Gardening: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Tomato Growing Tips
How to Grow Tomatoes. Tomato plants know what they like and they grow well when you give it to them. Here are 10 tips for growing terrific tomatoes.
How to Grow Tomatoes. Tomato plants know what they like and they grow well when you give it to them. Here are 10 tips for growing terrific tomatoes.
Strawberries
Strawberries are one of the easiest fruits for the home gardener to grow and one of the most rewarding. Whatever your zone, there is probably a strawberry plant for your garden. Here's how to grow great strawberries in your backyard.
Strawberries are one of the easiest fruits for the home gardener to grow and one of the most rewarding. Whatever your zone, there is probably a strawberry plant for your garden. Here's how to grow great strawberries in your backyard.
Lavender
You can be successful growing lavender if you choose the right variety. Tips for choosing growing and pruning lavender plants.
You can be successful growing lavender if you choose the right variety. Tips for choosing growing and pruning lavender plants.
Tomato Diseases
Tomato diseases are often weather dependent and can spread rapidly. Here are some common tomato diseases, their symptoms and what to do if they attack your tomatoes.
Tomato diseases are often weather dependent and can spread rapidly. Here are some common tomato diseases, their symptoms and what to do if they attack your tomatoes.
Pruning Roses
Many gardeners worry pruning their roses will hurt them. Pruning is actually a good way to keep your roses healthy and blooming. Learn how to do it right, with these tips.
Many gardeners worry pruning their roses will hurt them. Pruning is actually a good way to keep your roses healthy and blooming. Learn how to do it right, with these tips.
Growing Petunias
Petunias are one of the most popular bedding flowers and new types of petunias are constantly being introduced. Here are some petunia basics to guide you through grandifloras, waves, supertunias and more, as well as how to grow and care for your petunias and keep them blooming all summer.
Petunias are one of the most popular bedding flowers and new types of petunias are constantly being introduced. Here are some petunia basics to guide you through grandifloras, waves, supertunias and more, as well as how to grow and care for your petunias and keep them blooming all summer.
Pruning Lilacs
If lilacs are left to grow and spread on their own, without maintenance pruning, you will get shrubs reaching 15 - 20' in height and all the blooms will be way above your head. Lilac plants that have a balance of new shoots and older stems, will bloom best. Older lilacs can have stems as thick as small trees and will flower only on the top most branches. Fortunately, it is pretty easy to rejuvenate an old lilac, in about 3 years time. How to Prune Lilacs...
If lilacs are left to grow and spread on their own, without maintenance pruning, you will get shrubs reaching 15 - 20' in height and all the blooms will be way above your head. Lilac plants that have a balance of new shoots and older stems, will bloom best. Older lilacs can have stems as thick as small trees and will flower only on the top most branches. Fortunately, it is pretty easy to rejuvenate an old lilac, in about 3 years time. How to Prune Lilacs...
How to Grow Potatoes
Growing potatoes in the home garden can be easy, if you learn to avoid the pest and disease problems. They can even be grown in containers. Here are the basics on how to grow potatoes.
Growing potatoes in the home garden can be easy, if you learn to avoid the pest and disease problems. They can even be grown in containers. Here are the basics on how to grow potatoes.
Container Vegetable Gardening
Container vegetable gardening allows you to grow vegetables almost anywhere. Here are some tips for growing vegetables in small spaces, with big yields.
Container vegetable gardening allows you to grow vegetables almost anywhere. Here are some tips for growing vegetables in small spaces, with big yields.
Pruning Tomato Suckers
Tomato suckers, or side shoots, are the growth that appears in the crotch between the stem and a branch. If left to grow, tomato suckers will become another main stem with branches, flowers, fruit and more suckers of their own. Sometimes that’s good, sometimes not so good. Here are some guidelines for when to prune your tomatoes and how much.
Tomato suckers, or side shoots, are the growth that appears in the crotch between the stem and a branch. If left to grow, tomato suckers will become another main stem with branches, flowers, fruit and more suckers of their own. Sometimes that’s good, sometimes not so good. Here are some guidelines for when to prune your tomatoes and how much.
Growing Rosemary
It's not hard to grow rosemary. Rosemary is a heat loving herb, associated with the Mediterranean, but you can successfully grow rosemary plants just about anywhere, as long as you give it plenty of sun and bring it inside for the winter.
