Gardening Advice
May 6, 2021
Read your weeds! They are an indicator of your soil’s health. If you have large patches of one kind of weed, your garden is trying to tell you something. Here are common weeds and what they say about your soil—plus photos. Let us know what you learn!
When weeds arrive, it’s often an index of what is wrong (though sometimes what is right) with the soil. For example, weeds with deep taproots such as dandelions and burdock indicate compacted soil lacking in water, air, and nutrients.
However,... more
May 4, 2021
Some bugs are good for the garden. We call these good guys “beneficial insects” and they can really help your garden by eating pest insects that would otherwise eat your plants. Here’s a list of common beneficial insects and how to attract them to your garden.
What Are Beneficial Insects?
The average backyard is home to thousands of insects, and you may be surprised to learn that only about a tenth of these are destructive. Most are either beneficial or harmless. Beneficial insects fall into... more
May 4, 2021
If you’re like me and can never have too many flowers, now is the time to start a cutting garden so you can have your flowers and cut them, too! Here are my tips—plus, the best flowers to grow for cutting.
We know it’s hard to cut your own flowers. So, to avoid stripping your front flower beds bare of bloom, plant an area of your garden just designated for cutting. If you have an empty spot out back or in the vegetable garden, why not fill that space with flowers?
Just find a space that gets at... more
May 3, 2021
“Brood X”—the 17-year periodical cicadas—are emerging in May 2021. We expect the bugs to show up in big numbers in the next couple of weeks. Learn all about these fascinating bugs: where they’ll emerge, how long they’ll be here, telltale signs in your yard, and how to prevent any tree damage.
Cicadas are truly a fascinating phenomenon. This brood has spent 17 years waiting underground, will only emerge once to mate and lay eggs, and then the cicada babies (nymphs) fall to the ground to burrow... more
April 29, 2021
Here are tips on how to plant a bare-root tree the right way—from digging the hole to watering the tree properly once it’s planted.
What Is a Bare-Root Tree?
“Bare-root” means that the trees are not grown in a container. They are shipped to nurseries dormant, and they do not have any soil around their roots (hence, they are “bare”).
Why a bare-root tree?
They are usually less expensive.
You will find a larger selection versus container trees, especially via mail order.
And most importantly,... more
April 29, 2021
Spring is the ideal time to inspect your trees and shrubs for winter damage. However, the best time for pruning a tree or shrub depends on when it blooms. Spring-flowering trees are pruned immediately after bloom; summer-flowering trees are in the winter. With this guide, learn which trees and shrubs to prune when!
Why Prune Shrubs and Trees?
Most shrubs and trees do not have to be pruned, but they can benefit from pruning to improve their shape and structure. Keep in mind that pruning isn’t... more
April 28, 2021
Which plants repel mosquitoes and other insects in the backyard and garden? Here’s a list of the best insect-repelling plants to use in your garden.
It’s not just mosquitoes; gnats, biting flies, ants, and other pests can take the fun right out of any outdoor activity.
Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance, too, as there are many mosquito-borne diseases out there, including viruses such as West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Dengue.
The Key: Blocking Insects’ Scent Receptors
Mosquitoes... more
April 28, 2021
Who doesn’t love hummingbirds? Hummingbird nectar is simple to make at home, but you do need to use the right ingredients. Learn how to make homemade hummingbird food and attract hummingbirds to your garden!
How to Make Hummingbird Nectar
Help these hard workers get a proper meal: nectar! Make your own “nectar” in just a few steps; it’s far less expensive than buying pre-made and the ingredients are readily available.
Hummingbird Food Recipe
To make hummingbird nectar, use a 1:4 ratio of sugar... more
April 27, 2021
Mulch has been called the gardener’s friend—and for good reason. In winter, mulch protects bare soil, prevents erosion, and protects plants. In spring, mulch locks in moisture, suppresses weeds, and feeds the soil. Learn how to mulch, when to mulch, and about the many different types of mulch to use in your garden.
Mulching is a fundamental part of gardening to plants looking beautiful and productive through the year. If you don’t already know how to mulch, it’s important to learn when to mulch... more
April 21, 2021
Native plants are the best choice for both a low-maintenance and sustainable landscape. Learn more about why native plants are so important for your garden, get a list of common plants that are native to the United States and Canada, and 10 tips on landscaping with native plants.
Benefits of Native Plants to Your Garden
It may seem insignificant, but as gardeners, we can make good choices about our planet and our environment when it comes to our own backyards.
Large, manicured, weed-free lawns... more
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Get inspired by Robin Sweetser’s backyard gardening tips and tricks. Robin has been a contributor to The Old Farmer’s Almanac and the All-Seasons Garden Guide for many years. She and her partner Tom have a small greenhouse business and also sell plants, cut flowers, and vegetables at their local Farmer’s Market.
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