Why stick to soil when you can rock the garden game by growing plants in straw bales? Straw bale gardening is a unique method that turns ordinary straw bales into amazing growing environments for plants. It’s easy, versatile, and affordable, making gardening possible for everyone. So, stick around to find out more about this creative…
Having an endless supply of fresh basil sounds like a good idea, am I right? Mastering a simple propagating technique will help you enjoy basil whenever you want. There are two ways you can propagate basil: in soil or from cuttings in water. Basil is a warm-season herb that is often planted in the ground…
Few plants can elevate your landscape better than evergreens. They provide interest all year long. Evergreens stay green throughout the year and many of them carry gorgeous blossoms and berries. But that’s not all they can do! Some evergreens exude a wonderful fragrance that you won’t be able to resist! But how to choose the…
New year, new veggies! January is the ideal time to start your vegetable garden. The temperatures might be freezing, but there are still some great ways to plant your veggies perfectly safely. Whether you own a greenhouse, invest in a cold frame, or simply start the seeds indoors, there are plenty of vegetables that are…
The amazing flavor of celery makes the plant a must-have in the kitchen. It’s no wonder so many people try growing this plant in their home gardens! It’s definitely a better option to cultivate a plant than to purchase it from the grocery store. However, growing celery may not be as easy as many think. …
Peppers are one of the most common veggies in home gardens. And that isn’t something surprising because they taste heavenly! Some prefer the crispy sweet bell peppers and others are more into spicy jalapenos. But there’s one thing that can occur to these veggies that scares all gardeners: pepper corking! If you don’t know about…
Pomegranates are hardy and fuss-free plants. Yet, even they have some requirements. One of those needs is pruning. You don’t have to trim your pomegranate shrubs and trees often. Although, doing it twice a year will leave you with a huge harvest. Here is everything you need to know about this chore! Let’s get started!…
Nothing scares me more than the thought of a snake in my yard! But, luckily, there are numerous DIY methods for repelling these creatures from outdoor spaces. And it’s completely normal for parents or pet owners to try each and every one of them. But there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, and that’s…
I hate mice! Still, I don’t want to live my life killing them if I can help it. And I can! There are uncommon ways of getting rid of rodents humanely that don’t include poisoning them. I’m talking about using spices, oils, and solutions you already have in your home. Of course, prevention has always…
Brussels sprouts are one of those veggies you either love or hate, but the chances they’ll be on the Christmas table are very high. There are so many delicious recipes with Brussels sprouts and nothing tastes better than homegrown ones. In this article, I’ll show you how to grow your own Brussels sprouts, from planting…
Green and healthy grass is the dream of every lawn owner. Unfortunately, there are some cases when grass doesn’t look as it should and one of the causes can be powdery mildew. The telltale sign of this fungal disease in the grass is a white and gray, powdery substance. It may be hard to eliminate…
Traditional lawns will never lose their appeal, no matter how difficult they may be to tend to. Yet, their maintenance shouldn’t be too hard! Crabgrass makes this job a lot harder than it’s supposed to be. Luckily, there’s a ray of hope. There are many helpful ways of removing this weed from your garden. But…
Moles and voles have multiple benefits for the ecosystem but having them in our yards is far from a good thing! These creatures can wreak havoc on lawns and only those who have had issues with moles or voles know how hard it can be to get rid of them. Many people can’t differentiate between…
Gardening doesn’t have to stop as the temperatures get colder, especially if you are into herb gardening! One such way to extend the gardening season is by utilizing cold frames. Cold frames create a warm and sunny environment for the plants inside. The plants are protected from frost and are grown in soil that is…
It’s not even winter and I’m already thinking about all the spring chores I’ll have to do. But that’s good because there are a lot of them. The thing about spring planting is that you should prepare your garden in advance. Soil and garden bed preparation, pruning, and lawn care are all essential parts of…
With the holiday season upon us, it is the perfect time to start thinking about the best gifts for your loved ones. And if you happen to live with a gardening enthusiast, I’ve got you covered. The following list contains everything a beginner or pro might need (or want!). The best part about these gifts…
Think of shallots as onions with a milder taste. These vegetables can do a lot for your dishes. And the best part about them is that they are easy to grow! You can plant shallot sets or seeds. Both methods are simple, although the latter takes a bit longer. Shallots are great for storing after…
Discolored or deformed leaves, or any other plant parts, are a nightmare for every gardener. Even though the condition that led to these changes doesn’t have to be lethal, there are some situations that should concern you. The best examples are garden fungal diseases that weaken the plant and may even kill it if left…
From garden to plate, these root vegetables are a superb choice to harvest before Christmas arrives. It’s always better to use fresh veggies to make delicious meals, especially around the holidays. You may be harvesting your Christmas vegetables in December or even later with just a little advance planning! In this article, we are going…