It's not hard to grow rosemary. Rosemary is a heat loving herb, associated with the Mediterranean, but you can successfully grow rosemary plants just about anywhere, as long as you give it plenty of sun and bring it inside for the winter.
Green Beans - How to Grow Bean Plants
How to Grow a Bean Plant. Whether called green beans, snap beans or string beans, bean plants are easy to grow. Here are some tips for how to grow bean plants in your garden.
How to Grow a Bean Plant. Whether called green beans, snap beans or string beans, bean plants are easy to grow. Here are some tips for how to grow bean plants in your garden.
Drying Herbs
Fresh garden herbs can easily be air dried, to preserve their flavor and quality. Air drying herbs is not only the easiest and least expensive way to dry fresh herbs, but this slow drying process also doesn't deplete the herbs of their oils. Here are some simple steps for air drying herbs.
Fresh garden herbs can easily be air dried, to preserve their flavor and quality. Air drying herbs is not only the easiest and least expensive way to dry fresh herbs, but this slow drying process also doesn't deplete the herbs of their oils. Here are some simple steps for air drying herbs.
Harvesting Vegetables
There are no precise guidelines as to when to harvest your vegetables, but there are some rules of thumb to guide you. Most vegetables are harvested just before full maturity, for maximum flavor and the most pleasant texture. The following are vegetable harvesting criteria for judging whether your vegetables are ready for picking.
There are no precise guidelines as to when to harvest your vegetables, but there are some rules of thumb to guide you. Most vegetables are harvested just before full maturity, for maximum flavor and the most pleasant texture. The following are vegetable harvesting criteria for judging whether your vegetables are ready for picking.
Growing Sweet Potatoes
Can you grow sweet potatoes at home? Except for being a long season crop, sweet potatoes are very easy to grow. Even the sweet potato leaves are edible. If you have a small garden, bush sweet potatoes might be a better choice for you. Here are some tips for growing sweet potatoes in any home garden.
Can you grow sweet potatoes at home? Except for being a long season crop, sweet potatoes are very easy to grow. Even the sweet potato leaves are edible. If you have a small garden, bush sweet potatoes might be a better choice for you. Here are some tips for growing sweet potatoes in any home garden.
Astilbes
If you're looking for a low-maintenance perennial flower with a long season of interest, consider Asitlbe. The flowers are tall, feathery plumes that look good for months, without deadheading. Read on for tips on growing and caring for Astilbe.
If you're looking for a low-maintenance perennial flower with a long season of interest, consider Asitlbe. The flowers are tall, feathery plumes that look good for months, without deadheading. Read on for tips on growing and caring for Astilbe.
Basil - Growing & Using
Basil is an easy to grow tender annual. The hardest thing about growing basil is choosing which varieties to grow. Give basil some sun and good soil and you can pick leaves daily all summer long. And picking the leaves is what will keep your basil producing for the whole season. Here are some suggestions for great basil varieties and how to grow basil in your home garden.
Basil is an easy to grow tender annual. The hardest thing about growing basil is choosing which varieties to grow. Give basil some sun and good soil and you can pick leaves daily all summer long. And picking the leaves is what will keep your basil producing for the whole season. Here are some suggestions for great basil varieties and how to grow basil in your home garden.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is one of the most common and easily recognized plant diseases. Almost no type of plant is immune. As the name implies, powdery mildew looks like powdery splotches of white or gray, on the leaves and stems of plants. Although powdery mildew is unattractive, it is rarely fatal. However severe or repetitive infections will weaken the plant. There are several steps a gardener can take to prevent and control powdery mildew in the garden.
Powdery mildew is one of the most common and easily recognized plant diseases. Almost no type of plant is immune. As the name implies, powdery mildew looks like powdery splotches of white or gray, on the leaves and stems of plants. Although powdery mildew is unattractive, it is rarely fatal. However severe or repetitive infections will weaken the plant. There are several steps a gardener can take to prevent and control powdery mildew in the garden.
What Does Full Sun Mean?
Garden plants usually come labeled with required sun exposure. The definitions of these terms can vary some, but here are the generally accepted meanings of Full Sun, Partial Shade, etc..
Garden plants usually come labeled with required sun exposure. The definitions of these terms can vary some, but here are the generally accepted meanings of Full Sun, Partial Shade, etc..
