Join us to learn all the gardening tips in one place, from the best way to propagate the plants, improve the soil texture to growing plants together or on their own.
Springtime in Zone 9b brings a chance to plant and grow lovely flowers and plants that thrive in the warm weather. Whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced green thumb, picking the right plants can make your garden a colorful and happy place! In this article, we are going to explore planting in Zone…
One of the things I’ve learned over the years while maintaining my green buddies is that they can tell you every time something bothers them. Of course, not in the way we communicate, but rather by displaying different changes in their appearance when the conditions are wrong. It took me a lot of time to…
That splash of color marigolds add to landscapes is absolutely incomparable. Growers adore these flowering plants and there are actually a few reasons for this. Apart from their beauty, marigolds are hardy plants and can survive in various conditions. Additionally, they act as natural pest repellents that will make your outdoor space free of mosquitoes…
Gardening can be hard, especially when it comes to soil preparation. It includes digging, tilling, and many other tasks that are exhausting. But what if I told you that there’s a method that doesn’t include all this work? It’s commonly known as no-till gardening and it has various benefits. In this article, I’ll tell you…
I’ve always loved natural materials, but some may not be the best choice in your garden. Wood is an amazing resource, but it can create more problems than it solves. A content creator with the username @inthecottagegarden agrees with this and reveals her own reasons for hating her wooden raised beds. Here they are! Slugs…
Starting seeds indoors is highly rewarding. You gain more gardening experience, you get to see your plants going through all the growing stages, and you can jump start your season if you do it the right way. The thing that baffles most gardeners is deciding when to sow seeds indoors. Unfortunately, there isn’t just one…
If you’ve ever wondered about the secret of lush gardens filled with thriving plants, you might be surprised to learn the key to such success. Healthy soil is actually responsible for everything. Nutrient-rich soils with ideal drainage and moisture retention are all your green buddies need. No matter which plants you grow, you need to…
If you are at the beginning of your gardening journey, don’t fret! Growing your own fruits and vegetables is truly a rewarding experience.For beginners, choosing the right fruits and vegetables can make all the difference. And luckily, there are plenty of crops that are super easy to grow! In this article, we are going to…
Is there anything prettier than a flower bed full of pansies in full bloom? These cool-season plants brighten up our gardens in fall and spring when many other plants are sleeping. But once they finish blooming, many growers ask themselves “are pansies perennials that come back after winter?” If you’re one of these growers, you’re…
I rarely enter a home that doesn’t have at least one succulent species. Even people who aren’t interested in plants often have some in their households. And the reason is simple, these plants aren’t needy and don’t require a lot of water, so keeping them happy and healthy isn’t a hard task. But selecting an…
New propagation methods come about all the time, and one of them is growing roses from aloe! If you’ve just got a bouquet of roses for Women’s Day, then you could save one and use its cutting to grow a brand-new rose plant. But what’s aloe got to do with it? Well, an aloe cutting…
In the first article of my new series, Ground-Up Garden, I’ll talk about the basics of building a strong foundation for your vegetable garden. I know what it takes to start your own plot from nothing, so here are the tips that I would have loved to hear back then. The thing is, you don’t…
We all like to adorn our homes with fresh bouquets of colorful flowers; however, the only downside is that they don’t last that long. Keeping your vase of flowers fresh and vibrant involves more than just choosing the right blooms. The water in your vase plays a crucial role in their longevity! For best results,…
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen residents removing large trees from their yard because they’re lifting up sidewalks and roads, entering their sewer pipes, etc. This should go without saying, but all plants grow after being put into the ground. The final height and width depend on the species, but we all…
It seems as though insects and pests always find their way into our gardens; and once they’re in, they devour our newly grown plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers! But did you know that certain planting methods can prevent pests from eating your garden? That’s right, instead of using various insecticides and pesticides that could potentially…
With the Easter holidays approaching, it’s time to turn your festive mode on! Bring out all the decorations, including holiday plants and flowers. And what’s a better plant for Easter than the infamous Easter cactus? This undemanding houseplant is perfect for beginner gardeners and those with busy schedules. It is a bit different from regular…
Once March arrives, you’ll see Easter cactuses on the shelves of almost all garden centers and supermarkets. Your Easter decorations will be adorned with red or pink star-shaped blossoms, and they’ll last throughout May. After the blooming season ends and the flowers fade, you may wonder how to get the plant to produce flowers again….
