At the beginning of the season, we prepare our raised beds by adding all the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth. This ensures a bountiful harvest that typically ends in the fall. But the raised bed soil becomes exhausted at this point because our veggies, herbs, or flowers have depleted all the nutrients. This is…
I’ve rarely seen spring and summer gardens without at least one herb in them, be it mint, basil, oregano, or rosemary. But growing them in winter? Is that even possible? Yes, it is! There are numerous cold-hardy herbs that can tolerate harsh winters if you prepare them correctly and choose a variety that can grow…
Have you noticed tiny dark gray-brown insects on your crops? I don’t want to be the one who brings bad news, but they are in real danger! Those insects you’ve spotted are so-called squash bugs, and they can be way more dangerous than you might think. A few years ago I almost lost all of…
If soil erosion hasn’t stirred up trouble in your garden, count your blessings! But if it has, I’m no stranger to that struggle. I had my sloped backyard looking like a dream come true, but one good storm and it all went downhill – literally! I tried every trick in the book: sandbags, windbreaks, you…
Hold off, bird-enthusiast, there are actually some feathered friends that you DON’T want in your yard! I know, birds can be a delight, chirping sweetly and bringing a bit of nature to your home. But there are certain species that can do serious damage in the garden – hurting your plants, stealing nests, or just…
Greenhouses are an excellent way of extending the growing season of your summer vegetables once the outdoor temperatures plunge. And they can also be a great method of growing leafy greens, potatoes, root crops, and legumes throughout winter to enrich your holiday dishes. Of course, you will have to opt for a heated or unheated…
Taking care of your rosemary plants during winter is crucial to keeping them healthy and thriving. Rosemary can be a bit sensitive to cold temperatures, so it’s important to provide the right care to ensure they survive the winter months. In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to care for your rosemary…
All experienced gardeners would definitely agree that mulching is one of the top 5 must-do’s in your garden. If you’ve just started gardening, well, let’s simply say that you’re gonna hear the word “mulch” a lot. From my experience, the best choice for mulching is wood chips. They break down quickly and boost the nutrient…
How many times have you heard that growing tomatoes is super fun and highly rewarding? That’s true, but we don’t talk enough about things that can go wrong. And I daresay there are quite a few… Last year, I almost gave up on my tomatoes because one tiny pest decided to make my tomato plants…
I’m sure if someone asked you which plants you’d put on a must-grow list, wheat wouldn’t even be in the top 20. And master gardeners would most probably have the same answer. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that, but I believe we’re underestimating the power of this plant. Does wheat really have that much…
I vividly remember my first experience with seed starting. Honestly, I thought it was just putting the seeds in the ground and giving them some water. What could possibly go wrong? Oh, trust me, so many things can go wrong, especially germination. But after years of trial and error, I’ve learned a few tricks to…
Cilantro is the undisputed champion of herbs! And the only thing better than cilantro is cilantro grown in a home garden. Once you taste homegrown cilantro, trust me, there’s no way back. From my experience, growing this herb isn’t rocket science. But one of the places where many gardeners fail is pruning. Of course, that…
What’s better than seeing a yard with a lush lawn covered in healthy and thick grass? ‘Nothing’ (every lawn owner whispers to themselves). But we all know that the road between bare and healthy lawns is long and it takes a lot of effort, time, and patience to get there. And if there’s something that…
If you like tomatoes, I’m sure you buy them by the truckload before your own are ready for harvest. But have you ever bought tomatoes that taste incredible and thought to yourself: why don’t I save the seeds and regrow them? Hold it right there! No matter how much it might tickle your fancy, it…
Are pollinators just passing by your garden without stopping for a delicious snack from the flowers? Your yard might be missing a plant they absolutely love! Luckily, I know exactly what you’ll need – hummingbird mint! This plant saved my garden a few years ago by attracting so many pollinators. Once it was fully grown,…
Tomatoes are everyone’s favorite veggie to grow in the garden – they are easy-to-grow, super delicious, and relatively problem-free. Still, you’ve got to keep an eye out for tomato plant pests that can potentially damage your plant and lead to reduced fruit production. If you keep your tomato plants happy and healthy, you have nothing…
When spring arrives, a wonderful flower called the hyacinth takes center stage! Hyacinths are known for their sweet scent and beautiful colors that catch everyone’s eye. Hyacinths combined with other flowers like tulips create a breathtaking flower display. Plus, they are super easy to grow! In this article, we are going to cover how to…
Aren’t magnolias perfect? Their gorgeous pink and white flowers are a sign the spring is well upon us, and their irresistible fragrance leaves no one unmoved. In summer, the flowers turn into red berries which carry little black seeds. These trees can feed the birds in winter, looking stunning while doing it. Who’s to say…
Weeding is one of the most tedious gardening chores out there, so it’s not surprising that we constantly look for new ways to make it easier. There are many ways to get rid of them, but some will keep them out of your vegetable and flower beds for good. That means not having to deal…
