How many times have you heard that a chemical herbicide is the only way to remove weeds? I prefer to say it’s the faster way since it definitely isn’t the only one! There has been a lot of discussion on using salt to kill weeds so I decided to reveal the truth and tell you…
How many of us use wood as the main heating source? I’m sure there’s one thing we all have in common: we don’t know what to do with ash and simply throw it out. What else could you do? Well, believe it or not, there are so many different wood ash uses not only in…
On a scale from 1 to 10, how tired are you of trying to keep your plants well-hydrated all season long? This is definitely one of the most challenging gardening tasks for beginners. Drip irrigation is an excellent solution, but initial costs and maintenance make the system less desirable for many growers. What if I…
Starting your own vegetable garden can be an exhilarating experience, but let’s face it, it can also be a tad overwhelming. The thought of navigating through the labyrinth of space constraints, nutrition, and planting techniques can make even the most seasoned horticulturist shudder. But don’t worry! Master gardeners and authors have offered their advice on…
There are many benefits of growing trees in your backyard – we don’t say that they are the lungs of our planet for no reason! From providing shade and habitat for wildlife to improving air quality and reducing noise pollution, the benefits of having more trees in our surroundings are profound. In this article, we…
Gardeners, are you tired of the boring view from your window? I struggled with this for years, until I found a solution – a window box! This little trick made a drastic difference, and it is safe to say that people were simply fascinated by my plantings! There’s no doubt it was one of the…
It’s springtime! The question remains – what should we plant? If you want to decorate your garden with a purple color that gives you a cottage vibe, then lilacs are the perfect choice! But wait. Why plant only one flower? Lilacs are definitely social butterflies, and they crave the company of their friends. In that…
If you want to decorate your fence with something cozy and beneficial for both you and the environment, then adding trees is the perfect choice! Not only will you have the most beautiful display of greenery in the neighborhood, but you’ll also enjoy privacy from curious looks into your garden! These are the top picks…
I know you can’t wait to plant tomatoes this season. They’re an all-time favorite! There’s hardly anyone who doesn’t enjoy this delicious fruit. Tomatoes are typically grown in gardens or greenhouses because they require a lot of space. If for some reason you don’t have a large yard, or you live in an apartment, don’t…
Mice scurrying around your yard? Definitely not the backyard companion you had in mind. These creatures are more than just a garden nuisance – they carry diseases and will find their way into your home if given half a chance. But before you take matters into your own hands, take a moment to consider this:…
It’s no secret that when we’re selecting a new tree for our yard, we often focus more on looks and shade, leaving little thought for the needs of our feathered friends. But just as we wouldn’t want to live in a place without food and shelter, neither do birds. The right tree can offer the…
Although squirrels are cute little animals, they are not welcome in our gardens! These little deviants are constantly looking for food, so if you don’t have a nut tree nearby, prepare yourself for a long battle because they can completely ruin your fruit and vegetables. Squirrels often dig around plants and eat the seeds, and…
Want a garden that turns heads without feeling cramped? Small, gorgeous trees bring color and fragrance while keeping things neat and tidy. If you’ve been dreaming of a yard bursting with flowers that’s still easy to manage, this is your answer! You don’t need a huge backyard to create something magical – these little trees…
Positive Bloom is an Amazon Associate and we earn from qualifying purchases through these links at no extra cost to you. Spring is just around the corner, and soon the grass is going to start growing really quickly. At this time of year, a lawnmower becomes a necessity for homeowners with large backyards. The grass…
We are used to seeing a lot of different colors in gardens, especially in flower gardens which elicit the impression of a rainbow exploding right there. What is something that we don’t often see in gardens? Probably the color not found in rainbows, and that color is black. Although it is quite popular nowadays, and…
There are many benefits of organic fertilizers, and worm castings are one of the best. They’re au naturale, so you don’t have to worry about overfertilization. However, there are several disadvantages of worm castings you should consider before either using them or making your own. The process of producing your vermicompost is time-consuming and labor-intensive,…
If you long for tropical fruits in the midst of winter and you have no way of growing them outside in your climate, just plant them indoors. Citrus trees, coffee plants, and avocados thrive indoors and can give you a decent harvest if you provide a pot large enough to fit them. Here are five…
If you’re looking to transform your garden into a vibrant paradise, dahlias are the must-have flowers to make that dream come true! With their stunning range of colors, shapes, and sizes, these blooms can instantly elevate your outdoor space. But did you know that growing dahlias from seeds can lead to unexpected surprises? Since dahlia…
Okay, let’s talk shrubs – specifically, the ones that don’t need a constant shower to look good. I used to be the type who watered everything like it was going out of style. Then came the drought restrictions, and I had to rethink my strategy. Enter drought-tolerant shrubs – these tough little plants laugh in…
