Strawberries are one of the most common fruiting plants grown in gardens. They can grow well if planted directly in the ground or added to container gardens. But sometimes, the weather can be too cold or hot and you won’t get a good harvest. Luckily, these perennial evergreens can perform well indoors and give you…
January may be a cold month in most of the world, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it. There are many things you can do with your children to have fun! Writing in the snow or turning a January harvest into a unique experience for your kids are just a few activities your children…
Strawberries are one of the most delicious fruits and have numerous health benefits. Growing them in your garden allows you to get fresh and organic crops and their taste is incomparable! If you have a few strawberries at hand, you should know that you can use them for propagation. Of course, the seeds are the…
The last time we saw an update in the USDA plant hardiness map was in 2012. That’s a long time, don’t you think? Well, the end of 2023 has brought a new USDA hardiness map with it, and it changes how, what, and when we grow our crops. It shows that nearly half the country…
When purchasing planters for your garden, you’ll notice they come in various shapes and sizes. Of course, the largest ones are used for shrubs or some smaller tree species. When planting your green buddies, you can fill the entire planter with a growing substrate. But in most cases, the upper two-thirds of the soil ensures…
Are you tired of constant mowing and lawn maintenance? If so, I have a simple solution – tapestry lawns. You may have heard of them under a different name – meadow lawns. They involve replacing your traditional lawn with wildflowers, and the benefits are enormous! Here’s a deeper insight into this new trend and how…
Homegrown strawberries taste heavenly, so it’s no wonder so many growers choose to add them to their gardens. But lots of things can go wrong when growing these fruits that prevent you from getting the juiciest red berries. Insects, diseases, and numerous critters can affect your strawberries severely. To avoid this, you should employ an…
I’m sure no one is delighted to see earthworms in their garden. Some dislike their appearance while others are worried that these critters will do some damage to their plants. Well, you should actually be happy to find these creatures in your soil. In this article, I’ll answer the question, “Why are earthworms so good…
Let’s go on a journey through the diverse landscapes of the United States, discovering the best national parks in each of the states! From the iconic Grand Canyon in Arizona to the lush beauty of Acadia in Maine and the historic grounds of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania, each park offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether…
While some might enjoy gardening tasks like mowing and watering, others find them dreadful. However, both sides agree that we should keep our gardens in top-notch condition! So, if you are someone who doesn’t like digging weeds out, I would suggest you gear up for a smarter and more efficient gardening experience! As we await…
Have you discovered some unwanted guests on your Christmas cactus? Pest problems can put a dampener on the festive spirit, especially if your special holiday plant is hurting. Although cactus plants are known to be tough and resilient, there are still some pesky pests that can find their way indoors and hurt your Christmas cactus….
When I see the word wasabi, I immediately think of sushi. Cooks and chefs use the plant’s rhizomes to make the signature thick paste. Yet, you can use the wasabi plant in other ways, too. The best part about it is that its leaves and stems are also edible. I have to warn you not…
Elevate your garden game by strategically planting herbs alongside the vibrant blooms of zinnias! Companion planting is a traditional gardening practice that involves growing specific plants close to one another so they can boost each other’s growth and development. Even though zinnias are low-maintenance plants, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t receive any additional help. This…
Sage is one of my favorite culinary herbs. It grows in shrubs and doesn’t need that much to thrive. It is evergreen, which means you can harvest it all year long without killing it. Its unique flavor makes it an amazing addition to soups, stews, pastas – everything! The good news is that you can…
The star of the holiday season is definitely a Christmas cactus in all its glory! To have a thriving and neat-looking Christmas cactus, it’s crucial to figure out what soil to provide for it. Although they are known for their low-maintenance, it’s always better to be picky when it comes to potting soil because it…
Potatoes are the favorite veggies of many growers because they are relatively easy to cultivate and you can have a bountiful harvest relatively simply. Weekly watering, a lot of sun, and high-quality soil are the most common pieces of advice you’ll get from experienced potato growers. However, there’s one gardening mistake everyone makes when growing…
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…