14 Perfect Lettuce Companion Plants (And 5 You Should Never Grow Nearby)
Growing lettuce in your garden can be a rewarding experience, but did you know that this leafy green has preferences about which plants it neighbors? …
GARDENING 101
10 Common Planting Spots That Will Ruin Your Dahlias (And What To Choose Instead)
I’ve lost a few dahlias to bad planting spots, and trust me—it’s frustrating watching those beauties struggle. Some areas just aren’t cut out for them, …
17 Companion Plants That Help Gardenias Thrive And Fill Your Garden With Fragrance (And More To Try)
Gardenias are already stars in the garden, but with the right companions, they absolutely flourish. I’ve tested plenty of plant pairings over the years, and …
14 Perfect Companion Plants For Summer Squash (And 5 That Do More Harm Than Good)
Want to grow bigger, healthier summer squash with fewer pests and less fuss? The secret might be in who you plant next door. From pollinator …
12 Brilliant Ways To Use Grass Clippings Instead Of Throwing Them Away
After giving your lawn a fresh trim, you’re often left staring at a green mountain of grass clippings. Instead of sweeping them under the rug—or …
10 Tips To Get Rid Of Clover In Your Lawn (Plus 5 Common Mistakes That Make It Worse)
Clover creeping in where it’s not welcome? You’re not alone. While some folks let it lie, most homeowners want that lush, uniform lawn without patches …
15 Sun-Loving Plants That Thrive In Blazing Afternoon Heat (With A Few More For Drought-Prone Gardens)
Looking for flowers that actually enjoy the scorching afternoon sun? Some plants don’t just tolerate heat—they thrive in it! These sun worshippers burst with vibrant …
34 Resilient Shrubs That Thrive Anywhere And Always Look Stunning
Step into a garden where tough meets beautiful. These hardy shrubs laugh in the face of bad weather and keep your yard blooming come rain …
Unexpected Uses For A Lawn Mower, Because They’re For So Much More Than Just Cutting Grass
Who knew lawn mowers had more tricks up their sleeves? Sure, they’re champs at trimming grass—but that’s just the tip of the blade. I’ve stumbled …
15 Plants That Can Damage Your Home (What to Plant Instead)
I used to think any plant near the house was fair game—until a few of them caused more trouble than they were worth. Cracked walls, …
18 Foundation-Friendly Plants That Are Perfect Near Your House
Planting near the house can be tricky—I’ve learned that the hard way. You want something that looks great but won’t wreck the foundation or demand …
20 Plants That Pair Beautifully With Azaleas
Azaleas are stunning on their own, but they really shine when they’ve got the right plant buddies around them. I’ve mixed and matched plenty over …
16 Eco-Friendly Ways To Put Shredded Paper To Good Use (And Save Money Too)
I used to feel a little guilty tossing all that shredded paper—until I realized how many clever ways I could reuse it. From helping out …
16 Things Your Flowers Are Begging You To Do Before May Ends
Your flowers may not have voices—but if they did, they’d be shouting for your attention right now. Late May is crunch time in the garden, …
24 Mistakes That Are Ruining Soil Quality In Your Garden — And Easy Ways To Fix Them
Plants looking more blah than blooming? The culprit could be right under your feet—your soil! I’ve made my fair share of gardening goofs, and trust …
15 Essential Things To Know Before Choosing Creeping Thyme As A Ground Cover
Thinking of letting creeping thyme take root in your yard? Before you go all in, don’t put the cart before the horse! This hardy ground …
10 Landscape Staples That Quietly Degrade Soil Quality (And What You Can Use Instead)
Some plants look great but secretly mess with your soil—and I found out the hard way. These common landscape staples might seem harmless, but over …
The Top 27 Soil Mixes For Raised Beds And What Vegetables Love Them
In the world of gardening, the soil mix you choose for your raised beds can significantly impact the health and yield of your vegetable garden. …
Daffodils And Other 35 Harmful Garden Plants You Should NEVER Grow
Some plants might seem like a perfect addition to your garden, but a few can cause more harm than they’re worth. Daffodils, for example, are …
15 Plants You Shouldn’t Grow Near Okra (Here’s Why It Doesn’t Work Out)
Growing okra successfully requires careful planning, especially when it comes to companion planting. While some plants work harmoniously with okra, others can stunt its growth, …
15 Beautiful Plants That May Not Last Long In Your Garden (And 4 Reliable Ones That Stay Strong)
Gardening often brings unexpected lessons about beauty and resilience. Those gorgeous blooms catching your eye at the garden center might disappear from your landscape faster …
15 Ways To Get A Big Harvest From Your Jalapeño Garden (And Keep It Going All Season)
My first jalapeño harvest was… underwhelming, to say the least. But once I figured out a few tricks, those plants started popping out peppers like …
15 Game-Changing Reasons To Soak Seeds Before You Plant (And Tips For Best Results)
I used to skip soaking seeds because I thought it was just an extra step—but wow, was I missing out. Once I gave it a …
18 Plants That Absolutely Love May’s Cool Mornings And Warm Afternoons
May brings a magical mix of cool mornings and sun-soaked afternoons that creates ideal conditions for many garden favorites. This temperature swing might seem challenging, …
15 Perennials, Trees, And Shrubs To Prune In May (Plus Tips For Best Growth)
May always feels like the sweet spot for giving my garden a fresh trim. By this time, things are growing strong—and a little shape-up sets …