Low Maintenance Plants
Low maintenance perennial plant. There is such a thing as a low maintenance plant. It may vary from climate to climate and season to season, but there are many wonderful perennial flowers and other plants that can be labeled low maintenance, providing undemanding easy care interest and bloom in the perennial border.
Low maintenance perennial plant. There is such a thing as a low maintenance plant. It may vary from climate to climate and season to season, but there are many wonderful perennial flowers and other plants that can be labeled low maintenance, providing undemanding easy care interest and bloom in the perennial border.
Long Blooming Perennials
Keep your garden in bloom with these perennial flowers that provide a long season of interest.
Keep your garden in bloom with these perennial flowers that provide a long season of interest.
Growing Oregano
Growing, harvesting and using oregano is easy, but sometimes confusing. Plants in the genus Origanum are can be perennial ground covers, tender perennials or even small perennial subshrubs. There is much confusion over what type of oregano to use in cooking, but there is no disputing the flavor when you taste it. This Plant Profile of 'Oregano' will help you make sense of which type of oregano to grow for your needs.
Growing, harvesting and using oregano is easy, but sometimes confusing. Plants in the genus Origanum are can be perennial ground covers, tender perennials or even small perennial subshrubs. There is much confusion over what type of oregano to use in cooking, but there is no disputing the flavor when you taste it. This Plant Profile of 'Oregano' will help you make sense of which type of oregano to grow for your needs.
Epsom Salts and Plants
Gardeners have been using Epsom salts as a plant fertilizer for generations. There is little research to prove conclusively that Epsom salts have any effect on plants, but many seasoned gardeners cite their own gardens as proof that Epsom salts help certain plants grow stronger and produce better. If you’d like to try experimenting on your own, here are some tips for using Epsom salts in your gardens.
Gardeners have been using Epsom salts as a plant fertilizer for generations. There is little research to prove conclusively that Epsom salts have any effect on plants, but many seasoned gardeners cite their own gardens as proof that Epsom salts help certain plants grow stronger and produce better. If you’d like to try experimenting on your own, here are some tips for using Epsom salts in your gardens.
Baking Soda for Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew and other fungus diseases of plants have long been successfully controlled with a mixture of baking soda, water and and oil or soap to help it spread.
Powdery mildew and other fungus diseases of plants have long been successfully controlled with a mixture of baking soda, water and and oil or soap to help it spread.
Growing Spinach
Spinach is a cool season crops and can be grown in spring, fall and even winter. Plants spinach every couple of weeks, to extend your harvest. More tips for growing spinach in the home garden.
Spinach is a cool season crops and can be grown in spring, fall and even winter. Plants spinach every couple of weeks, to extend your harvest. More tips for growing spinach in the home garden.
Tomato Blossom Drop
Blossom drop is a common tomato growing problem that can be extremely frustrating to the home gardener. Otherwise healthy looking tomato plants set flower blossoms, only to have them dry up and fall off the plant before a fruit is formed. Blossom drop can be attributed to several causes, most often related to either temperature and / or stress.
Blossom drop is a common tomato growing problem that can be extremely frustrating to the home gardener. Otherwise healthy looking tomato plants set flower blossoms, only to have them dry up and fall off the plant before a fruit is formed. Blossom drop can be attributed to several causes, most often related to either temperature and / or stress.
Cyclamen Care
Holiday cyclamen plants make great excellent long, blooming houseplants with minimal care. Here are some tips for keeping yours growing.
Holiday cyclamen plants make great excellent long, blooming houseplants with minimal care. Here are some tips for keeping yours growing.
Growing Onions
Growing onions takes patience, since all the action takes place under ground. If you can provide a rich soil and a full day of sun, you can grow a good sized harvest of onions for eating fresh and storing for later. And as with most fresh vegetables, onions from the garden will have far more flavor than onions from the produce aisle. Home grown onions can be more pungent too. Here are some tips for choosing and growing the right onions for your home garden.
Growing onions takes patience, since all the action takes place under ground. If you can provide a rich soil and a full day of sun, you can grow a good sized harvest of onions for eating fresh and storing for later. And as with most fresh vegetables, onions from the garden will have far more flavor than onions from the produce aisle. Home grown onions can be more pungent too. Here are some tips for choosing and growing the right onions for your home garden.
