As the weather gets warmer, the time for transplanting seedlings outdoors approaches. Hardening off is a crucial step when transitioning young plants from indoors to the outdoors. It helps them adjust gradually to external conditions, ensuring successful and robust growth. The trick is to know when and how to harden off plants in order to…
Starting a garden isn’t easy, but you can make it simpler with a few adaptations. Using containers instead of a traditional in-ground plot is one way to do it. Potted vegetables ensure you get plenty of produce with as little fuss as possible. You won’t have to weed them, you can move them around and…
If you’re not familiar with rain chains, they are decorative rainwater collectors. And it’s not surprising that they’ve gained popularity in the last year. They promote sustainability, keep your plants nourished and moisturized, provide plenty of visual interest, and aren’t that difficult to maintain. But these are just a few of the reasons why setting…
I’m the type who never tosses anything that might come in handy someday, so I’ve got quite the collection of old terracotta saucers piling up in my garden. Finally, I figured it was time to put them to good use! So, I started a fun little project I call “Terracotta Chia Gardens”, where I use…
Storing green onions (also known as scallions) properly can make a significant difference in how long they stay fresh and flavorful! Whether you have just harvested an abundance of green onions from your garden or bought a bunch from the store, knowing how to store them correctly is essential to prevent wilting and maintain their…
Fall is every gardeners’ favorite season because everything they’ve been doing for the past summer finally pays off. Those who live in cooler climates are probably preparing to put their garden beds to sleep because nothing grows during this period. Technically, you can’t harvest anything during winter but there’s one thing you can do: plant…
Using rock salt to melt the ice is nothing strange, especially if you live in colder climates. This is an easy and budget-friendly way to get rid of slippery ice, which is why it is widely popular. However, most folks don’t take into account the possible damage to shrubs, trees, and flowering plants. Excessive amounts…
November may feel like a slow time for gardening, but it’s actually a great month to plant some veggies for an early harvest next year! Planting now lets crops settle in before winter so they’ll be ready to grow even stronger when the spring arrives. I love planting in November, especially on my birthday, when…
Being a homeowner means you’re bound to cross paths with critters from time to time. But let’s be honest, when it comes to sharing our space, mice are the last ones on the invite list! Sure, they’re cute little creatures, but the germs and diseases they carry have us reaching for every trick in the…
If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, Rose of Sharon is a perfect choice – I planted mine last year and I’ve never seen so many hummingbirds visiting! These shrubs bloom in late summer and fall, producing bright flowers that hummingbirds can’t resist. But be careful though – some older varieties tend to…
As winter arrives, it’s time to ensure your raspberry bushes are ready to weather the cold and emerge thriving in the spring! Isn’t it always better to enjoy fresh berries from your own garden instead of buying bland ones at the grocery store? So, to have a bountiful raspberry harvest, it’s crucial to take some…
There are many special things related to the winter months, with snow and the holidays being my favorites. However, nothing is perfect in this world and the same applies to this season. Flu and common colds are more frequent during this period, and the worst thing that can happen is to fall ill during the…
Fall is a time of transformation and preparation. The garden transforms in cold temperatures into a harsh territory. That’s why we have to prepare our perennials for the cold winter season. Of course, you may not need to do much if you live in warmer zones like I do. But those from colder climates know…
Fall lawn care involves preparing it for winter and preventing it from dying during the colder months. That means no extensive fertilizing, frequent mowing, or any other job that will take a long time for it to recover. On the other hand, there are some jobs you should do if you want your lawn green…
All gardeners can agree on one thing: weeds are super annoying! No matter how much we try to prevent them, weeds always seem to show up, spreading all over our gardens and ruining everything. Not only do they look messy, but they also steal water and nutrients from your plants and can even bring pests…
Dandelions are those little bright yellow flowers that seem to pop up almost everywhere. Sure, they look cheerful, but once they go to seed the real troubles begin because they spread all over the yard! I’ve tried everything, from yanking them up to just hoping they’d vanish on their own (of course, they didn’t). So,…
Rosemary is one of those herbs that everybody loves, whether it’s for the flavor it gives to dishes, its incredible fragrance and evergreen foliage, or the fact that it repels unwanted insects and attracts the beneficial ones. And the best part about it is that you don’t have to buy many plants in order to…
Avoiding common mulching mistakes is crucial for maintaining a healthy and thriving garden. There are several mulching mistakes that can take away all the benefits that come with it, such as applying too much or too little mulch, not raking your old mulch, or using the wrong kind of mulch. In this guide, we’ll help…
Many gardeners decide to grow sweet potatoes because homegrown sweet potatoes taste heavenly, but the other reason is that they’re super easy to grow. It may be challenging, especially for beginners, to determine if these veggies are ready for harvest. But it’s crucial to do it on time if you plan to store them. And…
