Fertilization is an essential part of plant care because micro and macronutrients found in the soil are responsible for healthy plant development. Even if your plants seem entirely healthy, you shouldn’t skip feeding because it will help them reach their full potential. However, knowing when to fertilize is crucial because if applied at the wrong…
Bare patches on the lawn can truly ruin your day, especially if you spent a lot of time and energy on lawn maintenance! All of your hard work can be lost if this disease finds its way to your lawn. We are talking about pythium blight, a lawn disease that transforms beautiful green areas into…
Peas are one of my favorite side dishes, and they taste even better when you grow them yourself. In Florida, we generally plant them between September and March, which makes February the perfect time for one of the last batches. If you don’t plant them now, you’ll have to wait for more than half a…
Once you are finished eating a banana, you usually throw away the peel. But did you know that banana peel has a lot of nutrients that can boost plant growth? That’s right, banana peel contains nutrients crucial for plant development, such as potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. If you are already familiar with these, then you…
It would be great if every gardening enthusiast had a large outdoor space to fit all the plants they want. Since that’s impossible, using all the space we have is our only option. The good news is that there are excellent ways to use limited space and grow our favorite species. If you like cantaloupes,…
Nothing beats the flavor of homegrown parsley! If you have limited space, cultivating parsley may sound like something impossible. Luckily, parsley is a herb that performs well in containers, and if you have a sunny windowsill, you have all the predispositions to grow it. If you want to have this herb at hand, just follow…
Are you struggling with grubs in your lawn or garden? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! Grubs are well-known pests that can create havoc in your garden, leaving you with bare patches on the lawn and dying plants in the garden. While there are many chemical treatments available on the market today,…
Behind every lush lawn stands a lot of effort and many chores. Fertilization is one of the key factors in lawn care, and the best proof is that this task is actually legally required in some states. Selecting the right time to fertilize a lawn after winter is crucial because doing it too early or…
The true beauty of gardening is that you don’t need a lot of space to grow your flowers, vegetables, and herbs. You can create a green oasis on your deck, balcony, or even a patio! All you have to do is make some amendments. You’ll need some pots, a way to water your plants, and…
Growing trees is like giving your yard a superhero squad. If you’ve got the space, let those green giants soar! However, choosing a tree may not be an easy task. There are so many things to research, such as care requirements, temperature tolerance, and size. If you’ve already figured out this part and went to…
Level up your gardening game with this new method called keyhole gardening that involves using unique and circular raised beds, with a central part carved off to create the illusion of a keyhole. A composting basket, which is an essential component of the design, fits in the middle of the cutout. The basket is usually…
Every gardener is super excited because spring is almost here, and that means the beginning of the growing season! We aren’t used to harvesting crops during this period but there are some plants that can be grown from seeds and are ready to be picked in spring. A content creator with the username @urbanfarmandkitchen shared…
Springtime in Zone 9b brings a chance to plant and grow lovely flowers and plants that thrive in the warm weather. Whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced green thumb, picking the right plants can make your garden a colorful and happy place! In this article, we are going to explore planting in Zone…
Gardening can be hard, especially when it comes to soil preparation. It includes digging, tilling, and many other tasks that are exhausting. But what if I told you that there’s a method that doesn’t include all this work? It’s commonly known as no-till gardening and it has various benefits. In this article, I’ll tell you…
I’ve always loved natural materials, but some may not be the best choice in your garden. Wood is an amazing resource, but it can create more problems than it solves. A content creator with the username @inthecottagegarden agrees with this and reveals her own reasons for hating her wooden raised beds. Here they are! Slugs…
Repurposing old items in the garden is something that we’ve all been doing for some time now – using an old hose as a plant trellis or flipping a tree stump into a bird bath are some of the examples. However, there’s one thing that you should skip upcycling, and that is old tires. Although…
I cannot name a single gardener who has ever said: “I’m fine with weeds growing in my vegetable patch.” These plants are a plain nuisance, and the sooner you get rid of them, the better. But how exactly can you do that? They can pose a big issue once they spread. They’ll take up valuable…
Starting seeds indoors is highly rewarding. You gain more gardening experience, you get to see your plants going through all the growing stages, and you can jump start your season if you do it the right way. The thing that baffles most gardeners is deciding when to sow seeds indoors. Unfortunately, there isn’t just one…
If you’ve ever wondered about the secret of lush gardens filled with thriving plants, you might be surprised to learn the key to such success. Healthy soil is actually responsible for everything. Nutrient-rich soils with ideal drainage and moisture retention are all your green buddies need. No matter which plants you grow, you need to…
