GARDENING 101

Creating a thriving vegetable garden isn’t just about planting tomatoes and hoping for the best. Over the years, I’ve learned that mixing in the right …

Volcano mulching might look neat, but it’s quietly suffocating your trees. This common landscaping mistake can lead to rot, pests, disease, and even tree death. …

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. …

Swiss chard is already a standout in any garden, but pairing it with the right flowers takes your garden’s look to the next level. I’ve …

Hydrangeas are stunning on their own, but adding the right ground covers can take your garden’s charm up a notch. I love how these low-growing …

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. …

If you’re dreaming of a garden that’s bursting with color and buzzing with life, flowering ground covers are a total game-changer. These low-growing beauties don’t …

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 …

The Bible is full of plants that carried deep meaning for ancient people—and surprisingly, many of those same plants still grow in our gardens today. …

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 …

Not all herbs play nice in the garden. While some are lemon tree lifelines, others can quietly sabotage your soil, roots, and fruit. If your …

Think your compost pile is cooking—but your garden’s still falling flat? You might be turning gold into garbage. From smelly heaps to stubborn scraps, these …

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 …

Raised beds are garden gold—until you plant the wrong thing and everything goes sideways. I’ve made a few mistakes that turned my neat little plots …

I never knew how much rocks and mulch could transform a front yard until I gave it a shot myself. It’s a simple combo, but …

Turn your tiny patch of green into a jaw-dropping jungle with these clever small garden ideas. Splash it with color, tuck in a cozy nook, …

“Why won’t my veggies thrive?” If I had a dime for every time I asked that, I’d be swimming in greenhouses by now! Turns out, …

Ever look at your garden and think, It’s missing that wow factor? Defining your beds is like eyeliner for the yard—instant polish! I’ve tried it …

Just because a plant has a “wildlife-friendly” tag doesn’t mean it’s doing your backyard (or the planet) any favors. In fact, some of the most …

Irises and daffodils make such a stunning pair when planted just right, but getting them to shine together takes a bit of know-how. I’ve learned …

Lilacs are the crown jewels of my summer garden—but for years, I was pruning them all wrong. Instead of a floral fireworks show, I got …

Marigolds are such cheerful garden stars, but pruning them makes all the difference in how they grow and bloom. I used to skip this step …

Lilies are such stunning flowers, but sometimes they send little signals when something’s not quite right. I’ve been there—watching my lilies struggle and feeling unsure …

Growing zucchini and cucumbers side by side can be such a rewarding garden adventure when you know the right moves. I’ve picked up some handy …

Growing thyme and basil side by side sounds perfect, but I’ve learned a few things the hard way that can trip you up. These two …

Goldfinches are such cheerful little visitors, and I love how they brighten up my yard with their sunny colors. Getting them to stop by more …

Some plants need constant coddling—these aren’t them. Biennials are the quiet powerhouses of the garden: easy to grow, low on fuss, and big on bloom. …