As the temperatures begin to cool and the leaves start to change, you should prepare yourself for fall planting. Among many other options, garlic definitely stands out as a versatile crop that is quite easy to grow. There are so many different garlic varieties to choose from, each with its own unique flavor and uses,…
Composting is a wonderful way to turn organic waste into nutrient-rich soil, but not all weeds should find their way into your compost bin. As you tend to your garden and gather materials for composting, it’s essential to be selective about the weeds you include. Some weeds carry the potential to cause more trouble than…
Hydrangeas are among the most beautiful decorations you can have in your garden! Their colorful flowers will bloom throughout the summer season. A few years ago, after I planted them, something seemed off. They looked so lonely and annoying weeds were all over my poor babies! I finally realized I had forgotten about their cheerful…
No matter how much time you spend caring for your lawn, issues can occur. You may be surprised to hear that it’s not uncommon for lawns to suffer from diseases. But the essential thing is to recognize the disease in time and start with the treatment immediately. The great news is that not all diseases…
It is disappointing when you spot your newly transplanted seedlings devoured by animals or pests. These sensitive plants are also vulnerable to temperature changes when transplanted outdoors, which is why you have to protect them at all costs. Let me introduce you to cloches and critter cages – two invaluable tools that offer a seamless…
Seeing red, juicy, and ripe tomatoes once you start your harvest is the best feeling ever! But seeing split and cracked tomatoes is definitely the worst! I mean, you can still eat them but something about their appearance simply makes gardeners sad because they tried so hard and spent a lot of time inspecting and…
Who can resist juicy corn on the cob on a hot summer day? But no matter how much you enjoy these veggies, there will be times when you won’t eat all of them. What should you do if this happens? Freezing is the answer. When frozen, corn preserves its amazing flavor and texture, so this…
Leaf mulch may not be glamorous, but its effects on the soil are off the charts. It makes the soil more fertile, helps sandy substrates retain more water, and much more. So why not utilize all those leaves that are currently falling in your yard? And the best part about it is that you don’t…
Carrots are the easiest vegetables to grow and one of the most popular crops among beginners and experts alike. But what’s so bothersome about them is that we nearly always sow them too closely together and have to thin them after they sprout. Perhaps you want to forget about this additional chore or you’re simply…
Plant enthusiasts who live in colder climates know how hard it can be to cultivate some species. For example, citrus plants may grow well outdoors during the summer but what should you do when temperatures drop significantly? The solution is actually pretty simple: grow them in pots. This technique will allow you to control the…
Floating row covers are an essential part of every garden, whether you want to protect your plants from frost or pesky pests. Since they keep your crops safe during colder weather, you can use them to prolong your growing season, transplant your vegetables earlier, and harvest them until late in the season. Therefore, they will…
You must have heard the expression “feed the soil.” That means providing your microbiome with organic matter. Why? Because they break it down and enrich your garden substrate. Organic materials also feed the microbes and increase their activity. That way you’ll get a richer soil with less store-bought fertilizers. But how can you do this?…
Are you looking for trees that will provide you with a beautiful landscape year-round? Then you should try growing evergreen trees! These trees will keep growing new, stunning leaves as others fall off over time. They also improve air quality by providing oxygen and reducing carbon monoxide! Isn’t that great? But the most interesting part…
As we enjoy the wonderful fall colors, winter slowly starts sneaking up on us. There are still a few jobs you need to carry out before your garden is completely covered in snow. All you have to do is tidy up a bit, pamper your plants, and prepare them for winter’s chill. By doing these…
Now that we’ve all felt the cold of the upcoming season, it is time to start worrying about our green buddies. Most of them need protection during this period, and it is our job to make that happen. The good news is that you can achieve this without much trouble. Take some plants indoors, cover…
How much does it take to turn a lawn into a picture-perfect paradise? If you ask any gardener, they’ll tell you it feels like a never-ending story. And pests seem to be the first ones to get in your way, with moles charging ahead as the biggest troublemakers! I always say all creatures are welcome…
Bee balms are the most beautiful flowers you can grow in your garden. Sometimes, though, they can feel a bit lonely when planted alone in flower beds. I realized something was missing the first time I planted them. Then one brilliant idea came to mind – companion planting. I started searching for plants that grow…
Have you noticed any unusual signs around your home lately? Perhaps you’ve spotted mysterious holes in your wooden furniture or noticed tiny wings discarded near your windowsills? Don’t ignore these as they are often signs of termites! These little buggers are masters of disguise, hiding out in all the nooks and crannies you can’t see….
