GARDENING 101

My orchid once stood as the crown jewel of my plant collection, yet its blooms arrived on rare occasions and vanished before I could fully …

A cozy windowsill herb garden feels like a small rebellion against winter, giving you a bright spot of green when everything else is snoozing outside. …

My Christmas cactus once stood proud with glossy pads and bright buds, yet one season it slipped into a sad decline that caught me off …

I used to treat winter like a long pause button for my plants, assuming they needed barely a sip until spring. I learned quickly that …

I learned the hard way that winter composting has a mind of its own. I once tossed in anything I could find, thinking the cold …

I used to think my houseplants would tough it out through dry air, but winter proved me wrong. One by one, their leaves crisped at …

I always notice how radiator heat creeps up on my houseplants because they start acting dramatic long before I realize the air is getting too …

Winter settles in with cold nights and closed windows, yet I still crave a home that greets me with rich, natural fragrance the moment I …

A bowl of raw seeds once looked ordinary to me, but I soon realized those small shells hold the start of a real, living tree. …

A single leaf slips off the edge of my succulent, and I spot an opportunity instead of a setback. I once tossed those fallen pieces …

I used to overlook the humble snake plant until one small pot changed the feel of my entire living room. I brought it home on …

Winter always puts me on my toes with houseplants, and I learned the hard way that one simple mistake can bring them to their knees. …

So I have a lemon tree that refuses to give me a single fruit, and I know how aggravating that feels. I water it, feed …

There’s something really satisfying about growing your own ginger, especially when it’s cold outside and fresh herbs feel like a luxury. I started growing ginger …

Gardeners keep buzzing about banana peels because they turn into an easy potassium boost your plants soak up instantly. It’s the kind of simple trick …

I’ve learned that the rush of the holiday season can make it easy to forget about the garden, but there’s one task I never skip …

I used to wonder why my flowers kept flopping over until a New York gardener friend showed me the simplest trick ever. It turns out …

Wisconsin winters have a way of making you think everything in the garden can wait, but a few tasks still matter once the cold settles …

I didn’t realize how much morning watering could change the way my flowers handled Florida’s winter until I tried it myself. One cool sunrise was …

I once spotted a tiny segment from my Christmas cactus and saw a chance to spark new life from almost nothing. That small piece sat …

I once spotted a pile of pine cones under a tall evergreen and felt as if I had struck gold. Each cone offered texture, toughness, …

I once glanced at an old tree stump in my yard and saw nothing but a lump of wood collecting dust. Then a spark of …

I thought I knew my garden inside and out, but purslane proved me wrong in the best way. I used to pull it out without …

When snow blankets Vermont and temperatures drop, most gardeners seal up their compost bins tight. But a growing number of experienced composters are doing the …

December might seem like a strange time to be out in the garden—but in Washington, seasoned gardeners know better. They’re busy adding a secret weapon …

Cooler fall temperatures in Indiana can trick homeowners into thinking their lawn doesn’t need water anymore. But cutting off irrigation too soon often leads to …

Wisconsin cold hits harder than you expect, and I’ve learned that chicken coops feel it just as much as the birds inside. A few early …

New Yorkers get creative once winter rolls in, and I’ve seen some surprisingly clever spots people use to protect their outdoor plants. Tight city spaces …

I never expected something as simple as warm morning watering to push my Texas lemon tree into winter fruit mode, but it really did. Giving …

Florida’s warm, humid climate makes it a paradise for tropical plants like philodendrons. These beautiful vines and shrubs can transform your outdoor space into a …

Living in a small New York City apartment means every square inch counts, and nobody wants their kitchen smelling like yesterday’s leftovers. Indoor composting is …

Michigan gardeners know cold snaps that hit out of the blue and sink their teeth deep, so they act fast long before winter shows its …

Massachusetts gardens face brisk winds and frosty mornings in December, yet the right plants step in like seasoned pros and keep the landscape from falling …

When winter winds start blowing through Pennsylvania, many homeowners head outside with bags of mulch instead of staying cozy indoors. December might seem like an …

Bare patches in your yard can be frustrating, especially in Utah’s unique climate with hot summers and cold winters. Ground covers offer a smart solution …

New York gardeners love planting garlic in December, and I’ve come to appreciate how perfectly it fits the rhythm of the season. The cold actually …

Michigan gardens always hit that point in November where a few plants start looking a bit worn from the cold. I’ve noticed some of mine …

Winter gardening in Nevada can feel impossible when temperatures drop and frost threatens your favorite flowers. But Nevada gardeners have discovered a clever trick that …

Minnesota winters pull no punches, and indoor plants often feel the sting long before the frost settles outside. Still, a well-kept room can spark blooms …

Have you ever noticed your potted flowers leaning toward the window like they’re trying to escape? That’s because plants naturally grow toward light, which can …

Kentucky gardeners have a secret technique that keeps their flower beds thriving year after year. Pinching flowers before December might sound strange, but it actually …

A vine with charm on the surface and trouble at its core now climbs across South Carolina fences, and many homeowners spot the warning signs …

Most gardeners know deadheading keeps flowers blooming longer, but many miss a crucial trick. Instead of just snipping off the faded bloom, cutting back to …

Washington gardeners know the struggle all too well: fierce winds can snap stems and shred petals on your most prized plants. But there’s a clever …

Growing vegetables in December sounds impossible, especially in Colorado where winters can be brutal. But clever gardeners have discovered a simple trick using black plastic …

Pennsylvania winters can be brutal on beautiful container plants that thrive during warmer months. Many gardeners watch their favorite flowers wilt and wither when cold …

Colorado’s unpredictable weather can be tough on flower beds, especially during the cold months. Many gardeners have discovered that burlap makes an excellent protective covering …

November in Tennessee always feels like that moment when the yard needs a quick check-up before the cold settles in. I’ve had a few plants …

Christmas cactus doesn’t always match the Texas mood, so I started exploring other plants that still feel festive. A few surprised me by handling the …

Winter bloomers bring rare color to Washington’s gray months, but many gardeners accidentally ruin their flowering potential with one simple mistake. Grabbing those pruning shears …