20 Indoor Plants That Actually Thrive Outside In Warm Weather
Who says indoor plants have to stay cooped up inside all year? Once it warms up, some of mine practically beg to go outside—and honestly, …
14 Fast-Spreading Invasive Wisteria Varieties To Steer Clear Of (And 3 To Plant Instead)
Wisteria vines are undeniably stunning—but some varieties come with a wild side. Plant the wrong one, and you could be fighting a fast-spreading takeover instead …
14 Easy Perennials That Deliver Year After Year (With 6 Letdowns To Skip)
Choosing the right perennials can transform your garden into a low-maintenance paradise that blooms year after year. These hardy plants save you time, money, and …
37 Stunning Longest-Flowering Perennials – These Varieties Will Add Color To Your Garden For Months
If you’re dreaming of a garden that’s bursting with color all season long, then look no further! These 37 longest-flowering perennials are here to make …
16 Places To Avoid Planting Camellias (And What Conditions They Really Love)
Camellias are stunning flowering shrubs that can transform your garden with their glossy leaves and gorgeous blooms. I’ve learned through years of trial and error …
15 Places To Avoid Planting Irises (With Better Alternatives That Support Growth)
I learned the hard way that irises aren’t as carefree as they first appear. After watching several clumps struggle in my backyard, I realized these …
20 Surprisingly Legal Plants You Can Freely Grow In Your US Backyard
I’ve had neighbors do double takes at some of the plants growing in mine—and yes, they’re all perfectly legal. It’s kind of wild what you …
26 Everyday Household Items That Double As Fertilizers For Home Gardening
Welcome to the magic of home gardening—where kitchen scraps turn into green gold! Tired of pricey fertilizers? You’re not alone. I once turned my kitchen …
Avoid These 15 Plants Near Tomatoes — And What To Plant Instead
I learned the hard way that not every plant plays nice with tomatoes. One summer, my poor tomato patch struggled, and it turns out their …
10 Tips For Buying The Perfect Fruit Tree For Your Garden (And What To Know About Your Climate)
Picking the right fruit tree isn’t just about choosing your favorite fruit—it’s about finding one that actually thrives in your garden. I’ve made a few …
5 Ideal Spots To Place Your Jade Plant Indoors (Plus Expert Tips To Boost Its Energy And Longevity)
Jade plants are little green powerhouses, and finding the right spot for them can make all the difference. I’ve moved mine around the house more …
20 Native Perennials That Fight Weeds Naturally (And Keep Your Garden Healthy)
After years of pulling weeds non-stop, I finally found a better way—planting native perennials that do the hard work for me. These plants fill in …
15 Perennials That Promise Big But Deliver Little (And 5 Solid Alternatives)
Gardening can be full of surprises, and not always the good kind. We’ve all been there – excitedly planting what the catalog promised would be …
Avoid These 15 Hummingbird Food Mistakes And Try These Natural Alternatives
Even with the best intentions, feeding hummingbirds can go south fast. A pinch too much of this or a dash too little of that, and …
18 Things You Should Never Use In Hummingbird Feeders (And Why)
Feeding hummingbirds may seem like a no-brainer—but the devil’s in the details. One wrong move can turn your backyard buffet into a danger zone. From …
17 Popular Ground Covers That Will Disappoint In Shady Areas
All that glitters isn’t green—at least not in the shade. Some ground covers may shine in the spotlight but fall flat when the sun takes …
Avoid Planting These 16 Ground Covers Under Trees
Think twice before you roll out the green carpet under your trees. While ground covers may seem like a quick fix to bare soil, some …
26 Best Cottage Garden Ideas For A Picture-Perfect Space
Picture this: vibrant blooms, winding paths, and charming little garden structures that make you feel like you’re in a secret garden (even though it’s your …
15 Plants That Absolutely Love Growing In Terracotta Pots
Terracotta pots have been garden favorites for centuries, and for good reason. The natural clay material allows air and moisture to move through, preventing root …
10 Ground Cover Plants That Fill Bare Garden Spots Fast (And 5 That Might Cause More Trouble Than They’re Worth)
Every garden has those tricky bare spots that seem impossible to fill – whether it’s under trees, along pathways, or in shady corners where grass …
17 Must-Know Tips For Growing Strong Fragrant Lavender In The Ground Or Containers
Lavender brings beauty and scent to any garden with its purple blooms and calming fragrance. This hardy Mediterranean plant can thrive in many climates if …
15 Simple Steps To Grow Your Own Shiitake Shrooms At Home (Plus Tips For A Bountiful Harvest)
Growing shiitake mushrooms at home is way easier (and way more fun) than you might think. The first time I tried it, I couldn’t believe …
15 Benefits Of Planting A Meadow Lawn Instead Of Grass This Spring (And How To Make It Thrive)
Swapping out traditional grass for a meadow lawn was one of the best garden choices I ever made. It’s low-maintenance, full of life, and looks …
14 Plants That Can Harm Your Hydrangeas (What To Grow Instead)
Not every plant belongs next to your hydrangeas. Some companions compete for nutrients, disrupt soil conditions, or attract harmful pests—and they could be quietly sabotaging …
15 Houseplants You’ll Ruin By Moving Outside (Try These 3 Safe Options Instead)
Not all houseplants are ready for fresh air and sunshine. While some indoor beauties thrive outside, others can wither fast—or worse, die trying. If you’ve …