Lavender is a powerful herb. It can relieve stress and exudes an irresistible fragrance. Yet, there are some animals that don’t like it – pests. Mosquitoes and rats are just a few of them! And to answer your question, yes, lavender can repel mice to some degree, but there’s more to the story. Here’s everything…
Making a place where birds feel welcome isn’t as simple as it seems. Sometimes you can put up a bird feeder and still have no birds flying around the garden. The trick is to find the perfect food that birds can’t resist. Such foods include uncooked porridge oats, a beak-watering treat that will attract a…
Magnolias are one of my favorite shrubs (or trees). They look amazing in spring. And they spread their irresistible fragrance all over the yard. What more could you ask for? But how can you choose the right one? With over 100 species, it may be difficult at times. Luckily, I found some you can say…
Ready to plant some tiny bulbs and watch your garden come alive with color? By planting masses of minor bulbs in your garden, you can have a wonderful flower display as soon as the temperatures get warmer. There are plenty of options to choose from, and I’m sure you’ll find the ones that suit your…
Eggplants are popular summer vegetables. Yet, not every gardener has the opportunity to grow them. The good news is that eggplants don’t need too much space. In fact, if you go with dwarf varieties, you can grow them in containers or soil bags. Believe it or not, growing eggplants in bags of soil is super…
Propagation is sometimes an overwhelming process, especially if you are new to gardening. Luckily, there are now useful tricks that help us propagate our plants without any fuss! A new viral Tiktok method of using a plastic cloche dome to propagate plants like an expert has become widely popular. This is a budget-friendly option since…
Homegrown potatoes taste heavenly but the growing process isn’t that easy. You should put a lot of effort into meeting all potato requirements and digging seems to be one of the hardest tasks. But what if I told you there’s one way to grow potatoes that doesn’t include all this fuss? We call it no…
Let’s talk about a unique dichondra grass that’s more than just eye candy for your lawn! If you are tired of constantly mowing, watering, and fertilizing your lawn, then you’ll find this no-mow alternative quite alluring. Less work, more green, and super tough against heat and drought, dichondra grass will definitely steal your heart. Plus,…
I know what you’re thinking: I’m not wasting any money if I harvest my fruits and veggies myself. But that’s not entirely true! A popular home gardener has shown a simple way to save money during the harvesting season. Her name is Amy Shore – @chicksandveg on Instagram. The trick is simple: wash your vegetables…
Picture this: you walk into your garden and see a lawn that’s not just green but also covered in lovely pink flowers! Walkable ground covers have become quite popular nowadays – they are hardy and stiff, can endure foot traffic, and don’t require regular maintenance like other lawns do. Plus, they create a colorful carpet…
Herbs are probably the easiest plants that you can grow in the garden or indoors. However, you can still make some mistakes that will leave you with wilting and dying herbs. These can be silly mistakes, such as overcrowding or not watering properly, that could lead your herb garden to doom. Whether you’re growing herbs…
Shallow soil is one of the issues that urban gardeners are all too familiar with. It brings a lot of trouble to this green hobby because you can’t grow whatever you want. Many plants have deep roots and will quickly dry out and wane if you plant them in a shallow substrate. And even if…
Winter is slowly approaching and it is high time we started thinking about the little friends that lurk in our gardens. Birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and other critters need food and shelter during the colder season, and it is us who can make that happen. By planting trees for wildlife, we get to help these animals…
When I was just starting out on my gardening journey, I dreaded seeds. I thought growing plants this way was immensely difficult and that it required a lot of expertise. I couldn’t have been further from the truth! Seed starting is one of the most fulfilling parts of gardening because you can see your plant…
Have you ever heard that shrieking sound that sounds awfully a lot like “kill-dee?” If you have, it’s a bird aptly named “killdeer” that makes it. This charming avian has adapted to urban life quite well and with a little bit of luck (and some work on your part), you can attract them to your…
As autumn paints the world in vibrant colors and trees bear their berries, the desire to preserve this beauty takes hold. Learning how to save autumn leaves and berries can help you create lasting decorations or simply hold onto the season’s charm for a little while longer. In this article, we are going to share…
Having a constant supply of fragrant and delicious herbs sounds like a dream come true. Unfortunately, not all of us have enough space outdoors or indoors to grow these beauties. Well, gardeners always find a way to grow plants in limited spaces and one of the most popular methods is vertical gardening. In this article,…
When it comes to transplanting perennials, ensuring a smooth transition to their new home can be a delicate process. The phenomenon known as “transplant shock” is something gardeners aim to prevent. It occurs when perennials face stress and adjustment difficulties during the relocation process. Yellowing of the leaves, leaf drop, plant wilting, stunted growth, and…
The famous panicle hydrangeas are mostly cut during the spring – when new growth appears, you can tell exactly where the buds grow. The greater the size of the bud you prune back, the more robust and vigorous the new growth will be. However, cutting them in the fall also comes with its benefits. When…