A winter greenhouse is one of the most useful pieces of equipment a gardener can own. If you have one, you can do pretty much anything, including starting seeds to overwinter and protecting your perennials. A greenhouse gives you enough space and warmth for your garden projects that you simply can’t do inside your home…
There’s nothing better than harvesting a fresh cucumber straight from your own garden! When I first started growing cucumbers, I had a few disappointing seasons. Once I got the gist of the plant care, I figured that the variety of cucumber also plays a very important role. Some cucumber varieties are more pest-resistant, some are…
Picture this: a pantry without a single ant in sight. Sounds impossible, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be! With a few powerful scents, you can say goodbye to those tiny invaders for good. I know it may sound like one of those too-good-to-be-true tricks, but trust me – these scents really work! If you’re…
Arugula is one of the most popular salad greens in the world. Many delicious dishes contain these veggies, so it’s no wonder everyone wants to cultivate them in their home gardens! Another reason growers decide to grow this vegetable is that it’s one of the earliest crops to mature. I’m sure you want to add…
Companion planting has many benefits, including repelling pests and attracting beneficial organisms to your garden. But how can you decide which one to get? Well, you can always try fragrant herbs because they invite pollinators and natural predators of garden pests, and also keep your other plants safe. One of the herbs that can help…
Poisonous plants have that toxic trait of looking gorgeous, and the same goes for pokeweed. However, even though its berries resemble blackcurrants, it’s certainly not edible and can cause various issues, from rashes and nausea to bloody diarrhea, difficulty breathing, etc. Some people tend to cook its leaves and stems, claiming it helps with sore…
Alright, confession time: I never thought I’d get excited about a water fountain. But then I combined my love for DIY projects and my obsession with hummingbirds, and all of the sudden, that fountain was all I could think about. Just imagine a cute fountain, the sound of trickling water, and those little hummingbirds flying…
Herbs are one of the best plants that you can grow in the garden. Not only do they produce beautiful flowers that attract numerous pollinators, but they can also thrive in poor growing conditions! Whether you live in a dry climate or simply want to reduce water usage in your garden, growing drought tolerant herbs…
Timing is everything when it comes to nurturing your trees, and understanding when to prune is the key to promoting their health and vitality. If you are dealing with deciduous trees, then you should know that these are pruned during their dormancy stage to avoid stress and possible damage to the tree. If you mess…
Do you need to replant parsley every spring or will it simply grow on its own? Beginner gardeners often mix up their annuals and perennials, sometimes ending up with no plants at all! But don’t fret, we are here to help you! In this article, we are going to talk more about parsley, a delicious…
Squirrels may be adorable, but when they start stealing your tomatoes, it’s a whole different story. If you’ve ever found a half-eaten tomato on the ground or watched a squirrel proudly trot away with your hard-earned produce, you know the frustration all too well. But don’t worry – there’s no need for chemicals or traps…
Your trees have beautiful, glossy leaves, but there aren’t any fruits peeking through them? Boy, that’s every gardener’s worst nightmare! Don’t worry, though – you’re not the only one dealing with this issue. Whether you’re growing apples, peaches, or citrus, there’s nothing more frustrating than waiting for that first fruit to appear, only to be…
Rosemary is one of the most beloved herbs in gardens, known for its fragrant aroma and versatility in cooking. But did you know that not every plant is a good neighbor to rosemary? Some vegetables and herbs simply don’t get along with it, and planting them too close could harm both your rosemary and your…
Despite its festive allure and cheerful spirit, the Christmas poinsettia can face challenges that may lead to its demise. This leaves a lot of gardeners sad and confused, wondering what might have gone wrong with this sturdy and resilient holiday plant. You’ve got questions, we have the answers. Let’s figure out how to keep your…
Have you ever woken up on a snowy Christmas morning only to find your tree brown and needles falling whenever you brush past it? Your troubles have come to an end! I have had my fair share of sad and dry Christmas trees. I tried many things until I found the perfect mix that will…
Winter doesn’t mean the same thing here in Florida (and other southern states) as it does in the rest of the world! We rarely get freezing weather and a single snowflake will put us out of work for weeks. Okay, I’m exaggerating a bit, but there’s no real cold in the South. That’s why we…
If you are considering growing your own hydroponic garden, then you must get familiar with what kind of hydroponic vegetables and hydroponic flowers you can grow. The hydroponic growing system has lots of benefits. You have more control over the growth environment when you use hydroponics since you won’t have to worry about the growing…
If you are looking for some low maintenance trees to decorate your garden, then you have come to the right place! Even though it might seem like trees are hard to cultivate, they are sometimes easier to grow than small flowering plants. Trees definitely give your garden some structure and finesse, and they are remarkably…
Growing herbs with purple flowers in your garden has multiple benefits – first of all, your garden will look absolutely dreamy and have the most mesmerizing aroma. In addition to ornamental purposes, most herbs can be used for culinary purposes as well! However, the most useful benefit is that you can use these herbs as…
