What terrifies me the most? Snakes. I can’t stand them! Just the thought of one slithering through my garden while I’m tending to my flowers gives me the creeps! Naturally, I did everything I could to keep them far away. I didn’t want to use chemical repellents since they’d cause more harm than good (especially…
When I first started growing carrots, I expected it to be a piece of cake. Everything went smoothly until the carrots began to crowd each other. At one point, my garden was so dense I couldn’t even see the ground! That’s when I realized I needed to start thinning them out. Thinning might seem tough…
Hello, small backyard owners! How’s your plant selection doing? It’s definitely true that even smaller yards can look breathtaking if you make friends with the right plant species. Even in the tiniest yard, there’s room for a tree or two – plant them, and you’ll reap the rewards in no time! They’ll increase the value…
I knew growing zucchini could be a challenge, but I didn’t realize that getting fertilizing just right would be the trickiest part! At first, I thought a bit of water and sunshine would do the trick. What I didn’t know is that zucchini plants need a special blend of nutrients to truly thrive and produce…
If you’re struggling to attract birds to your yard and nothing seems to work, you could try making your own DIY suet cakes! Last year, I gave it a try and had a blast watching the birds flock to my creations. The best part (besides enjoying a garden full of cheerful birds) is that it’s…
I swear, nothing ruins a perfect backyard barbecue faster than annoying insects trying to swipe your food. And don’t get me started on wasps – those things are awful and seriously terrifying! Sure, they might do wonders for the garden, but when they’re buzzing around your patio while you’re just trying to enjoy a warm…
I know harvesting cabbage can sometimes be quite difficult, which is why I am here to help you! Now you’ve taken good care of your cabbage, it’s time to harvest it. I remember my first cabbage harvest – I was so excited, I nearly yanked out the entire plant by mistake (silly, I know). Once…
What’s your first thought when someone mentions a fall garden? Let me guess: harvesting veggies planted during summer. That was exactly what I thought a few years ago, until I discovered vegetables that can thrive perfectly if planted in September. Now I have fresh homegrown crops throughout the cooler months without a greenhouse. Sounds amazing,…
You’ve nurtured your tomatoes perfectly, and they’re now fully ripe on the vine, but you decide to wait just a few more days before harvesting… only to find they taste off! What went wrong? Could it be that you’re picking tomatoes the wrong way? Well, you just might be! There are a few key signs…
Phlox is known for being a low-maintenance plant, but that doesn’t mean you can just let it go wild. If it starts spreading everywhere, you have to take action! I used to stress about pruning my phlox, but it turned out to be much simpler than I expected. The key is timing, and as we…
I know all you gardeners out there are a bit sad because your gardens will soon be ready for harvest and a long-deserved break. That’s exactly how I felt until I started my fall garden a few years ago. And the best decision was to use raised beds instead of standard planting sites. It prolonged…
Summer’s winding down, and while we’re all dreaming of crisp autumn days, your garden might be in need of a bit of late-season care. You might have noticed some new weeds have been showing up, often in areas you least expect. If you have not been taking good care of your garden, these weeds (besides…
A thick, green lawn is the biggest dream of every yard owner! If only it was easy to get to this point without putting so much time and effort into maintenance. Well, one step at a time! Correctly preparing soil for planting, sowing the seeds, and watering will give your lawn an excellent head start….
Have you recently noticed white spots on your crepe myrtle and been wondering if it’s normal or that something unusual might be affecting your tree? I’m sad to inform you that those white spots are probably bark scales. This insect has been spreading across the Southern U.S. and can turn your beautiful crepe myrtle into…
We all want our yards to be teeming with as many hummingbirds as possible, so it’s completely understandable that we go the extra mile by putting different foods in their feeders. Honey would be an obvious choice since hummingbirds adore sweet stuff, right? Well, it’s actually anything but a good choice for these birds. And…
Potatoes are wonderful, aren’t they? They’re easy to grow and taste great in so many dishes. But if you want your potatoes to really thrive, you need to know when and how to fertilize them properly. As someone who’s spent more time in the potato patch than I care to admit (Colorado potato beetles gave…
Do you want to make your sandwiches healthier? Well, I know about some young shoots that will be a perfect ingredient for your meals. Drum roll, please! It’s alfalfa sprouts! Last year, I wanted to grow some healthy greenery, but I didn’t have enough space. Alfalfa sprouts turned out to be an excellent choice. You…
Are you looking for blossoms to plant around your pond? It’s your lucky day! I have the perfect candidate for you. I’ve had a pond in my garden for years. But, boy, my search for the right flowers didn’t go well! Until I took a walk to the lake near my house and discovered marsh…
I’ve had a passion for attracting hummingbirds to my garden for as long as I can remember. I’ve seen every color of the rainbow fluttering in the air (those mixed-colored hummingbirds are my personal favorite!). Yet, the elusive white hummingbird has always been the one that’s gotten away. Despite my best efforts and countless hours…
