify your space – they also bring good luck and a sense of peace! Imagine having a few green companions that not only thrive in your home but also create a more harmonious atmosphere. These plants have long been…
Every gardener knows that great plants start with great soil. It’s the foundation for healthy roots, lush growth, and vibrant blooms. If your soil is looking a little tired or compacted, don’t worry – these easy DIY tips are here to save the day. From natural boosters to simple techniques, you’ll have your garden thriving…
We all know that beans are a nutritional treasure because they are packed with protein and fiber and their flavor is irresistible. The good news is that they have a green thumb-friendly attitude and you can cultivate them successfully whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting. In this article, I’ll show you a few…
Ever heard the phrase, “If you love something, let it go”? Well, when it comes to basil, it’s more like – If you love it, pinch it! I learned this the hard way after my once-bushy basil plant decided to sprout flowers and stopped producing those sweet, fragrant leaves I adore. Turns out, basil’s flowers…
Lovage is a tough herb that comes from the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the same family as parsley, parsnips, and carrots, which we can notice by the similarity of their leaves. It was a popular herb a long time ago, but today hardly anyone has heard of it. It has medicinal and culinary properties….
Playing with my dogs outdoors always makes me happy, especially when the sun is shining and we all get to enjoy some vitamin D together. However, I noticed that my pet, Lola, didn’t want to go out in the garden with us. I didn’t want her to feel left out, so I decided to explore…
Candy is definitely not the word you would typically expect to hear with the term onion. Well, candy onion is a hybrid species in the Allium genus and its flavor is sweeter than that of common onions, hence the name. What I especially like about these veggies is that they’re easier to grow than their…
I’m sure there isn’t a spice that has gained more popularity in recent years than turmeric. It’s not surprising because multiple research studies have proven that this tropical plant has numerous health benefits. The great news is that you can successfully grow turmeric in your garden or even inside your home. Since this plant is…
With its stunning appearance, mesmerizing fragrance, and numerous medicinal and culinary applications, lavender is one of the most famous herbs out there! Although lavender is relatively easy to grow, there are still some tips and tricks that you can use to get the most out of it. In this article, we will share some of…
Who knew keeping rats out of your yard could smell so good? I’ll admit, when I first heard about using plants with relaxing scents to deter rodents, I thought, “Is this gardening or aromatherapy?”. Turns out, it’s a bit of both! Imagine a yard filled with calming, fragrant plants that not only keep you zen…
Who knew a little daisy-like herb could be the life of the party in your garden? I remember planting one for its cute flowers, but what I didn’t imagine was how it turned my yard into a buzzing hotspot for insects – seriously, they were everywhere! . If you’re looking to attract beneficial insects while…
Have you ever tried a fruit and thought to yourself that it has only recently been put on the market? This is exactly what happened to me a few years ago. I was at my grandmother’s and tried some amazing fruit. When she showed me the plant in her garden, I was utterly amazed by…
Ever spotted a weird, lumpy growth on a tree and thought “What is that thing?”. The first time I saw one, I was convinced my oak had decided to grow a second head. Turns out, those quirky bumps are called tree galls – little botanical wonders that are as fascinating as they are weird-looking. Most…
Ever dream of having a tree that can thrive in almost any spot, no matter how tough the conditions? Well, you’re in luck! There are trees out there that don’t mind a little challenge and will grow just about anywhere – whether it’s poor soil, shade, or harsh weather. Trust me, these trees are like…
Let’s face it, we all use toilet paper constantly, which is why we have toilet paper rolls piling up in the garbage. But, instead of throwing them into the trash, why not put them to good use? These seemingly insignificant cardboard tubes can actually be repurposed and upcycled into useful and creative items! By giving…