There are so many benefits of companion planting, from attracting beneficial insects and acting as trap crops to adding a splash of color to your vegetable garden. There are many combinations out there, but today we’ll focus on zinnia companion plants, such as basil, dahlias, marigolds, peppers, tomatoes, plants from the cabbage and cucurbit families,…
Turnips in salads, roasted with honey, or as a side dish to chicken are a real treat, but just imagine how much better they would taste if you grew them yourself! And would you believe us if we told you there’s a way to reduce the gardening chores and improve the flavor of this veggie?…
Parsley is one of those herbs you can use in every dish, and growing some in your home will make such a difference to your meals! Getting its light, soil, and watering requirements right is essential, but some other things can make your gardening experience much easier. For instance, growing herbs with other fruits, flowers,…
Sage is an aromatic herb that can be used for all sorts of things, whether it’s as a spice in cooking or brewed in a warm tea. But did you know that this herb is an excellent companion plant and that there are many sage companion plant varieties, such as other drought-tolerant herbs, plants from…
Maintaining a green lawn in colder climates doesn’t have to be difficult. Yet, there are some things we have no control over. One of those things is snow mold. This lawn disease isn’t that terrible, but it taints the appearance of your grasses. But what is it exactly? And how do you get rid of…
There’s undoubtedly something magical about spotting a hummingbird in your garden. Their tiny wings and vibrant colors bring life and joy to any outdoor space, not to mention all the benefits. It’s no wonder so many of us want to attract them. I’ll admit, when I first tried to bring these little creatures to my…
When I first started working on my butterfly garden, everyone suggested planting milkweed. I mean, monarchs lay their eggs on it and bumblebees absolutely love the flowers – I didn’t even consider that there would be a downside to it. But here’s a mistake I made (and many gardeners do): using pesticides to deal with…
When we decide to grow a certain outdoor or houseplant, it can often turn out to be more beneficial than we first thought! For instance, some flowering plants attract beneficial insects, such as bees, ladybugs, and wasps, which pollinate your other plants while acting as a natural form of pest control at the same time….
A garden full of wildlife is always such a joy, and hummingbird moths are some of the coolest visitors. They go quickly from flower to flower just like their bird namesakes. Most are helpful pollinators, but some might cause trouble because they love to munch on plants. What amazes me the most is that there…
I’ve heard about snakes and their importance to the ecosystem so many times that I should be less scared of them by now. Well, that’s not the case! One thing is for certain; I don’t want these animals in my yard! The very thought of snake bites makes me dizzy and uncomfortable. Luckily, there are…
The basil plant is one of those herbs that goes well with almost any dish; pizza, pasta, seafood, veggies, chicken… you name it! In addition to pairing it with food, you can also grow it with veggies and fruits. Basil companion plants benefit from its strong fragrance, which deters garden pests and invites pollinators. This…
Many dream of having a lovely and blooming garden, but when exploding mushrooms and yellow slimes appear on their mulch, the dream is tainted. Thankfully, we have seven methods and techniques that will help you learn how to get rid of fungus in mulch and may even inspire you to think of other ways yourself….
Winter is coming and it’s time to bring our precious little plants indoors – you don’t want to leave them out there in the cold! But, before you just put them inside and call it a day, there are some common mistakes that can cause chaos… not only for those outdoor plants but also for…
In the garden, we’re no strangers to the constant buzz of insects. Some of us love them, while others? Not so much. Most gardeners are not fond of ground bees because of their nesting habits. Though they’re usually not aggressive, these little guys love to build underground nests, and sometimes that can mess with the…
I know that the end of summer usually means it’s time to harvest and wrap up gardening, but why should we let the season for enjoying fresh produce come to an end? Believe it or not, some resilient plants thrive in the cold, allowing you to enjoy a winter garden brimming with fresh veggies. Who…
When I first tasted arugula, I was completely blown away – the bitterness, the sweetness, that unusual flavor… it all blends perfectly together! I decided that I must grow it in my own garden. I mean, you can use it to make delicious Italian meals, salads, sandwiches, or use it just for snacking (it’s that…
Watermelons looking less than perfect? Wondering what’s causing the problem? I’ve been there too! I started growing watermelons a couple of years ago, and last year they just started wilting out of nowhere. I was wondering what the issue could be when I found out about watermelon pests. They can be really nasty and spread…
All I ever heard about lavender was how easy it is to grow and how many benefits it brings. So, when I started growing it, I thought, “How hard can trimming be?“ I had no clue what I was doing and just snipped away at random, thinking I was helping the plant. And of course,…
Is there anything worse than cockroaches? I had a bad run with them in my last apartment, and they were so disgusting, I had to pack up and move! If you’ve got a big yard, these creepy critters can take up residence there too. And once they find their way inside your home, getting rid…