Is there anything cuter than seeing a baby bird in your yard? No, at least for me. But you know what the problem is? When you don’t see a mother bird. I remember how worried I was when it happened for the first time. And, of course, the first thing that came to mind was…
Night walks through your garden are more enjoyable and special when fireflies light the way. No wonder everyone’s looking for different ways to attract these magnificent creatures! Yes, they’re indeed very beautiful, but that’s not their only great feature. If you’re a gardener, then you’ll be delighted to hear that they can help you fight…
If you want to stay healthy, grow celery! It’s perfect for your skin because it can help reduce redness and irritation. Last year, I wanted to plant them but my garden wasn’t big enough. I didn’t want to miss the chance to grow celery, which is how I came across raised beds. They were the…
You know that feeling when you accidentally pair the wrong socks and they just don’t work together? Well, planting peppers and beans near each other can feel like that mismatched sock moment for your garden. From my own experience, I found this out the hard way when I tried growing these two side by side…
I know how frustrating it can be when your carefully tended garden gets a bit too much attention from the weed-whacker. I once had a gorgeous patch of clematis vines that were the pride of my garden. Imagine my shock when the lawn crew mistook them for weeds and whacked them down! I had to…
If there’s one bug I absolutely can’t stand, it’s stink bugs (I get icky just thinking about them!). My aversion to these pests dates back to a couple of summers ago when I had a total stink bug invasion in my garden. They. Were. Literally. Everywhere! I couldn’t stand them, so I tried all sorts…
Have you noticed animals with the cutest little front teeth running around your garden carrying plants in their pockets? Well, you’ve been visited by gophers! They may look adorable, but there’s a twist as they can destroy flower beds. Even the small tunnels they dig to reach food sources can be a real nightmare. I’ve…
Ever chilled in your garden, drink in hand, watching tiny hummingbirds zip around? They’re amazing, right? But spotting baby hummingbirds is like finding a needle in a haystack! Today, we’ll dive into why they’re so hard to see and what they look like. Here’s a quick story from my garden. I was watering my cardinal…
A watering can is one of the top three gardening tools and is worth its weight in gold for various chores. It’s simple to use and always gets the job done. You fill it with water, hydrate your plants, and then stash it in your garage or house. I mean, what could possibly go wrong?…
I was talking to my sister about how I wanted to add something exciting to my yard. Of course, I was thinking about getting some gnomes or a fancy fountain. That’s when my sister said: ‘How about spotting turtles?’ And then it hit me: these cute little critters can bring fun and intrigue to my…
Have you noticed that your grass is losing the beautiful green color it once had? If your answer is yes, false chinch bugs may have paid you a visit! They can become a nightmare for any gardener. I had a problem with chinch bugs last season. First, I noticed small black dots moving across my…
Fellow gardeners, it’s time to talk about that never-ending gardening chore we all dread (yes, I’m talking about weeding). I don’t know about you, but weeding is one of the most annoying chores in my garden. Ever since I was a little girl, my mom would ask me to pull out those pesky weeds, and…
The thought of a vegetable garden pest that breeds quickly, overwinters in the soil, and whose larvae can destroy plants is enough to make any gardener shudder. Unfortunately, Colorado potato beetles exist. Anyone who grows potatoes at home should be aware of these distinctive pests. They’re known for munching through crops, and it’s not just…
As a guest from Europe and Asia, tamarisk quickly became the “it” plant among American gardeners thanks to its reddish bark and pinkish-white flowers. I always love trying new gardening trends, so I decided to grow tamarisk, hoping it would be the star of my backyard. Little did I know, I was growing a plant…
Orchids are truly some of the most beautiful flowers I’ve ever seen. But did you know there are orchids that are black? When I first saw them, I was speechless! I immediately ran to the store and bought the seeds, but when I came back home, I had no idea what to do. After a…
Cucumbers are important members of many gardens and kitchens! I’ve been growing them since I started my planting journey, and they never get old. But, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. A few months ago, I discovered a new plant that quickly became a sensation in my garden!…
One of my favorite things about warm weather is sitting on my patio and enjoying a coffee while watching birds munching on the snacks I left in their feeders. Sounds magical, right? Everything’s fine and dandy until you spot an intruder who tries to steal all the food set aside for birds! Any guesses as…
It’s a perfect summer’s day, the sun is shining, birds are chirping, and then… mosquitoes! Ugh! These tiny insects are a true buzzkill, especially if you are one of those folks that tend to get bitten more than others (I know the feeling). I have been struggling with mosquitoes ever since I was a little…
Rise and shine! It’s time to add a new plant to your garden! There’s one special flower that you simply can’t miss a chance to grow. Drum roll please… It’s Catmint! Catmint will win your heart! It’s a fast-growing plant with a beautiful lilac color that attracts pollinators. Best of all, it will bloom for…