Wet winter weather can be quite exhausting. But that’s something we should all welcome! Why? Because wet weather is ideal for plantings. You can put your fruits, vegetables, and natives in the ground without having to break the bank trying to irrigate it all. Yet, these aren’t the only chores you can do when precipitation…
Everyone is crazy about holiday cactuses and, since Easter is arriving, the Easter cactus steals the show. This species generates lovely star-shaped blooms, making it an absolute must-have for a picture-perfect celebration. If you want more of these wonderful plants in your collection, you’re in the right place. In this article, I’ll show you how…
When I think of native gardens, poppies are the first thing that come to my mind. Orange californians and dark-centered orientals – it doesn’t get better than that. These wildflowers come with a bonus – most of them self-seed. That means you only have to sow them once to get recurring color and beauty year…
You can’t go wrong with any type of holiday cactus! Yet, Easter cactuses have some of the best-looking flowers I’ve ever seen. I’ve heard they’re a drag to care for, so I was a bit afraid of getting one. Last year, I finally caved to all the pressure from my friends and bought my first…
It’s in the knock out roses’ nature to be tough and easy to maintain. Yet, even these shrubs need some trimming if you want them to reach their full glory. They will produce a profusion of flowers and grow quite fast if you care for them the right way. Luckily, their needs are a bit…
If you have a smaller garden but still want to grow fresh and delicious fruits, consider planting a persimmon tree! These unusual trees can be grown in pots and containers, bringing sweet and flavorful harvests to your small space. Plus, their strange, orange fruit will add a pop of color and make your outdoors more…
New gardening methods are going viral, and one just popped up about growing the biggest onions you’ll ever see! Onions are beginner-friendly, making it easy to experiment with new methods and have fun in your garden. Don’t worry; you won’t run out of onions afterwards! In this article, we are going to share the secrets…
I’m always in search of new mulching materials! Wood chips are amazing, but what if you don’t have those at hand? You can use all sorts of other organic mulches in their stead, including pine needles. This inexpensive material will bring you all the benefits of other mulches. Here’s everything you need to know about…
It can be pretty challenging to grow plants in some corners of your garden due to inadequate conditions, such as lack of light. The best example is north-facing walls, where sun exposure is limited and many garden favorites can’t survive. Luckily, there are some plants that tolerate the lower light conditions and cooler temperatures found…
The flavor of homegrown apricots is incomparable, so we should do anything to keep these fruit trees healthy. Pruning is an essential aspect of apricot care, so you should pay close attention to how and when you prune. Unsightly appearance, poor harvest, and increased susceptibility to diseases are just some of the issues that can…
If you want to add bold and bright colors to your garden, then celosia is the perfect choice for you! Celosias are hardy annuals that produce flamboyant, colorful flowers in red, orange, pink, and yellow. These remarkable plants can tolerate various growing conditions and will adorn your garden with show-stopping flowers throughout spring and summer. …
Chitting is the term for potato sprouting. We’ve all seen those forgotten potatoes in our cupboards with sprouts the size of an earthworm! The good news is that you can eat these potatoes as long as you get rid of the skin and chits. The even better news is that you can plant them and…
Storing kale the right way will extend its shelf life. It will keep its crispiness and make for a delicious addition to your broths and salads for months. Unfortunately, you can’t just chuck it into the fridge or leave it on the counter or your north-facing balcony and hope for the best! There are steps…
Drift roses are a popular rose variety that is actually a cross between miniature and groundcover roses. They only grow two feet tall and provide a dramatic flower display, available in white, yellow, red, and pink. If you are already familiar with this type of rose, then you should know that pruning is a very…
Multiplying begonias is a great way of getting more of these gorgeous plants. Yet, propagating them from leaves is only possible with leafy varieties such as rex begonias. Tuberous and fibrous begonias that you grow outdoors in most cases aren’t suitable for this type of propagation. But if you have an ‘Angel Wing’ or some…
February is the perfect time to plant your cool-season vegetables in USDA hardiness zones 9-10. Yet, not everything can grow well during this month. Some plants should have been in the ground long ago, while others still need to await their time. Brijette Peña, the owner of the San Diego Seed Company, brings a list…
February is here! For some, this may not be exciting news, but for gardeners it’s a completely different story. The temperatures are warming up and the lovely snowdrops and daffodils are about to pop out of the ground. This means that you can start your gardening chores for this growing season. Soil preparation, planting hardier…
Confused about the right timing for planting carrots? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Carrots are cool-season veggies that can grow and thrive in cool-weather gardens. They are super easy to grow in the ground or in containers. Discovering the ideal time to plant carrots in your growing zone is crucial for a successful harvest…
The current trends in gardening offer us many different ways of starting plants, but you have to admit that some look too complicated, especially to beginners. This is a common thought about starting seeds in cell trays, and this way of cultivation is typically related to professional growers. Seed cells definitely deserve more attention from…
Asparagus is a popular crop known for its deliciousness and low-maintenance. However, to have healthy and happy asparagus, it’s crucial to prune them at the right time. While it’s recommended to trim asparagus plants during their dormant period, the precise timing is determined by various factors such as weather conditions, pest infestations, aesthetic preferences, and…
