GARDENING 101

Growing strawberries sounds simple, but one little slip can send your whole crop downhill fast. From overwatering to picking too late, these common mistakes sneak …

For me—and most gardeners—hydrangea season is pure magic. These show-stoppers steal the spotlight in any garden bed, pot, or border. The best part? They’re low-maintenance …

Garden enthusiasts know that the right plant pairings can make all the difference between a so-so garden and one that truly dazzles. Summer phlox, with …

Grass can be a little dramatic sometimes—one day it’s lush, the next it’s patchy and sad. I’ve run into my fair share of weird spots, …

Shady garden corners used to leave me stumped. Sure, they’re great for beating the heat, but for plants? Not so much. A few seasons back, …

Summer gardens often struggle when temperatures climb, leaving many perennials wilting under the scorching sun. Veronica, with its spiky blue-purple blooms, stands strong even when …

Double planters are my favorite garden trick—they’re easy, stylish, and make a big impact out front. I started using them when one lonely pot just …

There’s something magical about a tiny Japanese maple with fiery leaves and elegant branches. I still remember shaping my first one—it was part art project, …

Not every plant needs a sunny windowsill to thrive—some of my favorite vines are totally happy in the shadows. If your indoor garden has more …

Peonies are one of my favorite flowers, but getting those big, beautiful blooms starts with picking the right roots. I’ve made a few mistakes over …

Wake up to a symphony of feathers! Not just any birds—fiery red showstoppers that’ll take your breath away. My favorite ritual? Sipping coffee on the …

Green thumbs beware — not all that glitters is gold in the garden. While you may think you’re giving your plants the royal treatment, some …

Young cucumber plants need the right fuel to take off. The first few weeks are critical for building strong roots, lush vines, and future harvests. …

Who says you need a backyard to grow tomatoes? With hydroponics, you can enjoy fresh, juicy tomatoes year-round—right from your kitchen or grow room. No …

Creating a garden that’s both beautiful and easy to maintain is a dream for many. One way to achieve this is by incorporating self-seeding plants, …

Sick of those sneaky squirrels stealing all the birdseed right from under your nose? You’re not alone! Keeping your feathered friends fed without inviting furry …

You don’t need a sprawling garden to enjoy the sweet rewards of homegrown raspberries. Container gardening opens up possibilities for anyone with a sunny balcony, …

Petunias can put on a nonstop flower show—if you know how to pinch them right. I used to let mine grow wild, then wondered why …

Growing a stunning display of colorful zinnias only to watch them topple over just as they reach their prime is one of gardening’s most heartbreaking …

Container gardening is fun—until your plants start wilting out of nowhere. I’ve had my share of droopy disappointments, especially during hot spells or when I …

Late spring is the perfect time to set your lawn up for a strong, green summer—and I’ve learned that a few small steps make a …

When life gives you shade and soggy soil, don’t throw in the trowel! While some plants throw in the towel at the first sign of …

Pollinators are the unsung heroes of your garden—working around the clock to keep flowers blooming and veggies growing. But you don’t need a science degree …

Your Leyland cypress screen may block out the neighbors, but that doesn’t mean it has to block out style. With the right companions, you can …

Growing tomatoes in pots? Start them indoors and go with these 16 dwarf varieties that are perfect for containers—they’re compact, productive, and surprisingly easy to …

Growing your own fresh produce can be incredibly rewarding, but few things are more disappointing than watching fruits rot right before harvest time. After weeks …

Growing beefsteak tomatoes is like striking red gold—nothing beats slicing into a sun-warmed, juicy giant fresh off the vine. With the right know-how, your plants …

I’ve wasted money on fancy soil boosters that promised magic and did nothing. It’s easy to get pulled in when a product claims to fix …

Clematis can be absolutely stunning—if you get it right. I struggled for ages with mine, wondering why it refused to bloom. Turns out, I was …

I used to be nervous about dividing my perennials, but once I gave it a try, I was hooked. Some plants actually bloom better and …

Corn may grow tall and proud, but it definitely does better with a few good friends by its side. Over the seasons, I’ve found 20 …

A yard bursting with dandelions might seem like a nuisance, but those sunny blooms are trying to tell you something. I’ve learned that they’re more …

Parsley might seem easygoing, but it definitely has opinions about where it wants to grow. I’ve planted it in a few less-than-ideal spots and ended …

Lavender may look delicate, but this fragrant favorite loves a good kitchen castoff. That’s right—what you toss in the trash could be the secret to …

Stop and smell the roses—literally! If you’re dreaming of a garden that smells as sweet as it looks, you’re in the right place. These 20 …

Got an old tree stump sticking out like a sore thumb? Don’t call the stump grinder just yet—you might be sitting on a goldmine of …

Dirty feeders drive hummingbirds away—fast. To keep them coming back for more, you need a clean, safe, and irresistible feeding station. These 15 easy cleaning …

Radishes might be quick growers, but they’re a bit picky about where they call home. I’ve had a few garden flops by putting them in …

Cucumbers are garden stars—until they end up in a spot they just can’t stand. I’ve learned the hard way that some places make them pout, …

Pot gardening can be super rewarding, but not all perennials play nice in containers. Some just don’t thrive in the limited space or need more …

Baby powder in the garden? It might sound odd, but this humble household staple is a secret weapon for gardeners in the know. From keeping …

If your raised beds need a boost, these 11 soil ingredients are the secret sauce. Easy to mix in, they lead to healthier plants, richer …

It’s easy to fall for a gorgeous plant display at the garden center—but not every beauty is built to last. Some plants are grown in …

Orchids vary widely in how they grow, and identifying an epiphytic type is key to providing the right care. These orchids naturally anchor themselves to …

Some plants just can’t stand on their own—and that’s okay, we all need a little support sometimes! In my garden, I’ve had tall flowers topple …

Not all hydrangeas are dainty shrubs. Some stay compact and tidy—others grow into bold, sprawling garden giants. If you’re planning to add one of these …

Not all “fragrant” flowers are created equal. Some may look like they’d scent your whole yard, but when you lean in… there’s barely a whiff. …

Tomato cages aren’t just for tomatoes—who knew, right? I started using mine for other plants out of desperation, and it turned out to be a …

Watering hydrangeas properly can be the difference between lackluster blooms and a stunning garden showpiece. Many gardeners struggle with these beautiful but sometimes finicky plants, …

Sick of that dull old fence—or worse, a front-row view of your neighbor’s chaos? It’s time to swap bland boards for bold blooms. A living …