Every gardener knows that the key to healthy and robust plant growth lies in a good fertilizer. However, high-quality fertilizers can be quite expensive, especially if you have a large garden that needs to be fertilized! But did you know that you can make your own organic material which provides all the essential nutrients that…
Borage, otherwise known as Borago officinalis, is an annual flowering plant that produces star-like flowers and hairy leaves. This plant is native to the Mediterranean region, so it can adapt to growing in dry conditions. There are a lot of reasons to grow borage – it attracts pollinators, deters pests, can be used to make…
I always say that it’s worth every second you spend caring for your vegetables. Needless to say, homegrown veggies taste amazing and the fact that they don’t contain any chemicals only makes things better. However, growing these plants can be challenging for beginners, and watering may be one of the hardest aspects to figure out. …
We often associate winter with plants dying and fading away, but some are just getting started. And it’s usually the weeds! Many varieties that flower in spring, such as annual bluegrass, corn speedwell, and dandelions, start their growing process in winter and can easily pass by unnoticed until it’s too late. They can wreak havoc…
It’s normal for your yard to fall into disarray in winter. But it doesn’t have to be that way! There’s a lot we can do for our winter gardens. You can still keep the texture and structure with just a few amendments. And once the snowy season starts, it will only stress the features you…
Ever wonder what happens to all those potato skins after you make mashed potatoes or fries? I used to toss mine straight into the trash – until I realized they’re a total hidden gem! Not only can they be repurposed in your kitchen, but they can also work wonders in your garden. Yes, you read…
When the frost bites, so do the pests! While your garden might appear dormant, certain critters are working overtime to stake their claim. They say ‘one bad apple spoils the bunch,’ and that’s exactly what these winter pests aim to do. Don’t let them pull the rug out from under your garden – discover the…
A well-maintained lawn is like wearing a great outfit – it grabs attention and leaves a lasting impression. Here’s the thing: that polished look isn’t just about mowing regularly; it’s about knowing the right height to cut your grass. Trust me, I’ve seen what happens when it’s too tall (hello, jungle!) or too short (cue…
You can say goodbye to your winter garden’s bare bones. Add several architectural plants and you’ll enjoy your front yard even during the cold months. They add texture, structure, and a touch of drama. Choose the ones suitable for your growing zone, and you won’t have any issues. The best part about architectural plants is…
With a cool-down that has enveloped half the country over the last few weeks, it is important to prepare your outdoor garden equipment as best you can. These items don’t come cheap, which is why it’s crucial to store them the right way and make them last. The following list includes 7 garden items that…
Keeping your garden weed-free all year doesn’t have to be a constant battle. Picture a plant that not only keeps weeds at bay but also fills your garden with a burst of vibrant color. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, with just one simple addition, you can say goodbye to endless weeding and hello to…
Summertime sometimes comes with swarms of grasshoppers. You will often see them happily hopping around your garden. They might stay or continue on with their adventures, but it can sometimes lead to a full-blown invasion! That happened to my garden last year. When I went to check my plants, I was shocked. They were feeding…
Waste not, want not – that’s my motto when it comes to gardening. What I once saw as useless scraps have turned out to be the secret weapon for growing incredible tomato plants. It’s a simple, sustainable approach that has transformed my veggie garden. If you’re looking for an easy way to boost your tomato…
There are some outdoor tools I can’t imagine gardening without. A sprinkler system is definitely one of them. It helps us maintain a healthy and green lawn, which isn’t an easy task, especially for those with larger lawns. These systems aren’t really beneficial during the winter months, so fall is the perfect time to store…
When I look back on my younger days, I remember that my mom never bought herbs in stores, and certainly never the dried ones. She always grew her own, all year long. And now that I’m older and have a garden of my own, I went to her for a couple of tips and tricks….