I remember the first time I planted hydrangeas in my garden. I was so excited to see those beautiful blooms and brag about them in our family group chat, but I quickly realized that I wasn’t getting as many flowers as I had hoped for! I decided to change some things in my care routine…
Repotting succulents is like giving them a fresh start, ensuring they thrive and look their best. For starters, you have to be sure that your succulents need repotting – look for signs, such as roots peeking out the drainage holes and succulent leaves tipping over. Even soil drying out too quickly is a sign that…
Composting is a rewarding and easy practice once you get the gist of it. Most beginner gardeners and eco-enthusiasts already know they can add fruit and vegetable peels, clippings, and leaves to their compost pile. But what about those coffee filters you constantly throw away? Or the lint you keep finding in your washing machine?…
Are weeds poking through your gravel? Unfortunately, you’re not the only one. These annoying plants are pretty tough, and getting rid of them can seem like mission impossible. Luckily, there are some excellent methods for removing weeds from gravel. Best of all, none of them include pricey weed killers full of chemicals. Let’s transform your…
Wooden decks look amazing in backyards plus they’re functional. The reasons why all homeowners don’t have these in their yards is because of the costs of deck installation, the need for professionals, complex engineering, well, the list goes on and on. Guess what? There is an alternative and it’s on the cheap side! Good old…
One of the crucial things when it comes to successful gardening is soil health. Not many gardeners have that perfect substrate in which all plants can grow, and knowing how to improve garden soil is the key to a large harvest. There’s always that one corner in your garden where nothing seems to grow unless…
Gardening is a fulfilling hobby, but it can get rather expensive, especially if you’re starting from scratch. Transplants, canes, and seed packets all add up to a couple hundred dollars in a blink of an eye. But did you know that there are ways you can get plants and seeds for free? You can use…
There’s nothing better than a thriving veggie garden filled with delicious and healthy homegrown crops! Well, gardeners know very well how long and thorny the path to that dream is! Since this is such a rewarding task, we’re looking for various ways to protect and avoid issues in our gardens. One of the common methods…
Hummingbirds are captivating little birds with jewel-like colors that are adored by most gardeners. In fact, most of us are constantly trying to attract hummingbirds to our gardens since they can pollinate flowers so well. However, having hummingbirds in the garden all the time is not possible because they migrate once the seasons change. Timing…
As soon as the temperatures drop down and winter is around the corner, gardeners are rushing to complete all their chores. Green isn’t really associated with the winter period and many believe that greens can’t be cultivated during the colder months. Well, believe it or not, some greens can grow even if covered with snow…
Transform your garden into a fruit-lover’s paradise by planting bare root fruit trees. As the seasons change, it’s the perfect time to lay the foundation for a bountiful harvest next year. If you don’t have enough garden space, you can try and grow fruit trees in large containers on your patio. However, it’s important to…
Your yard might not be getting as many bees as it should. And the reason is simple – lack of native flowers. The more you have, the more pollinators will visit your plants. One way to do it is by harvesting wildflower seeds. Gather them locally so that you know they are native to your…
We’re well into fall now, and it’s high time to assess the damage summer has done to our lawns. A combination of heat, drought, and personal neglect (let’s face it, we’ve all done it), has done a number on our green front yards! However, there are things you can do to revitalize your lawn and…
Pears are one of the healthiest fruits that you can grow in your backyard! They are packed with nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber that can magically boost your health. Pears are also low in calories, so you can eat these delicious snacks every day! Right before I start growing any veggies or fruits,…
Water propagation sounds easy – just put a plant cutting in water, right? Well, actually there’s a bit more to it! If you’ve ever watched a stem sit in water with zero roots, you’re not alone. Watching roots grow in water is super satisfying, but a few common mistakes can ruin the fun fast. From…
Gardeners know that undertaking certain tasks in fall will keep their trees, shrubs, and perennial flower beds thriving throughout the following season. And yet, these aren’t the only areas of interest in your yard. What about the lawn? That requires maintenance, too, and a little fall care will go a long way. Something you do…
The colder months have arrived and our outdoor gardens aren’t filled with many fruits and veggies to harvest. Many growers finish the season and will enjoy dishes they make from their stored fruits and veggies. But what if I told you that you can have delicious and fresh crops to harvest even during the winter…
I don’t know about you, but I still haven’t got that fall feeling. But when I look outside, I can already see some leaves falling from trees and my neighbors scurrying around collecting them. However, this fall I’m trying something different. I won’t rake the leaves, or rather I will alter them a bit and…
Every season, your garden welcomes new guests. They can be ones you’ll definitely love to see, such as birds, butterflies, and bees. But on the other side, there are pests! They can pose a high risk to your crops, plants, lawn, and trees. Pests can easily damage everything you’ve started growing in your yard. What…
With trees, it’s more than just looks; they’re the full package, turning landscapes into masterpieces and bringing endless value to the great outdoors. Honestly, if it weren’t for my trees, the Florida heat would be my cue to stay indoors all summer long. Sure, these green giants are impressive, but they’re not flawless… One look…