For daily wit & wisdom, get the Almanac newsletter.
Gardening Advice
Animal manure is one of the oldest and most effective natural fertilizers, helping gardeners build nutrient-rich, moisture-retaining soil. From backyard gardens to large farm fields, manure improves soil structure while adding essential nutrients plants need to thrive. However, not all manure is the same. Different animals produce manure with varying nutrient levels, and factors like…
In my experience, pruning your plants helps them put energy into ripening fruit, coaxes new growth, and increases yield. Learn how to prune tomatoes, basil, peppers, and plants that can benefit from simple pinching as part of mid-season pruning.What Does It Mean to Pinch or Prune a Plant?When plants start growing in the summer, we’re often asked whether it’s beneficial to pinch or…
Did you know that common garden weeds can reveal important clues about your soil? Learning how to “read your weeds” helps you understand soil health, drainage, fertility, and compaction. Instead of seeing weeds as a problem, think of them as indicators of what your soil needs to become healthier and more balanced.Why Weeds Are Soil IndicatorsWhen weeds arrive, it’s often an index…
Want a yard full of flowers but short on space or time? Container gardening is an easy and creative way to grow beautiful plants in pots, balconies, patios, or small yards. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced gardener, container gardens offer flexibility, color, and instant impact.Why Choose Container Gardening?If you have a troublesome spot where nothing will grow, try planting an…
How do you start a balcony garden in an apartment, townhouse, or condo without a yard? Balcony gardening makes it possible to grow vegetables, herbs, flowers, and plants in small urban spaces using containers. If you have a balcony, rooftop, terrace, or patio, you can create a thriving container garden with the right planning and setup. Here are 10 important things to consider before starting…
If you don’t have enough garden space, you can always create more by growing crops in pots! For example, tomatoes make an ideal container plant when grown in 5-gallon buckets. Here are some ideas, plus our list of the best vegetables to grow in buckets, bags, and baskets.After I have planted every square inch of my garden, I always find that there is something I have forgotten. Wait a…
If, like me, you sometimes rely on containers to grow your vegetables, consider trying a grow bag this season. Grow bags offer several advantages over traditional plastic pots or terra cotta containers. One of the most fascinating benefits is air pruning, which promotes healthy root growth and stronger plants. In this guide, we’ll cover why and when to use grow bags, the best plants to grow in…
Every garden should be graced by beautiful lilies. Fortunately, there is a lily in almost every color, shape, and size, and the bulbs are easy to plant. Here are our favorite types of lilies with photos to help you identify and choose. The first question is, “What is a true lily?” What is a True Lily?Many of the plants we call lilies, such as lily-of-the-valley, calla lilies, water…
If an ugly view ruins the ambience of your outdoor space or noisy neighbors are spoiling your backyard, consider growing a living fence with fast-growing shrubs for privacy. A privacy hedge can block unwanted views, reduce noise, and create a beautiful natural barrier while improving your garden’s appearance.A privacy hedge can be used to frame a nice view or mark a boundary, and it can be…
Garter snakes are a gardener’s friend and one of the most beneficial garden reptiles you can have in your yard. Harmless to humans, garter snakes in the garden help control pests by eating slugs, insects, and even mice. Learn more about this shy but helpful garden helper that simply wants to live peacefully in harmony with you—and eat your slugs.I found a snake skin in my garden a few weeks…
Look! Up in the sky! Is it a bird? Is it a bee? It’s a hummingbird moth! These fascinating little fliers zip around flowers, hovering long enough to sip nectar before zooming to the next blossom. Many gardeners mistake the hummingbird moth for a hummingbird or bumblebee, but it is actually a unique and beneficial pollinating moth commonly found throughout North America.What is a…
Spring is here, and garden centers are overflowing with beautiful flowering trees and shrubs just waiting to come home with you. From colorful hydrangeas to graceful serviceberries, the choices can feel overwhelming. How do you pick the right plant for your yard without making an expensive mistake?The key is to start with your site—not the plant. By understanding your space, soil, sunlight,…