If you are at the beginning of your gardening journey, don’t fret! Growing your own fruits and vegetables is truly a rewarding experience.For beginners, choosing the right fruits and vegetables can make all the difference. And luckily, there are plenty of crops that are super easy to grow! In this article, we are going to…
In the first article of my new series, Ground-Up Garden, I’ll talk about the basics of building a strong foundation for your vegetable garden. I know what it takes to start your own plot from nothing, so here are the tips that I would have loved to hear back then. The thing is, you don’t…
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen residents removing large trees from their yard because they’re lifting up sidewalks and roads, entering their sewer pipes, etc. This should go without saying, but all plants grow after being put into the ground. The final height and width depend on the species, but we all…
Root veggies are definitely a must-have in the garden! They tolerate various growing conditions and are beginner-friendly. These veggies are also filled with beneficial nutrients that can boost your health in no time. Plus, they can be stored for a long period of time so you get to enjoy fresh veggies during the winter months,…
With the Easter holidays approaching, it’s time to turn your festive mode on! Bring out all the decorations, including holiday plants and flowers. And what’s a better plant for Easter than the infamous Easter cactus? This undemanding houseplant is perfect for beginner gardeners and those with busy schedules. It is a bit different from regular…
We mainly link chilli peppers to hot and spicy dishes, but there are various species to choose from and some aren’t spicy at all. They come in various colors, shapes, and sizes but one thing they all have in common is that they’re super easy to grow. You can start them directly in the ground…
Wet winter weather can be quite exhausting. But that’s something we should all welcome! Why? Because wet weather is ideal for plantings. You can put your fruits, vegetables, and natives in the ground without having to break the bank trying to irrigate it all. Yet, these aren’t the only chores you can do when precipitation…
If you live in Southern California and have a smaller yard, then your options to grow different tree varieties are limited. Still, there are some varieties that will fit into your backyard and create just the right amount of shade that you need. Most trees that you see in garden centers, such as California Pepper…
If you love the flavor of homegrown fruits but you don’t have enough space for trees in your yard, there is another way to grow these plants. Some tree species respond well to container cultivation and they can give you a pretty good harvest. Additionally, the blossoms of these fruit trees will elevate your outdoor…
If you have a smaller garden but still want to grow fresh and delicious fruits, consider planting a persimmon tree! These unusual trees can be grown in pots and containers, bringing sweet and flavorful harvests to your small space. Plus, their strange, orange fruit will add a pop of color and make your outdoors more…
New gardening methods are going viral, and one just popped up about growing the biggest onions you’ll ever see! Onions are beginner-friendly, making it easy to experiment with new methods and have fun in your garden. Don’t worry; you won’t run out of onions afterwards! In this article, we are going to share the secrets…
I’m always in search of new mulching materials! Wood chips are amazing, but what if you don’t have those at hand? You can use all sorts of other organic mulches in their stead, including pine needles. This inexpensive material will bring you all the benefits of other mulches. Here’s everything you need to know about…
The flavor of homegrown apricots is incomparable, so we should do anything to keep these fruit trees healthy. Pruning is an essential aspect of apricot care, so you should pay close attention to how and when you prune. Unsightly appearance, poor harvest, and increased susceptibility to diseases are just some of the issues that can…
Chitting is the term for potato sprouting. We’ve all seen those forgotten potatoes in our cupboards with sprouts the size of an earthworm! The good news is that you can eat these potatoes as long as you get rid of the skin and chits. The even better news is that you can plant them and…
Storing kale the right way will extend its shelf life. It will keep its crispiness and make for a delicious addition to your broths and salads for months. Unfortunately, you can’t just chuck it into the fridge or leave it on the counter or your north-facing balcony and hope for the best! There are steps…
Drift roses are a popular rose variety that is actually a cross between miniature and groundcover roses. They only grow two feet tall and provide a dramatic flower display, available in white, yellow, red, and pink. If you are already familiar with this type of rose, then you should know that pruning is a very…
February is the perfect time to plant your cool-season vegetables in USDA hardiness zones 9-10. Yet, not everything can grow well during this month. Some plants should have been in the ground long ago, while others still need to await their time. Brijette Peña, the owner of the San Diego Seed Company, brings a list…
February is here! For some, this may not be exciting news, but for gardeners it’s a completely different story. The temperatures are warming up and the lovely snowdrops and daffodils are about to pop out of the ground. This means that you can start your gardening chores for this growing season. Soil preparation, planting hardier…
Confused about the right timing for planting carrots? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Carrots are cool-season veggies that can grow and thrive in cool-weather gardens. They are super easy to grow in the ground or in containers. Discovering the ideal time to plant carrots in your growing zone is crucial for a successful harvest…
