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Gardening Advice
Every year, I face the same dilemma: how to tell if a watermelon is ripe. Muskmelons are easy—they will slip right off the vine at the peak of perfection. However, watermelons remain firmly attached even when they are overripe.I am no good at the “thump” test. Old-timers swear they know when a watermelon is ripe just by rapping it with a knuckle. It is ready if the sound is low-pitched,…
For many gardeners, the 4th of July is a seasonal deadline to complete a bunch of garden chores. From cutting back perennials to replacing early crops, see what to do in the garden this week!(I realize that every region has a different schedule I’d really love to hear what you’re doing in your garden now. Let me know in the comments! )Garden Tasks to Complete Before the Fourth of…
Wondering how much water flowers need to thrive? Whether you’re growing annuals in containers or keeping up perennial flower beds, proper watering is essential for healthy roots and long-lasting blooms. Learn how often to water flowers, how much moisture they need, and simple ways to conserve water while keeping your garden vibrant all season long.Most flowers need about 1 inch of water per…
If you’ve been thinking about starting a vegetable garden but assumed your yard was too small, think again. From a plot as tiny as 5×5 feet—just 25 square feet—you can grow a surprising amount of food. Make it a bit bigger, say 10×10 feet (100 square feet), and your garden will really put a dent in your grocery bill.With so much uncertainty in the world, having a reliable source of…
You go to a farmers’ market for the freshest, best-tasting fruits and vegetables at the peak of the growing season. You’re hoping to avoid shady characters. Here are tips on getting the best bounty—with six ways to spot a fake farmer. (And tell us your stories!)The town I grew up in had lots of farms, mostly dairy, but there were some truck farms, too, that grew all kinds of vegetables for…
Which perennial flowers bloom all summer? Whether you live in the South, Northeast, Midwest, or West, see our list of perennials to plant for colorful flowers from summer to fall. Perennials That Bloom All SummerNonstop blooming is easy to create just by planting the right varieties for your location. Try some of these regional favorites and enjoy season-long brilliant color. Most…
One way to protect your plants from insect attacks is to use trap crops. What are trap crops? We’ll explain how they work, give examples of trap crops (such as nasturtium, marigolds, and dill), and tell you which beetles and other insect pests they control.What is a Trap Crop?Basically, a trap crop consists of sacrificial plants that draw the harmful bugs away from the plants you want…
Gardening is not for pansies! It is a strenuous activity and none of us is getting any younger. Here are a few tips to make your chores easier and more comfortable to do.Assess the situation. Just how much can you lift and how far can you bend? What chores are painful or put too much stress on your already sore parts? How long can you work before tiring? Remember, gardening is…
One of the joys of summer is standing in the garden eating sun-warmed cherry tomatoes right off the vine. These sweet, bite-sized fruits are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to grow, making them a favorite for beginner and experienced gardeners alike.Why Grow Cherry Tomatoes?These succulent, bite-sized jewels concentrate all the flavor of a full-sized tomato into a perfectly…
If you’ve ever wondered how to make hummingbird nectar, the good news is it’s incredibly simple. With just sugar and water, you can create a safe, natural food source that attracts hummingbirds to your yard without the cost of store-bought mixes.In this guide, you’ll learn the best hummingbird nectar recipe, what to avoid, and how to turn your yard into a hummingbird hotspot.Why Feed…
Which are the most beneficial insects for your garden? Do you have a mix of plants and flowers that will recruit these little helpers? Let’s make sure you do.What Are Beneficial Insects?Beneficial insects are helpful garden bugs that either pollinate plants, control pests, or both. In fact, most insects in a backyard are not harmful—only about 10% are destructive. The rest are either…
Some gardeners swear by Epsom salt as a gardening hack. We’re here to tell you that Epsom salt is good for neither plants, such as tomatoes or roses, nor the soil. Yes, it’s one of those gardening myths. Learn more—and let’s talk about alternatives.Most gardeners love a reliable home remedy and are eager to embrace a magic bullet. This is the case with Epsom salt. It’s supposed to make…