Christmas cactus is a popular plant that is often grown indoors. These delightful plants are known for their lush green foliage and dazzling flowers, but getting them to bloom can be a bit of a mystery. These cacti usually bloom from November to January, but its growing conditions can either trigger or postpone blooming. If…
Don’t toss those leftover pumpkin seeds! If you are a fan of homegrown pumpkins, you can save and store your pumpkin seeds for planting next year. The perfect time to do this is right after Halloween – just look inside your jack-o-lantern and you’ll notice numerous seeds inside! You can easily save those and plant…
Vines creeping up your house might seem charming and romantic, but there’s more to the story. Although they come with benefits such as sun protection and privacy, these aesthetic vines can be damaging to your home. From cracking the walls to attracting all sorts of bugs and rodents, these vines can transform your home into…
Orchids are definitely one of the toughest flowers to take care of, but it’s all worth it once they start blooming in unique colors and patterns. These flowering plants can even take up to seven years to produce flowers, which is why it is crucial to take good care of them. Besides watering and light…
An infinite supply of tomatoes seems too good to be true, am I right? And yet, it is something you can do at a very affordable price. All you need is a tomato plant, pruners, and a jar with water. Armen Adamjan is a video creator and author who brought this technique closer to everyday…
Stink bugs invading your home can be a real nuisance, but TikTok users have uncovered a surprisingly simple solution that’s been making waves. This two-ingredient stink bug repellent has taken the internet by storm, providing an effective way to keep these stinky intruders at bay. So instead of spending money on pest controls that are…
When it comes to planting strawberries, a little tip can go a long way. These delicious berries are great because you don’t need a large garden to grow them. In fact, you can easily grow them in small containers on your patio or balcony! You can move them around, bring them indoors once it gets…
Pumpkins are a sort of trademark of the fall season. But as soon as November arrives, the popularity of these plants significantly decreases and many don’t know what to do with their carved and intact pumpkins. It’s often impossible to consume every pumpkin, so what to do? There’s one simple yet effective way to use…
If you want to add a special touch of beauty to your landscape, simply plant tulips. These captivating flowering plants take garden design to a whole new level. But there’s one misconception regarding tulips many gardeners believe. You’ll commonly hear that these plants come back year after year. These plants will most likely come back…
Is it just me or is there anyone else who didn’t know that blackcurrants were banned in the US until 1966 because they allow for a certain fungus to pass onto pines? (1) Lucky for us, this ban was lifted in the latter half of the 20th century, and now we can enjoy this berry…
One of the perks of composting is that you ‘get rid’ of your kitchen waste and also get a perfect soil amendment. Some ingredients in our kitchens can do wonders for soil. If you want to help your plants absorb nutrients, add salt to your compost pile. For enhancing beneficial microorganisms in the soil, add…
Lasagna bulb planting is a creative and efficient gardening technique which allows you to enjoy a continuous burst of springtime beauty. It’s like crafting layers of floral surprises right in your garden! This can be done in flower beds or in container gardens and, as the name suggests, it is a process of planting bulbs…
Owls are indeed magical creatures, no matter if it’s the tiny elf species or the magnificent great gray owl. Many of us haven’t had the pleasure of seeing these birds in the wild. Their hooting during the night intrigues many people, but they also aren’t aware of the role these creatures play in our yards….
Planting onions and carrots together isn’t just about maximizing garden space; it’s a gardening strategy that benefits both plants. Companion planting is not something new in gardening. In fact, it has been practiced for decades now. However, it’s crucial to know which plants grow well together. In this article, we are going to discuss growing…
We all know that trees aren’t that easily damaged, but cold can threaten even the sturdiest of them. That’s why it’s not surprising that lemon trees can suffer during harsh winters. Luckily for you, there are some things you can do to make the cold easier on them. You have two options: bringing your lemon…
Fall – that perfect season when grapes and apples are in their prime. I don’t know about you, but picking apples is one of my favorite garden chores. But then comes that dreaded feeling we all have felt when we wonder what to do with all those apples? I don’t want them to go to…
If you are growing pepper plants from seeds, then it’s crucial to transplant them early so that the little seedlings have enough space and nutrients to grow and thrive. More room for roots leads to bigger leaves for photosynthesis, which ultimately leads to larger fruits for harvest! Pepper plants should be transplanted once their seedlings…
Noticing that there’s a yellow mushroom sprouting in your houseplant’s soil can be quite the unexpected surprise. Yellow leaves and soggy roots are often signs that there’s something wrong with your plant, but what about yellow mushrooms growing from the soil? Before you jump to conclusions, let’s unravel the mystery of what it truly means….
Crepe myrtles are beautiful trees that originate from Asia, and they have become quite popular in the United States. It’s quite easy to take care of them, yet they are often harmed by 3 common pests: Asian ambrosia beetles, Japanese beetles, and aphids. These pesky pests can significantly damage the tree and weaken it so…