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…
Most lawn owners do all their chores during the spring and summer and think of the fall as a resting period. Well, it’s true that in the fall there aren’t many things to do, but you shouldn’t neglect your lawn completely. The temperatures are gradually dropping and the weather becomes wetter in this period. These…
Trees with crimson, gold, or burgundy colors in fall can do so much for your garden. The reds, yellows, purples, and bronzes are reminiscent of childhood countryside visits and planting them in your own backyard will keep you in this state forever. You can choose pretty much any deciduous tree, but there are some of…
Did you know that you can grow your very own goji berries, those vibrant and nutrient-rich gems from the Himalayas and China? That’s right, goji berries grow on perennial shrubs that can be easily grown in our regions. These super berries, also known as wolfberries, are renowned for their health benefits and sweet-tart flavor. Just…
Do you also find winter melons to be the most fun crops to grow? They can weigh up to 40 pounds! Winter melons resemble a large watermelon, but the taste is more like a cucumber. These crops are one of the healthiest fruits, rich in vitamin C and containing high levels of potassium! I love…
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…