Gardening Advice

Happily, we’re seeing more biodegradable planting pots. They make growing seeds easy, and the pots can go right in the ground! Here are 10 types of biodegradable pots—plus, see how to make your own!As much as we would like to see plastic plant pots being recycled, tons of them end up in landfills and incinerators every year. That leads many of us to look for alternative containers in which…

Whether a plant is an annual, a perennial, or a biennial can be confusing! It all depends on the plant’s life cycle and, practically speaking, how long it lives! However, it can also depend on where you live.Let’s learn about the difference between annual vs. perennial plants and why you might choose one for your garden.What Is the Difference Between Annual, Perennial, and Biennial…

By this time of year, the spring crop of radishes have likely all been picked; it’s too hot for snap peas, and the cilantro is blooming. Here are a few speedy vegetables to plant in early summer!As you harvest any spring crops, do not let those gaps in the garden sit empty; they’ll only fill up with weeds! To get the most from your garden, break out the seeds and pop in a few wherever…

With Fall just around the corner, the sun is riding lower in the sky, casting longer shadows on the garden. One plant that welcomes the extra coolness and shade is the hosta.Hostas is the unsung hero of the shady garden. There are 70 species of hostas and over 3,000 registered varieties, so you have lots to choose from. Though they do bloom, they are grown primarily for their beautiful…

We love fall gardening! The heat is waning but the soil is still warm. There are just three steps to consider in planting a fall garden: when to plant, what to plant, and where to plant. Let’s get started!Why Plant a Fall GardenFall gardening is much less stressful for many crops, shrubs, trees, and perennials. There are fewer weeds and pests, and it’s often rainier, so there is less…

Why are you seeing a container of oil? Unfortunately, it has been a banner year for earwigs in the vegetable garden. I tested five earwig trap ideas to figure out which worked best! See my results and learn to make your own earwig trap!You know, those crawly critters with the pinchers on their tail end. If their looks aren’t enough to creep you out, then the old wives’ tale about them…

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…

Garlic is an unexpectedly easy crop to grow at home if you get the timing right. Let’s talk about when to harvest garlic—and what to look for before harvesting. Plus, I’ll show you how to cure your garlic for long-term storage.To grow the best garlic bulbs, you want rain early in the season. Unfortunately, where I live, it has been hot and dry almost all summer. With garlic, as harvest…

You may be surprised to learn that our favorite native plant, coneflower (Echinacea), comes in many colors, shapes, and sizes. Here are seven varieties of this rugged pollinator magnet that we have planted over the years with success.I have been feeling under the weather lately, and echinacea seems to be the only thing that seems to quiet my cough. This got me thinking about how much I love…

If you can’t visit the tropics, try growing your own citrus trees in containers! Dwarf citrus varieties will grow year-round if kept in the right conditions. They all bear edible fruit and have glossy, evergreen leaves and delicious-smelling flowers. (The scent is heavenly!) Learn how to care for your indoor citrus trees.There are many kinds of citrus that work well as container plants. Even…

Up the “wow” factor in your landscape by adding some ornamental grasses. The soothing sounds and hypnotic movement of these graceful plants on a breezy day add enjoyment to the garden, plus they are truly low-maintenance plants. See some of our top picks!About Ornamental GrassOrnamental grasses stay attractive all season long and make striking accents or background plantings. They grow…

If you are itching to get your hands dirty but have few gardening supplies on hand, take a look around the house and yard. You may find many items that can be repurposed into just what you need. Here are some cheap tips and tricks!Collect plastic and waxed containers to start seeds in. Plastic clamshells that greens come in make great community pots for starting seeds. Mushroom boxes, muffin…