GARDENING 101

Roots run deep in Pennsylvania, and some plants spark trouble the moment they cross new soil. Touch these outlaw species, and you’re playing with fire. …

Pumpkins on your porch might look festive, but in California’s fall weather, they can draw in some unwelcome guests. Squirrels and rats love to snack …

Maryland yards always seem to have that one stubborn patch that refuses to stay green. That’s why I love ground covers that spread fast and …

Michigan’s frosty seasons often put vines on the ropes, yet a few evergreen climbers refuse to throw in the towel. These tough contenders keep their …

Some Florida homes feel bright and breezy, yet still miss that signature scent that turns a space into a personal haven. A handful of houseplants …

Winter can hit like a ton of bricks, and I always reach for something that brings calm without adding clutter. My string of pearls stepped …

Winter air in my home once felt so dry it could spark a static storm, but one simple plant trick turned the tide. Areca palm …

A front yard in California can feel a bit bland until a plant steps up and steals the show, and coral bells often rise to …

November has a way of sneaking up on Maryland yards, turning bright fall colors into bare branches almost overnight. The shift can feel sudden, but …

Some plants in Maryland raise red flags the moment anyone tries to haul them from one spot to another. State rules draw a firm line …

Sometimes ants show up out of nowhere and make you wonder how they even slipped into your home in the first place. I’ve had days …

Sometimes a fresh garland looks perfect when it first comes home, and then suddenly it starts losing that rich green color a little sooner than …

If your Christmas cactus stays stubbornly green in December, you’re probably not doing anything “wrong” with watering or soil at all. In most cases, the …

As fall winds down and winter approaches, Connecticut gardeners face an important transition period. Late fall is your last chance to prepare your garden for …

I used to wonder why my poinsettia gave up halfway through December, even though it looked perfect the day I brought it home. One year, …

Florida’s warm weather makes Sweet Autumn Clematis grow like it has something to prove. I’ve seen it turn a regular fence into a sheet of …

Michigan frost hits fast, and I’ve learned that pots and planters feel it just as much as the plants inside them. A few simple tricks …

Some Pennsylvania rooms sit in the dark as if light took a permanent vacation, yet a handful of tough plants still rise to the occasion. …

Tomatoes can be dramatic plants, especially in Utah’s tricky growing conditions. I learned that lesson after one summer full of stunted vines and sad fruit. …

November is a key moment for Indiana gardeners to grab those pruning shears and prep for winter. A little effort now sets the stage for …

Walking into your grandmother’s Connecticut home might feel like stepping back in time. Those leafy green plants sitting quietly on windowsills and in corners could …

I used to scratch my head over my scrawny lavender bush, convinced it had a mind of its own. Then I tried one simple method …

I once set a bright holiday arrangement on my coffee table, only to find my cat chewing on the leaves an hour later. The plant …

While some houseplants fold at the first hint of a chill, a few tough ones take cold rooms in stride. They stand firm through drafty …

Most homes in North Carolina have that awkward strip of land between the house and fence that often gets ignored. Side yards might seem too …

Skunks have a way of showing up right when you think the yard is finally peaceful again. I’ve tried a bunch of things over the …

I always hunt for Christmas gifts that hit the sweet spot: thoughtful, affordable, and not just another trinket collecting dust. Small plants fit the bill …

Last spring, I watched my mint plant practically explode with growth, and I thought, “Why am I not making more of these beauties?” Mint is …

Georgia homeowners might soon face new rules about what they can grow in their yards. Some popular plants have become serious problems because they spread …

I used to look at my fiddle leaf fig and wonder why it hit a standstill while others seemed to shoot upward. After trying advice …

Tucked in quiet Nebraska homes, Grandma’s “just another plant” may hide a jackpot in plain sight. Some rare houseplants can turn heads and open wallets, …

November pushes Michigan gardens into their final cool-weather stretch, and small missteps now can create big problems once spring arrives. Plants enter dormancy, roots brace …

Clay soil in Georgia can feel like concrete when you try to dig, plant, or turn it over. Many gardeners hit that brick-hard layer and …

Looking for a groundcover that can handle foot traffic and still keep your Washington yard looking great? Creeping thyme might be just the thing. This …

Fall cleanup in Colorado often leaves gardeners staring at tubs of old potting soil, unsure what to do. Tossing it feels wasteful—but keeping it could …

Louisiana gardeners love their fall mums, but it’s easy to get caught up in color and forget the details that matter. I’ve made a few …

Wisconsin gardeners know that bare spots in a yard can stick out like sore thumbs. I’ve tried quick fixes before, but the real trick is …

Bare patches can make New Jersey lawns and gardens look tired, but the right ground covers quickly turn them around. These low-growing plants stop erosion, …

November is the ideal time for Minnesota gardeners to get their landscapes winter-ready. As the cold sets in, a little prep now can lead to …

Building a food forest in New York starts earlier than most people expect. I’ve started seeds indoors in November and loved how ready they were …