Gardening Advice

We love hummingbirds! Hummingbird nectar is simple to make at home, though you’ll need to use the right ingredients and know the right recipe. Learn how to make homemade hummingbird food and attract hummingbirds to your garden!How to Make Your Own Hummingbird NectarHelp these hard workers get a proper meal: nectar! Make your own “nectar” in just a few steps; it’s far less…

Gardening is not for pansies! It is a strenuous activity and none of us are 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 …

As more people add pollinator-friendly plants, they might hear criticism about the look of their “messy” yards. Here’s how to handle crabby neighbors, HOAs, and town officials while adhering to ordinances and laws.You might get a visit from the “plant police.” The fault-finders often don’t realize that those “weeds” are actually native plants that require less water and pampering than…

Because potatoes like fluffy soil, raised beds are a great solution! It’s fun and easy to plant potatoes in raised beds—and the flavor and texture of homegrown spuds are far superior to anything you can buy at the store. We’ll give you all the information you need to get growing!Preparing Your Raised Beds Whether raised beds are on the ground or standing, they must be at leaast 12…

After reading about “No-Mow May,” I was inspired to investigate. Obviously, when you mow depends on where you live (it’s March in the South!); however, I discovered 5 practical benefits to mowing less frequently (or even reducing your lawn) to help early-season pollinators. Learn more.I knew delaying mowing or mowing less frequently would help pollinators, especially when it comes to habitat…

Got weeds? Many of the so-called “weeds” that you find in your backyard are perfectly edible wild greens. Here is a list of 20 common edible weeds. See if you can identify any in your yard or in nature. Not only can you eat these super-nutritious plants, but also knowing about them may make weeding more fun, too! From the first dandelion rosettes in the spring, edible weeds abound…

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 wouldn’t blossom until late summer. The potted plants…

Argh! How DO you keep squirrels out of potted plants? If these mischievous critters dig in the container soil, they also destroy your plants. Here are five DIY methods to keep squirrels out of the flower pots.We have a giant oak tree in our backyard, which I love for its shade. However, it also provides a ton of acorns, which draw squirrels from far and wide. They love digging in my potted…

Native plants are the best choice for both a low-maintenance and sustainable landscape. Get a list of common plants that are native to the United States and Canada, and learn the secrets of landscaping with native plants.What Is a Native Plant?So, what makes a plant native? Native Plant Trust defines a native plant as “one that was growing in North America before European…

By using organic soil amendments, you can turn poor garden soil into a nutrient-rich paradise. What do we mean by “soil amendments”? What are some great soil amendments? Here is a brief overview listing some of the best amendments for your garden!Which Nutrients Do Plants Need?Just like humans, plants need a wide range of nutrients to keep them growing healthy and strong. Soil…

Don’t be tempted to start planting too soon! Average spring frosts are just a rough guide. Springcasting is a way to predict and track the progress of spring across the continent—as defined by plants. See when spring “officially” makes it to your neck of the woods.During an unusually warm stretch of weather in March, I was greatly tempted to start planting. Thankfully, I did…

Goodness, there are some gorgeous purple flowers! In ancient times, purple dye was so rare that it was only used by the rich and powerful. Luckily, nowadays, purple is available for all of us to use in our landscapes. See 20 purple-flowering plants to add to your garden.Purple, a symbol of royalty and wealth, adds richness and depth to a flowerbed or container. A mix of blue and red, purple…