For daily wit & wisdom, get the Almanac newsletter.
Gardening Advice
Many of us remember hunting for that elusive “four-leaf clover” as children, and we’ve all seen that green shamrock on St. Patrick’s Day. That brings us to today’s garden musings. Let’s talk about what a shamrock really is—and what it isn’t!What Is a Shamrock?The shamrock is a symbol that we commonly associate with St. Patrick’s Day and with Ireland. It can be seen…
There are lots of new plants coming our way in 2024. Many are old favorites that have been dusted off and improved by plant breeders. There are also new treats to tempt us! Take a look at award-winning flowers, fruit, vegetables, and herbs to try this year.Adding more disease resistance, shorter time to maturity, larger flowers, cold and heat hardiness, and new colors are just a few of the…
Yellow is the color of sunlight, capable of brightening the darkest moods—just like the flowers in our garden! Consider adding a touch of yellow to your flowerbeds to evoke even more happiness and joy. Our Top 20 List of Yellow Flowers for the Garden includes annuals, perennials, bulbs, and shrubs that incorporate yellow into your landscaping and container gardens.How to Use Yellow Flowers…
All white is the most common monochromatic color-themed garden, and instead of being boring, it gives a sophisticated air to the landscape. Check out our list of 20 wonderful white flowers to incorporate into your garden!How to Use White Flowers in the GardenAn all-white garden—sometimes called a Moon garden—has the added advantage of glowing at night when all the other colors in the…
Everyone has heard of fast food, but Thanksgiving is a time to think about “slow food.” No, I don’t mean the bad service you get at your favorite greasy spoon.Slow Food is a worldwide movement celebrating the pleasure of fresh, local food and traditional cooking. Promoted as an alternative to fast food, it strives to preserve traditional and regional cuisine and encourages the farming of…
Start an indoor herb garden! Even just a few pots of herbs grown on a windowsill or under grow lights can supply wonderful flavors at your fingertips year-round. Just be sure to select the right herbs that grow indoors in winter. Here’s how to get started! Many indoor herbs prefer the same temperatures as most people—around 65 to 70° F—so it’s a cozy relationship!We’re big fans of…
If you grow tomatoes or other crops in the same garden bed year after year, you’re likely to notice an increase in pests and diseases. Break the cycle! Take a moment to learn about the basics of crop rotation. Your plants will thank you with a bigger, healthier harvest.In the mad rush to get the garden planted in the spring, we forget all about something as important as crop rotation, which…
One of the most frequently asked questions by houseplant lovers is, “Why are my plant’s leaves turning yellow?” To determine what is ailing your plant, take a close look at those yellowing leaves.The simple answer is that there is no simple answer. Houseplant leaves turning yellow can be caused by several things.Random leaves that are yellow or have yellow patches on the window-side of…
Garden pots need a thorough scrubbing at the end of the growing season. It’s essential to clean any pots that you are reusing to rid them of disease spores, salt deposits, and pest eggs. Take those extra few minutes to do it right! Here’s how to quickly clean and disinfect your pots.Used pots will harbor lingering bug eggs and disease spores that you can’t always see. Salt deposits also…
The folklore of winter weather is fascinating. You’ll surely know some of these weather sayings passed down by generations living close to the land and nature. Which ones do you know?Winter is the harshest season. The natural world—clouds, birds, animals, and plants—all provided cues to predict what the winter will bring! Generations of hunters, farmers, and fishermen relied upon this…
My two cats, Fred and Ginger, often chew on the leaves of my favorite houseplants, so I try to make sure that nothing within their reach is toxic. If your feline friends are also inquisitive (aren’t they all?), here’s a list of plants that are safe for cats.I am both a gardener and a cat lover. Unfortunately, there are a decent number of houseplants that are toxic to cats, causing…
Did mushrooms pop up in your lawn overnight? Not to worry! They are actually a sign of lawn health. But learn more about how and why mushrooms grow and if you should get rid of them—or, not!Why Do You Have Mushrooms in Your Lawn?Mushrooms often show up after rainfall, especially in areas with high moisture and low light. The first thing to know is: This beneficial fungi is a…