Harsh winters are truly a nightmare to any gardener – they can create havoc in your garden and damage the plants! As soon as the weather gets warmer, restoring the yard should be your top priority. And for the next season, you should try and storm-proof your yard to avoid all these troubles and protect…
Garden diversity will benefit your plants in so many ways. It will attract wildlife and make for healthier soil. Yet, not all plant combinations are equal. Some work better than others, while some downright hamper the growth of their companions. This process – known as companion planting in the gardening community – can make or…
Ladybugs are tiny guardians that make your garden work. They do so much yard work, yet they go unnoticed. Encouraging these beneficial insects in your garden can increase biodiversity, boost the health of your landscape, and yield you a larger harvest. How? Find out below! The Role Of Ladybugs In Your Garden Did you know…
I think eggplants are an underrated vegetable. Everyone is going on and on about zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers, but the purple fruits of this veg can bring a lot to the table. They are delicious when made properly and they’re not that difficult to grow. In fact, now’s the prime time to start them indoors…
Do you want to bring more aesthetics into your modern home decor? Or would you simply like to reduce the amount of work you have to invest in plant care? If so, why don’t you try growing indoor plants in water? You can propagate almost all indoor plants in this type of medium and let…
Almost every seed packet, nursery label, and growth guide include terms such as “full or part sun” and “shade”. But what do these words mean? How can they affect what you grow? In reality, sunlight varies based on the time of the day and year, your location, and shadows and shade. Here’s everything you need…
Experienced gardeners are always looking for new methods to propagate their plants and improve their health and vitality. One such method is tomato slice propagation, where you simply plant a rose cutting in a tomato slice. Why? Well, tomatoes are nutrient- and moisture-rich crops that create a favorable environment for young roses so that they…
Is this a way to grow thriving orchids without any issues? One intriguing approach to growing orchids is planting them in potatoes. Strange, right?! However, potatoes can provide orchids with plenty of essential nutrients that they need for healthy growth and development. And in this article, we are going to provide you with a detailed…
If you want to add soft colors into your shaded garden, then a Strawberry Vanilla hydrangea is the perfect choice for you! This easy-to-grow deciduous shrub produces large white flowers that turn pink over time, adorning your garden with a delicate flower display and attracting numerous beneficial insects to it. In this article, we are…
Companion planting is a great way to promote healthy growth, improve the flavor of certain plants, repel pests, and attract beneficial bugs. But if done incorrectly, it can land you with a lot more work than there should be. Some pairings attract pests, others lead to stunted growth, and some impact the overall taste of…
Growing garlic companion plants can save you from many issues. First of all, there are specific plants that you can grow nearby which ward off pests that would otherwise destroy your garlic. Other plants like peppers and lettuce might improve garlic’s growth and taste, thus rewarding you with a better and larger garlic harvest. Still,…
You may hear different opinions related to plant cultivation and how difficult it is. Some growers may tell you that it’s super easy while others might claim differently. As an experienced gardener, I must tell you that this is one of the most rewarding jobs ever and I can’t even describe the joy whenever I…
When migrating, hummingbirds need to fuel their bodies with a lot of nutrients. A good food source for hummingbirds are nectar-rich native plants. These special plants are native to your area and have sweet nectar that attracts hummingbirds. Picture your garden as a hummingbird paradise, where these tiny birds flutter around, enjoying the tasty nectar…
If your indoor space could use some color, the easiest solution is to add some peonies! Their splendid blossoms will brighten up any room! Sometimes, peonies bought at local florists or supermarkets won’t open their buds for days. There are a few reasons why this happens, such as picking plants too early for shipping. If…
Planning to grow hellebores in your garden? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. Before you start with the planting process, you will have to find the best spot for your delicate hellebore. Soon, your garden will be filled with colorful flowers, including pink, green, purple, and white ones! What’s great with hellebores…
Roses are a beloved part of any garden. They do need quite a bit of TLC, but they reward you with colorful flowers throughout the season. Yet, there is one thing about them that is more than simple – growing them from cuttings. It will yield you new plants in as little as 20 days,…
Trumpet-shaped, starry amaryllis flowers are beloved holiday decorations. But did you know you don’t have to toss them out once the festive season is over? You can prune these plants and encourage them to regrow the following year. How? It’s simple! Remove the leaves and store them over summer until the colder period approaches again….
Keeping your strawberries safe from scavengers, exploiting every bit of space you have, creating unique designs – these things don’t have to be a dream. And the best part is that you can do all this on a budget. Reuse old things you don’t need anymore and grow strawberries at the same time. It’s that…
Achieving the perfect pH for blueberry soil is the key to a thriving berry harvest. Blueberries grow well in soil that is slightly acidic, with pH between 4.0 to 5.5, but most soils have neutral pH levels of around 6.0 to 7.0. If blueberries are grown in neutral soil, it might lead to several issues,…
If you like tea, you may have heard of the Camellia sinensis, aka the Tea plant. This scented blooming shrub produces leaves that are commonly used in the tea industry. It typically takes about three years for the leaves of this Camellia to mature and be ready for harvesting. In the meantime, you can enjoy…