For gardeners, cool weather is a signal that it’s time to complete a list of garden tasks for this year. Certain plants, soil, flower and veggie beds, garden tools, and supplies will all need to be protected during the winter months. In this article, I’ll show you some time-sensitive garden tasks you should complete before…
And the award for the most disgusting creature goes to earwigs! Contrary to popular belief, these nuisances have nothing to do with our ears (thankfully). Still, they love munching on plant foliage and decaying wood, posing a threat to your home. The main reason why you should get rid of earwigs is that they’ll find…
Do you want to transform your garden into a vibrant display of colorful flowers that lasts through November and December? If so, then try growing hardy fuchsias! Fuchsias are native to Central and South America, and most of the hardy varieties can even survive UK winters. These easy-to-grow flowers gracefully dangle from hanging baskets or…
Missing the taste of summer tomatoes? Good news! You can grow them right inside your home during winter. It only takes a couple of adjustments and you get to enjoy delicious tomatoes whenever you want. Now, we are going to share some tips on how to grow tomatoes indoors during the winter season. Stay tuned…
Everyone is sad once the festive season is over, except for gardeners who are looking forward to the new growing season! The great news is that you can start prepping for the season as soon as January arrives. Winter sowing is an excellent and cost-effective method with a high success rate. It doesn’t require any…
Once you enter the world of gardening, you find out about numerous secret ingredients and interesting ways to help your garden thrive. And that’s exactly what I like about this practice the most! Epsom salt is a hidden gem, at least for beginners. This powerful ingredient is widely available and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals like…
Potatoes are root vegetables that are generally easy to grow. However, a lot of things can go wrong and you might end up with a bad batch of potatoes or no batch at all! It is important to plant the right type of potatoes, prepare the soil adequately, and follow proper plant care. In this…
Choosing the best grass type for your yard will take you one step closer to your dream lawn. Not every variety is the same! Perhaps you need a drought- and heat-tolerant type that will finally allow you to have the thick green lawn you’ve always wanted. Or you want a variety that’s easier to maintain…
When it comes to designing your outdoor space, privacy and beauty often go hand in hand. Imagine being surrounded by beautiful flowering bushes while sipping coffee in your garden, shielded from the world outside. Don’t worry, there’s really not that much fuss when it comes to taking care of flowering bushes – it seems as…
Growing herbs indoors is an excellent way to utilize empty window sills and bring some life into your kitchen. And having your favorite condiments within reach is quite useful. However, growing herbs indoors isn’t the same as planting them outside and there are a couple of things we tend to get wrong. And to have…
If you’re tired of the never-ending cycle of mowing and want to make your garden more useful, you’re in the right place. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how to make my outdoor space more than just a patch of grass, and I can tell you: the answer lies in edible landscaping! Instead…
I’ve been spending hours battling weeds, trying to figure out how to stop them from taking over my garden. Then one day, I realized something shocking: the secret to preventing weeds was already growing in my garden. Yep, that’s right. No fancy sprays, no expensive tools – just using what I already had. The solution?…
Do you have compost? Well, congratulations – you’ve already unlocked the secret to a thriving garden. But what if I told you there’s a way to make it even better with one simple leftover ingredient? Crushed eggshells might seem like kitchen scraps, but they’re packed with nutrients and benefits that can take your compost and…
I’ll admit it: the first time I saw an opossum skulking through my yard, I was convinced my garden had hit rock bottom. They looked like trouble on four legs, ready to raid the bird feeders or spread some kind of backyard chaos. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. As I learned more about…
Spinach is one of those veggies that you either love or hate, there’s nothing in between! One thing is for certain, though, this is one of the healthiest veggies out there. It’s also a favorite of many gardeners because it matures really quickly. There’s one simple trick to thriving and healthy spinach: companion planting. The…
If you’ve ever felt like planting a garden is as intimidating as trying to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions, you’re not alone. Where do you even begin? How do you know what to plant, where to plant it, and most importantly – how do people make it look so effortless? Enter the soil bag method,…
Did you know that there are multiple ways to use onion skin instead of just tossing it away? That’s right, onion skin has numerous benefits – it can be used in the garden to repel pests and enrich the soil with essential nutrients, and also to improve our immune system and overall well-being. In this…
So, you’ve been eyeing those sleek, modern plant stands online, but let’s face it – who wants to drop big bucks on something you can totally make yourself? Trust me, I’ve been there, scrolling through endless online shops thinking, “I could totally do that!”. And guess what? I did. Not only did I save some…
Yes, trees are the backbone of any yard, but let’s face it – some stars never get their time in the spotlight. While maples and oaks steal the show, there’s a whole lineup of stunning, under-the-radar trees waiting to take center stage in your landscape. These unsung heroes add beauty, shade, and personality without demanding…
I used to think planting a dogwood tree was as simple as digging a hole and plopping it in. Nope! Timing is everything with these beauties. Planting at the right time gives the roots a chance to settle in and get cozy before the big show. Once I got the timing down, my yard became…
So, I was staring at my seed packets, thinking, “I really don’t have time to plant each one individually.” And then it hit me – DIY seed tape! I’ve tried it, and trust me, it’s a total game changer. Not only does it save time (and my sanity), but it’s also a fun, crafty way…