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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…
It can be confusing to determine whether a plant is an annual, a perennial, or a biennial. The answer mainly depends on the plant’s life cycle. However, other factors, such as climate, can also play a role. Learn the differences—and which plants come back every year.What Is the Difference Between Annual, Perennial, and Biennial Plants?Annual Plants are a type of plant that live for just…
By this time of year, the spring crop of radishes has 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 the 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 you…
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…
Why are you seeing a container of oil in my garden? 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…
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, have glossy, evergreen leaves, and feature delicious-smelling flowers. (The scent is heavenly!) Learn how to care for your indoor citrus trees.Many kinds of citrus work well as container plants. Even northern…
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 exactly 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,…
Are any of these badly behaving trees or shrubs near your home? Here are the worst (and best) trees to plant close to your house. Plus, we’ll explain why you don’t want trees and shrubs closing in on your home and offer general guidelines on how far away a tree needs to be.Planting Trees and Shrubs Near the HouseWe all enjoy landscaping around our home. And it’s not just about …
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 five-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…