Fresh flowers are nice, but they don’t last long. An awesome alternative? Pinecone flowers! They’re easy to make, look amazing, and never wilt! People love getting them as gifts for special days like Valentine’s or Mother’s Day because it shows you put in effort. You can combine and make all sorts of flowers in different…
We’ve cozied ourselves in our homes, got that fire going, and have finished with all the garden work for the winter. Or have we? There’s one thing you need to do if you want to have your garden up and running come spring – protecting your outdoor faucets. If you live in northern climates, you…
When you enter the gardening world, some things may surprise you, and many of them are related to the strange behavior of your green buddies. One of the examples is an onion that has generated blossoms. Well, we definitely don’t cultivate this veggie for its beauty but rather for its distinctive flavor. This condition is…
The current trends in gardening offer us many different ways of starting plants, but you have to admit that some look too complicated, especially to beginners. This is a common thought about starting seeds in cell trays, and this way of cultivation is typically related to professional growers. Seed cells definitely deserve more attention from…
Asparagus is a popular crop known for its deliciousness and low-maintenance. However, to have healthy and happy asparagus, it’s crucial to prune them at the right time. While it’s recommended to trim asparagus plants during their dormant period, the precise timing is determined by various factors such as weather conditions, pest infestations, aesthetic preferences, and…
Harsh winters are truly a nightmare to any gardener – they can create havoc in your garden and damage the plants! As soon as the weather gets warmer, restoring the yard should be your top priority. And for the next season, you should try and storm-proof your yard to avoid all these troubles and protect…
The first time I heard of the Pink Lemonade blueberry, I didn’t know if it was a plant or some type of drink, not to mention my confusion about the word pink in it! I believe that I have to thank the name of the plant because that’s why I decided to research and eventually…
Garden diversity will benefit your plants in so many ways. It will attract wildlife and make for healthier soil. Yet, not all plant combinations are equal. Some work better than others, while some downright hamper the growth of their companions. This process – known as companion planting in the gardening community – can make or…
Ladybugs are tiny guardians that make your garden work. They do so much yard work, yet they go unnoticed. Encouraging these beneficial insects in your garden can increase biodiversity, boost the health of your landscape, and yield you a larger harvest. How? Find out below! The Role Of Ladybugs In Your Garden Did you know…
Almost every seed packet, nursery label, and growth guide include terms such as “full or part sun” and “shade”. But what do these words mean? How can they affect what you grow? In reality, sunlight varies based on the time of the day and year, your location, and shadows and shade. Here’s everything you need…
Companion planting is a great way to promote healthy growth, improve the flavor of certain plants, repel pests, and attract beneficial bugs. But if done incorrectly, it can land you with a lot more work than there should be. Some pairings attract pests, others lead to stunted growth, and some impact the overall taste of…
Growing garlic companion plants can save you from many issues. First of all, there are specific plants that you can grow nearby which ward off pests that would otherwise destroy your garlic. Other plants like peppers and lettuce might improve garlic’s growth and taste, thus rewarding you with a better and larger garlic harvest. Still,…
Although there’s not much fuss when it comes to growing pumpkins on your own, you should still keep an eye out for certain pests that might stunt pumpkin growth. Besides aphids and beetles, the most common intruder in pumpkin patches is the garden mouse. These adorable critters can cause serious harm to your pumpkins even…
Turfgrasses aren’t your only option to beautify your front yard. You can use ground covers to cover up bare patches, choke out weeds, reduce soil erosion, and give your landscape more style. What I love about ground covers is that they are usually easy to maintain. They create dense mats that look stunning. One such…
Keeping your strawberries safe from scavengers, exploiting every bit of space you have, creating unique designs – these things don’t have to be a dream. And the best part is that you can do all this on a budget. Reuse old things you don’t need anymore and grow strawberries at the same time. It’s that…
Achieving the perfect pH for blueberry soil is the key to a thriving berry harvest. Blueberries grow well in soil that is slightly acidic, with pH between 4.0 to 5.5, but most soils have neutral pH levels of around 6.0 to 7.0. If blueberries are grown in neutral soil, it might lead to several issues,…
Rosemary and lavender are two of the most commonly cultivated herbs. Their enchanting fragrance, distinct flavor, and breathtaking appearance make them stand out. But did you know that planting these herbs next to each other is a great way to use the potential of both species? Here’s why rosemary and lavender belong together in the…
Mosquitoes can be super annoying, especially in the summer. You can’t sit and enjoy your garden without these insects buzzing around and biting you. So, if you are looking for a natural way to get rid of mosquitoes, let me introduce you to some mosquito-eating birds! These winged wonders not only add beauty to our…
Fast and easy-to-grow crops such as beets are favored among gardeners. And while growing them is simple enough, there are things you can do to improve their flavor. One of those things is harvesting them at the right time and with the right technique. Here’s everything you need to know about harvesting beets, from the…