GARDENING TIPS

Vining plants are the real stars of the garden, turning plain spots into lush vertical escapes. But they need the right kind of support to …

Ants can be surprisingly persistent guests in the yard, but you don’t have to reach for harsh chemicals to send them packing. I’ve tried plenty …

Hydrangea trees bring height, elegance, and endless blooms to any garden—but only if you shape them right. With guidance from hydrangea experts, these 15 tried-and-true …

Squirrels can be tricky guests in the garden, but these 20 annuals have a secret superpower—they keep those cheeky critters away while inviting a whole …

Honeyberries are like a little treasure in the garden—super tasty and packed with nutrients. I’ve found 15 easy ways to get these shrubs growing strong …

If you’re the kind of person who likes to be prepared, a doomsday garden just makes sense. I’ve rounded up 18 plants that are tough, …

I’ve tried tucking all sorts of ground covers under my trees, and let me tell you—it’s not as easy as it sounds. Some just can’t …

Pumpkins and squash are total garden stars—but growing them together takes a little planning. I’ve had them sprawl all over the place, tangle like wild …

Tired of floppy tomato plants or snapped stems? Staking with a round post is a great solution—but only if you do it right. With the …

Want to bring a splash of sky-blue beauty to your backyard? Plant the right flowers, berries, and shrubs, and bluebirds will come calling. These 19 …

Coneflowers don’t just brighten a garden—they turn your front door into a showstopper. Hardy, pollinator-friendly, and effortlessly stunning, they welcome you (and the bees) home …

Borage isn’t just another pretty face—it’s a bee magnet, soil booster, and herbal hero all rolled into one. Plant it by your front door, and …

Coneflowers have become the darlings of many gardens, with their cheerful daisy-like blooms and reputation for being nearly indestructible. But I’ve learned the hard way …

Starting plants from seed can feel rewarding… until it’s not. Some plants just aren’t worth the wait, the hassle, or the disappointment when they barely …

Lavender won’t bloom beautifully on its own—it needs the right care at the right time. And that time is now. From trimming and feeding to …

Hens and chicks are the kind of plant that just keeps on giving—if you know how to give them a little nudge. I’ve picked up …

Bees need a little backup, and your backyard is the perfect place to start. I used to think it took a full-on wildflower meadow, but …

Some yards are like bird magnets—and it’s not by accident. After lots of trial and error (and a few birdless weeks), I finally figured out …

Love feeding the birds but hate the mess it leaves behind? That bare, patchy spot under your feeder doesn’t have to stay ugly. With a …

Want to turn your garden into a butterfly haven? These 15 summer flowers are tried-and-true favorites that keep butterflies fluttering back for more. Packed with …

Lilacs are beloved for their fragrance and old-fashioned charm—but do they really need deadheading to stay healthy and bloom beautifully? After 10 years of growing …

Your garden isn’t just a pretty place—it can be a lifeline. Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds need more than flowers to thrive—they need safe, …

Summer heat can sneak up on your garden fast. One week everything’s lush and blooming, and the next you’re wondering why your tomatoes look fried. …

Colorado potato beetles can wreck your garden if you’re not careful, but you don’t have to let them win. These sneaky bugs are tough, but …

Hummingbirds are some of the most charming little visitors to any garden, but did you know they face quite a few sneaky threats? Spotting these …

Petunias fading fast? Don’t give up on those blooms just yet. With the right tricks, your garden can bounce back and burst with color before …

Strawberry pots aren’t just for strawberries anymore. These tiered planters are perfect for a whole lineup of unexpected plants—from herbs and succulents to blooms that …

Grab those pruning shears—but don’t get snip-happy just yet! Some plants despise a summer trim and will punish you with fewer blooms or stunted growth. …

Think any raised bed depth will do? Not quite. The depth of your bed can make or break your plants’ health, growth, and yield. Go …

I thought I was being smart adding a bit of ground cover to a bare patch—but wow, did it take over fast. Some of these …

Big planters can be showstoppers—but stuffing them full of soil from top to bottom is like throwing money down the drain. It wastes space, strains …

Keeping bee balm blooming all season took me a bit of trial and error. At first, I just let it grow wild, not realizing that …

Some birds are more than just pretty visitors—they’re total garden MVPs. From bug control to pollination, these feathered friends actually help keep your yard thriving. …

Ever wondered why random cats keep showing up in your yard like they own the place? Turns out, your garden might smell like an all-you-can-sniff …

Herbs are pretty amazing at letting you know when they need a little extra love, especially when it’s time to deadhead. I’ve learned to read …

Using the right fertilizer can make all the difference when growing vegetables, but sometimes it’s tricky to tell if you’re off track. I’ve noticed a …

I always pictured a dreamy garden bursting with blooms, with roses stealing the spotlight. Everything was coming up roses—until it wasn’t. Turns out, these beauties …

Lilies of the valley may look sweet, but can they really keep pests at bay? Before you plant them as your garden’s secret weapon, there …

Thyme may be tough, but it thrives with the right touch—and that touch just might be gravel. More than just a filler or drainage fix, …

A vibrant garden doesn’t bloom by chance—it’s the result of smart care, good timing, and the right nutrients. Like any masterpiece, it takes effort to …