We’re all aware that healthy food leads to a healthy body. But the food needs the best soil conditions to keep its nutritional value. The modern world has by far the best food supply chain but it takes a lot for some food to get from the soil to our refrigerators. Many people claim that…
Growing your own spices has become quite popular these days, and we are going to show you how to grow cinnamon in your garden! Just imagine stepping into the garden and being greeted by the sweet and spicy fragrance of freshly grown cinnamon, Plus, the cinnamon plant is quite pretty and will definitely spruce up…
Herbs have many uses in both your kitchen and your garden. They elevate your design, make any meal more delicious, and can be used for medicinal or spiritual purposes. These plant species have been treasured from ancient times and I’m sure their popularity won’t decrease any time soon. In this article, I’ll show you some…
How many times have you heard the phrase “Don’t throw away, find ways to reuse”? If you use social media you may see numerous hacks on reusing old things, especially in the world of gardening. Well, it saves money, the planet, and time! Gardeners spend a lot of money on potting soil every year and…
Weeds seem to win every battle in our yards and will occupy every inch if you don’t do anything. The main problem is that weeds aren’t only visually unappealing, but they significantly impact soil structure. They pose a threat to surrounding flora and the key lies in prevention. All you need is to fight fire…
Gardeners and landscapers are rethinking traditional lawns. They’re great for many things and look amazing when cared for, but they are a lot of work. Another thing about grass lawns is that they don’t support biodiversity as much as native plants and wildflowers. And with water restrictions happening everywhere, we have to turn to other…
If you are tired of spending countless hours mowing and maintaining your lawn, and are now looking for no-mow lawn alternatives, then you have come to the right place! No-mow alternatives not only save you time and effort but also benefits the environment in numerous ways. Wildflowers, herbs, ground covers, and ornamental grasses are just…
I know what you’re thinking. Why on earth would anyone want crows in their backyard? But, hear me out! They have a fascinating intelligence and are actually beneficial to your garden’s ecosystem. And the best part about crows is that they’re fairly easy to attract. Provide them with food and shelter, and they’ll flock to…
Are you tired of removing weeds from your garden? I know exactly how you feel! These nuisances are very persistent and many people don’t know what to do, so they turn to chemical solutions. Well, don’t surrender yet! I’ll show you how to make weed killer using just a few ingredients you almost certainly already…
Looking for shrubs to use for borders or hedges in your garden? Well, you can stop searching because you just found the perfect one! Let me introduce you to the most stunning shrub that will completely blow you away with its appearance – firebush! Its orange-red flowers bloom all summer long in your garden until…
So, you’ve finally built your first raised garden bed, but now’s the time to fill it and you don’t know what to do! Buying bags and bags of potting soil is way too expensive and you’ve heard that garden soil isn’t optimal. And on top of all that, adding soil to a raised bed isn’t…
If you are looking to add some aesthetic appeal to your outdoor space, then you should consider growing ground cover plants. With their variety of colors, textures, and fragrances, these plants can turn your backyard into a beautiful scene. Not only are these lovely plants easy to take care of, but they can also help…
Well, we all know that a lawn doesn’t take care of itself. You’ve got to roll up your sleeves and put in the hard yards. From watering to fertilizing, every little chore adds up when you’re aiming for a lush, green patch of paradise. And apart from the basic tasks, there’s another one that must…
Potatoes keep us guessing; by the time they’re ready for harvest, we’ve forgotten where we even planted them. Out of sight, out of mind, right? I mean, they grow under the ground and we can’t really see what’s going on down there. It’s not rare for gardeners to harvest their potatoes as soon as they…
As fall arrives and leaves start to fall, it’s time to show off our pumpkin harvest. But those gorgeous pumpkins need a little care to last longer and shine, which is why it is super important to know how to cure them. No matter if you are carving them for Halloween, decorating your home, or…
If you are a fellow gardener who likes to start their day with a cup of coffee, save those used coffee grounds instead of throwing them away. They can help your plants grow better, especially strawberries! When I first started growing strawberries, I couldn’t get them to thrive no matter what I did. Then my…
If you have been gardening for quite some time now, you’ve probably already learned that some plants are a match made in heaven while others should be kept far away from one another. Take cilantro, for instance. I absolutely love this herb and I always use it when making salsa. But once I planted it…
Is your bathroom missing something? You have probably seen on TV or in magazines how people decorate their bathrooms with interesting mirror shapes, wallpapers, rugs, or textured towels. But is this all really necessary? I don’t think so! There is one hidden gem, a plant that will transform your bathroom and at the same time…
Perennials are great plants that can decorate your garden all season long! There are so many colorful varieties with interesting patterns and eye-catching foliage. Have you already thought about growing perennials in your garden? Wait until you hear about perennials that can be planted together as a pair! I always wanted to give my flowers…