Harvesting Garlic
When is it time to dig and harvest your garlic? Once the tops of your garlic plants start to die back, you know it’s time to harvest. Here’s how to be sure your garlic is ready to dig and how to dry and store it for keeping.
When is it time to dig and harvest your garlic? Once the tops of your garlic plants start to die back, you know it’s time to harvest. Here’s how to be sure your garlic is ready to dig and how to dry and store it for keeping.
Growing Corn
How to grow corn. Sweet corn is easy to grow and the rewards far out weigh the effort. To get fresh picked corn flavor, you will have to grow your own. Here are tips for growing corn in your garden.
How to grow corn. Sweet corn is easy to grow and the rewards far out weigh the effort. To get fresh picked corn flavor, you will have to grow your own. Here are tips for growing corn in your garden.
Growing Plants from Seed
Starting plants from seed isn't rocket science, but there are several seed starting tips that will help your success rate with seed germination and give your seedlings a healthy start. Here's how to start seeds indoors and the seed starting supplies you'll need to grow plants from seed.
Starting plants from seed isn't rocket science, but there are several seed starting tips that will help your success rate with seed germination and give your seedlings a healthy start. Here's how to start seeds indoors and the seed starting supplies you'll need to grow plants from seed.
Growing Lamb's Ears
Lamb's Ears are popular in gardens because of their soft, inviting texture. They are very easy to grow almost anywhere. This profile of Lamb's Ears, Stachys byzantina, gives you their preferences and recommends varieties for your garden.
Lamb's Ears are popular in gardens because of their soft, inviting texture. They are very easy to grow almost anywhere. This profile of Lamb's Ears, Stachys byzantina, gives you their preferences and recommends varieties for your garden.
Companion Plants for Tomatoes
Companion planting for tomatoes can improve the tomatoes growth and flavor and repel insects and diseases. Choosing companion plants for your tomatoes should be easy because companion plants for tomatoes include many of these popular garden vegetables.
Companion planting for tomatoes can improve the tomatoes growth and flavor and repel insects and diseases. Choosing companion plants for your tomatoes should be easy because companion plants for tomatoes include many of these popular garden vegetables.
Shade Garden Perennials
Shade gardens can be woodland retreats or bursts of color. Many shade garden plants often considered sun lovers actually prefer some shade in hot areas or the peak of summer. Of the many plants that will grow well or even thrive in shade gardens, the following list are top shade garden performers.
Shade gardens can be woodland retreats or bursts of color. Many shade garden plants often considered sun lovers actually prefer some shade in hot areas or the peak of summer. Of the many plants that will grow well or even thrive in shade gardens, the following list are top shade garden performers.
Hostas for Sunny Spots
Hostas are called 'shade-tolerant' plants, meaning they will grow in shade or partial shade. But some hostas need a period of full sun to look and perform their best. Although it is not recommended that any hosta be in full sun all the time, many Hostas are more vigorous and display their most vibrant colors if given at least some sun exposure. Here are some tips to help you pick the right hosta for your site.
Hostas are called 'shade-tolerant' plants, meaning they will grow in shade or partial shade. But some hostas need a period of full sun to look and perform their best. Although it is not recommended that any hosta be in full sun all the time, many Hostas are more vigorous and display their most vibrant colors if given at least some sun exposure. Here are some tips to help you pick the right hosta for your site.
Growing Sweet Peas
Sweet peas evoke old fashioned cottage gardens, with their fluttering blossoms and intense fragrance. Growing sweet pea vines in the garden is both simple and rewarding, with a long season of bloom and an abundance of cutting flowers.
Sweet peas evoke old fashioned cottage gardens, with their fluttering blossoms and intense fragrance. Growing sweet pea vines in the garden is both simple and rewarding, with a long season of bloom and an abundance of cutting flowers.
Growing Thyme
Thyme is an extremely easy growing Mediterranean herb that prefers dry, lean growing conditions. In fact, thyme almost grows itself. You can grow thyme in herb gardens, on rock walls, between pavers or even indoors. Here are some tips on growing and using great thyme.
Thyme is an extremely easy growing Mediterranean herb that prefers dry, lean growing conditions. In fact, thyme almost grows itself. You can grow thyme in herb gardens, on rock walls, between pavers or even indoors. Here are some tips on growing and using great thyme.