Let’s face it, a struggling lawn does not go well with pool parties and BBQs in the summer. Even if you take good care of your grass and water it constantly, sometimes nothing seems to bring your lush lawn back to life. Wondering why this happens? Turns out, not all grasses love the heat. If…
The very thought of ripe and juicy watermelons makes my mouth water! But humans aren’t the only ones that enjoy munching on these delicious fruits! Guess who else is fond of them? Pollinators! And our gardens desperately need these little beneficial creatures. You may not be into sharing your food, but trust me, once you…
I’ve fallen in love with lavender for its elegance and delightful fragrance, but also its low-maintenance and abundance (it seems as though you can put it anywhere and it’ll just keep growing!). Yet, in the middle of the summer heat, I noticed my lavender bushes struggling a bit. I kept watering them, thinking that they…
There’s nothing worse than uninvited guests! Especially if they have eight legs and crawl in the corners of your house. Yes, you guessed it – creepy spiders. I’d probably move out if I saw them crawling on the walls. I know I’m overreacting again! But I can’t help myself! Spiders won’t harm you, but there’s…
Summer has finally arrived, the favorite season of all gardeners! Sometimes I wonder if winter will ever end, it always seems to drag on! During hot days, you’ll need to take good care of your plants and save them from wilting. You know that temperatures have been rising dramatically over the past few years, so…
You know what I especially like about this time of year? Lawns! The grass is in its prime right now, and all you can do is stand in front of each yard and admire it. But every lawn owner knows that reaching this point doesn’t happen overnight. And the biggest challenge is learning exactly when…
Ahh, bushes! They’re pretty but they can sure be stubborn! You know the ones – they keep growing back no matter how many times you think you’ve finally gotten rid of them. I remember one summer I spent what felt like every weekend dealing with this particularly pesky bush in my backyard. I thought I…
I woke up one summer morning and found a horrorshow in my yard – all of the leaves from my trees had mysteriously vanished, and there were swarms of fuzzy caterpillars all over them! What were they?! Of course, I immediately called my brother and he explained the situation. Turns out this unfortunate scene isn’t…
When you look at grass, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? I bet it’s not the type of grass – probably more like ‘the grass is always greener.’ Well, knowing which type of grass you have is actually your golden ticket to a lush lawn that will leave your neighbors green with…
Folks, it’s summertime! This is my favorite time of year, mainly because of the ripe fruits in my garden that I can’t wait to harvest. A couple of weeks ago, I noticed that my strawberries were also turning a sweet red color. I didn’t find any worms crawling on my berries, I just washed and…
It’s time for you to meet the king of the herbs – basil! If you have never grown this spice, I think this is the great opportunity to finally do it. And even if you don’t have garden space, your terrace will be ideal! With just a few steps from the kitchen to your spices,…
Rise and shine! I’m sure your favorite summer treat is probably ice cream, but salads are healthy and delicious! I used to buy salads every day, but I recently noticed that store-bought salad wasn’t as fresh as what I picked straight from the garden. Nothing can compare to homegrown. That’s why I came up with…
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself standing in your garden, hose in hand, pondering the eternal question: When is the best time to water my precious veggies? Spoiler alert: it’s not when your neighbor’s sprinkler is on full blast at high noon. When I first started my vegetable garden, I was clueless…
The first time I planted new potatoes, I was super excited and impatient. The anticipation built up as I watched those green shoots poke up out of the soil, knowing that my delicious potatoes were just beneath the surface. However, potatoes weren’t like the rest of my plants – I couldn’t exactly track their growth,…
There’s nothing like the taste of fresh snap peas right from your garden – the crunchiness, the sweetness… it’s just THAT good! However, you’ve got to be quick on your feet because these little guys ripen fast and, if you’re not vigilant, they can turn tough and lose that perfect sweetness. Luckily, growing snap peas…
A couple of years ago, I stumbled upon this wonderfully fragrant tree and thought, “I absolutely need one in my garden!” So, I went for it, and soon my garden became a fragrant paradise that even my nosy neighbor couldn’t resist sniffing around (literally!). The tree I am talking about? The wonderful Sweet olive tree! …
Cherry tomato enthusiasts, it’s that time of the year when we finally see how well our plants are developing! Or not… Unfortunately, not every seed transforms into a lush and abundantly fruiting tomato plant. And your seedlings can stop growing without any special reason. Yes, it can be really disheartening to see only a few…
If you’re a big strawberry lover, then you’re in the right place! I’m a fan too. Whenever I go to the store, I just can’t resist buying them all. I always forget my groceries because I end up eating strawberries all day! That was until a few weeks ago, when I decided to actually grow…
Sadly, spring is coming to an end soon, which means that everyone has already finished their planting. People are happily chilling in their gardens, while certain gardeners, on the other hand, are panicking because they haven’t started anything yet! No time to stress! There are crops that will amaze you with their easy cultivation and…