Gardening Advice

Got weeds? Before you resort to weapons of mass destruction to eradicate weeds, take a closer look at the invaders. Many of the so-called “weeds” you find in your yard or garden are not only edible plants but also delicious, especially when they’re young and tender. Here are five edible “weeds” with photos. Our ancestors harvested many of the plants we call weeds right along with…

As spring and summer arrive, so do the biting bugs! Can plants alone really repel mosquitoes and other nuisance insects in the garden? Here’s what the science says, as well as a list of plants with actual insect-repelling properties. Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance, as there are many mosquito-borne diseases out there, including viruses such as West Nile, Eastern Equine…

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…

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…

Half the enjoyment of a garden is being able to walk through the landscape and get close to nature. Consider a garden path or walkway as a design element. See some ideas for your yard! In the late fall, once most of the foliage has died back, it is easier to see what has been going on behind the scenes. Often called the season of simplicity, this is a good time of year to assess the structure…

Gardeners are always in search of the magic bullet that is going to kill all the bad bugs on plants without harming anything else. Is neem oil that magic bullet? What is Neem? Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). An evergreen forest tree native to the tropical lowlands of Myamar, Sri Lanka, and India, neem has been used as a pesticide for…

How do you keep Easter lilies alive after they bloom? Do Easter lilies multiply? Are Easter lilies poisonous to pets? Learn all about caring for Easter lilies! Learn all about the pure white Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum). The fragrance of an Easter lily is a sign that spring is here! But like most true lilies, if left to nature they actually wouldn’t blossom until late summer. The…

We are living in uncertain times that can cause even the calmest person to experience some anxiety. Since I tend to be anxious even on a good day, I am always looking for natural ways to soothe my nerves. Many of modern society’s tried-and-true drugs have come from Mother Nature’s medicine cabinet, so let’s come back down to earth and see what calming herbs we can grow.…

It's spring and the garden centers are packed with trees and shrubs ready to be planted. If you are thinking of adding a new flowering shrub or tree to your landscape, how can you choose from the many beautiful plants that are available this time of year? Too many choices! Let's narrow the field by looking at your site. Space: Where are you planning to put this new arrival? It may be a cute…

Did you know that there are Easter, Thanksgiving, AND Christmas cacti? Here are the main differences between these holiday cacti—plus, tips on how to care for your holiday cactus to keep it blooming. Holiday cacti such as the Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Easter cactus are hybrids of Brazilian forest cacti. The holiday designations reflect when the different cacti bloom in…

Succeed with seeds! Here are my 10 tips and tricks for starting your vegetable seeds indoors. Over the decades, I've learned some valuable lessons—from when to start seeds to avoiding common mistakes. The Hindi word for seed is " bija" which translates literally as "containment of life". An apt description for these tiny miracles that contain everything needed to make a new plant. This…

Spring is here, and this means that plant sales will be happening soon. In many states, we now need to be careful about what might be lurking in the soil in which those plants arrive in. Look out for Asian “jumping worms.” Learn more about identifying and preventing these highlight invasive worms. You may have heard about jumping worms, also called snake worms or crazy worms for the way…