Coreopsis
Coreopsis are sunny flower border work horses. With dozens of varieties to choose from, they are great additions to any garden design, blooming most of the summer. Tips for choosing and growing Coreopsis plants.
Coreopsis are sunny flower border work horses. With dozens of varieties to choose from, they are great additions to any garden design, blooming most of the summer. Tips for choosing and growing Coreopsis plants.
What is Mulch
Mulch is any type of material that is spread or laid over the surface of the soil as a covering. It is used to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, keep the soil cool and make the garden bed look more attractive. Organic mulches also help improve the soil’s fertility, as they decompose. Here are the pros and cons of various mulch materials.
Mulch is any type of material that is spread or laid over the surface of the soil as a covering. It is used to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, keep the soil cool and make the garden bed look more attractive. Organic mulches also help improve the soil’s fertility, as they decompose. Here are the pros and cons of various mulch materials.
Growing Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are cool season annual flowers in rich, jewel tone colors. Nasturtiums are extremely easy to grow, practically growing themselves. There are bushy, trailing and climbing nasturtiums to fill every gardening need. They are even edible. You won’t usually find seedlings of nasturtiums, but the large seeds germinate quickly and the plants bloom all season. Here are some more nasturtium growing tips.
Nasturtiums are cool season annual flowers in rich, jewel tone colors. Nasturtiums are extremely easy to grow, practically growing themselves. There are bushy, trailing and climbing nasturtiums to fill every gardening need. They are even edible. You won’t usually find seedlings of nasturtiums, but the large seeds germinate quickly and the plants bloom all season. Here are some more nasturtium growing tips.
Amending Your Garden Soil
Most garden plant problems are caused by poor soil. What is good soil and how do you know what kind of soil is in your garden? Understanding your garden soil means knowing its fertility and texture. Fertility is a combination of essential nutrients and a pH that makes these nutrients available to the plants. Texture refers to the size of the soil particles and their cohesiveness.
Most garden plant problems are caused by poor soil. What is good soil and how do you know what kind of soil is in your garden? Understanding your garden soil means knowing its fertility and texture. Fertility is a combination of essential nutrients and a pH that makes these nutrients available to the plants. Texture refers to the size of the soil particles and their cohesiveness.
Growing Pansies
Overview: The names 'pansy' and ' viola ' are often used interchangeable. There are many cultivars within
Overview: The names 'pansy' and ' viola ' are often used interchangeable. There are many cultivars within
Pruning Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are popular old fashioned flowering shrubs. Regular hydrangea garden maintenance involves pruning the shrubs to keep them in shape and flowering profusely. But when to prune hydrangeas determines how well they will flower or if they will flower at all.
Hydrangeas are popular old fashioned flowering shrubs. Regular hydrangea garden maintenance involves pruning the shrubs to keep them in shape and flowering profusely. But when to prune hydrangeas determines how well they will flower or if they will flower at all.
Vines and Climbing Plants
Vining and climbing flowers and plants can add an element of height to a garden or be allowed to scramble along the ground or through other plants. Vines and climbers can fill many garden design needs, from covering eye sores to creating privacy on your deck. Consider some of these vining plants when planning your landscape.
Vining and climbing flowers and plants can add an element of height to a garden or be allowed to scramble along the ground or through other plants. Vines and climbers can fill many garden design needs, from covering eye sores to creating privacy on your deck. Consider some of these vining plants when planning your landscape.
Growing Kale
Growing kale is an easy and very rewarding crop for the home gardener. This cooking green is as beautiful to look at as it is tasty to eat and it attracts very few pests or problems. The secret to growing great kale is cool temperatures and plenty of water. Here’s how to have your best crop ever.
Growing kale is an easy and very rewarding crop for the home gardener. This cooking green is as beautiful to look at as it is tasty to eat and it attracts very few pests or problems. The secret to growing great kale is cool temperatures and plenty of water. Here’s how to have your best crop ever.
Tomatoes - Growing and Cooking
Tomatoes are the joy of summer gardeners and cooks alike. Here are tips on growing the best tomatoes in your backyard garden and making the most of them in your kitchen, from preparing fresh tomatoes to cooking up scrumptious tomato recipes.