Did your blueberry harvest hit the sweet spot this year? I’m sure you’re enjoying the most delicious and healthy muffins and smoothies. That makes two of us! Do you want the same success next season and in the long run? Well, it’s as easy as pie with this tried-and-true gardening technique: pruning. To save you…
Weeds are every gardener’s worst nightmare! I thought weeds in my flower and veggie garden were the biggest problem but nothing compares to weeds in gravel. Tackling these pesky intruders is one of the toughest nuts yard owners have to crack. You’ll come across all kinds of tricks for dealing with these notorious plants in…
Is there anything better than sipping coffee in your garden during summer? The smell of fresh coffee mixed with blooming fragrances and some sunshine is the best way to start the day! But then, of course, mosquitoes come along to ruin the moment. While there are plenty of mosquito repellents out there, many are full…
Looking for something fun to add to your garden? I’ve got a great idea – have you ever thought about growing an American smoke tree as a bush? If not, now’s the perfect time to try it! It’s pretty, native, and friendly to your wallet and the planet. The U.S. Forest Service says it makes…
The one thing I don’t like in gardening (besides dealing with pests and diseases) are sneaky weeds that are tough to get rid of. Keeping a perfect lawn takes effort, especially with weeds. Some, like dandelions, are easy to manage, but nutsedge is a whole different beast. If you haven’t encountered it, consider yourself lucky! …
Spurge weed… What. A. Headache. I made the mistake of thinking I could just pull it out and be done, but it spread like crazy. If you’ve tried that too, don’t worry! The most important thing with spurge is acting fast. When it’s small, you can pull it out by hand since the roots aren’t…
Fall is all about harvesting fresh, ripened crops from the garden. But did you know that there’s one more task you should add to your autumn to-do list? You might want to focus on planting garlic! Garlic is one of the most beneficial veggies that you can grow in your yard. Besides helping boost your…
Having eucalyptus indoors is a must this year! Their beautiful long green leaves will be the perfect decoration for every home. Not to mention their scent, which reminds of a forest with hints of mint, honey, and citrus! I tried growing them a year ago, and they became one of my favorite plants. It wasn’t…
Okay, let’s talk about something that gives me the creeps – brown recluse spiders. If you’ve ever seen one scurry across your yard (or worse, inside your house), you know it’s not exactly a welcome sight. I had a personal encounter with one last summer when I was stacking wood. Turns out, these spiders adore…
Fall is here and it’s the perfect time to give your garden some love before winter arrives. And what better way to do it than by preparing your soil for the next growing season? Spring soil can be tough to work with, but in early fall, the ground is warm and much easier to manage….
Crabgrass is that annoying weed that shows up on your lawn and refuses to leave! Taking care of a healthy lawn takes patience and effort, especially if you want to use natural ways to handle weeds (nobody wants to use those dangerous chemicals!). Crabgrass can be tricky to control. Even if you pull it out…
When I first started growing plants in containers, I thought, “How hard could it be?” Just put them in a cute pot, water occasionally, and let nature do the rest, right? Well, my plants had other ideas. They went from looking bright and lively to droopy and dull in no time… the worst thing is,…
Hydrangeas are one of the most beautiful flowering shrubs you can have in the garden. Their adorable flowers, which come in blue, pink, and white colors, can beautify your garden from spring all the way through summer and early fall! Unfortunately, these lovely flowers will soon leave our garden and slowly start to wilt. Don’t…
All gardeners can agree on one thing – we all despise weeds. I can’t even count how many times I have tried to rid my garden of pesky weeds…they just won’t leave. I didn’t want to allow them to steal any more nutrients or space from my favorite plants, so I decided to find some…
All insects are important and we need them in our yards! I keep telling this to myself whenever I spot a wasp or any other creature with a bad reputation. But there’s one critter that really makes my skin crawl, and seeing it in my yard always sends a shiver down my spine. Now that’s…
It’s always a little sad when it’s time to take down the hummingbird feeders. Those lovely flying visitors bring so much life to the garden, and when they’re gone, everything seems much gloomier. Wondering when to take down your feeder? The best answer would be to keep it up as long as hummingbirds are still…
Want to spruce up your garden? Just edge your flower beds and walkways – it’ll instantly take them from looking ordinary to extraordinary! One of the easiest ways to define your garden space is with landscape edging, and my personal favorite is metal. It’s not only stylish, but it’s also flexible, allowing you to create…
Are you having trouble dealing with those pesky pests that refuse to give your garden a break? Well, I’d say that makes two of us, but the truth is, pests aren’t really crashing my outdoor party anymore – at least not in any serious way. Oh, I’m sure you’ll be shocked once you learn my…
There are a lot of tasks that need to be done this fall, but planting herbs should be at the top of your list! Even though you may be used to planting spices in the spring, autumn is actually the ultimate time for it. Last fall, I decided that I wanted to bring some new…