Tomatoes are the joy of summer gardeners and cooks alike. Here are tips on growing the best tomatoes in your backyard garden and making the most of them in your kitchen, from preparing fresh tomatoes to cooking up scrumptious tomato recipes.
Borage
Borage is a freely seeding, easy growing annual plant with vivid blue flowers and leaves with the flavor of cucumbers. Both the flowers and the leaves are edible, with a cucumber-like flavor. Here are some tips for growing borage.
Borage is a freely seeding, easy growing annual plant with vivid blue flowers and leaves with the flavor of cucumbers. Both the flowers and the leaves are edible, with a cucumber-like flavor. Here are some tips for growing borage.
Growing Blueberries
Blueberry Growing Tips: Blueberries are popular to grow in home gardens because they can grow in a small space, even in containers, and have very few problems. There are three main types of blueberries: highbush, rabbiteye, and southern highbush, with different varieties doing better or worse in various areas. Here are some tips for growing your own blueberries.
Blueberry Growing Tips: Blueberries are popular to grow in home gardens because they can grow in a small space, even in containers, and have very few problems. There are three main types of blueberries: highbush, rabbiteye, and southern highbush, with different varieties doing better or worse in various areas. Here are some tips for growing your own blueberries.
Container Garden Tips
Container gardening offers many conveniences. Good soil, easy access and the ability to correct mistakes quickly are just a few. These rules of thumb can help you successfully combine plants to create a container garden.
Container gardening offers many conveniences. Good soil, easy access and the ability to correct mistakes quickly are just a few. These rules of thumb can help you successfully combine plants to create a container garden.
True Geraniums
The term geranium is confusing. The first geranium most gardeners encounter is not a geranium at all, but Pelargonium, a relative of the perennial geranium. True or hardy or perennial geraniums belong to the genus Geranium. You will sometimes see them referred to as cranesbill geraniums, because their seed pods do somewhat resemble a crane’s bill. The flowers, in shades of white, pink, magenta, purples and blues, are long blooming. As you see here, geraniums are easy care.
The term geranium is confusing. The first geranium most gardeners encounter is not a geranium at all, but Pelargonium, a relative of the perennial geranium. True or hardy or perennial geraniums belong to the genus Geranium. You will sometimes see them referred to as cranesbill geraniums, because their seed pods do somewhat resemble a crane’s bill. The flowers, in shades of white, pink, magenta, purples and blues, are long blooming. As you see here, geraniums are easy care.
Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are the curling tops of garlic plants, which are as edible as the garlic bulbs. Here are tips for growing and using the scapes from your garlic plants.
Garlic scapes are the curling tops of garlic plants, which are as edible as the garlic bulbs. Here are tips for growing and using the scapes from your garlic plants.
Plant Nutrient Deficiencies
Not all plant problems are caused by insects or diseases. Sometimes an unhealthy plant is suffering from a nutrient deficiency or even too much of any one nutrient. Plant nutrient deficiencies often manifest as foliage discoloration. The following chart outlines some possible problems.
Not all plant problems are caused by insects or diseases. Sometimes an unhealthy plant is suffering from a nutrient deficiency or even too much of any one nutrient. Plant nutrient deficiencies often manifest as foliage discoloration. The following chart outlines some possible problems.
Plants for Bees
Every garden needs pollinators and bees are among the best. Without them there would be limited flowers and even fewer fruits and vegetables. To attract bees and other pollinators to your gardens you need to select flowers and plants that are high in nectar and pollen and plant so that they are obvious and available to the insects. Here are some tips for luring bees to your garden and lists of good plant choices for bees.
Every garden needs pollinators and bees are among the best. Without them there would be limited flowers and even fewer fruits and vegetables. To attract bees and other pollinators to your gardens you need to select flowers and plants that are high in nectar and pollen and plant so that they are obvious and available to the insects. Here are some tips for luring bees to your garden and lists of good plant choices for bees.
Pruning Raspberries
Brambles like raspberries and blackberries need regular pruning to keep bearing large, healthy crops and to prevent them from taking over your garden. Don’t let this scare you off of growing raspberry or blackberry plants. Pruning rambles is actually a simple procedure, if you follow these steps.
Brambles like raspberries and blackberries need regular pruning to keep bearing large, healthy crops and to prevent them from taking over your garden. Don’t let this scare you off of growing raspberry or blackberry plants. Pruning rambles is actually a simple procedure, if you follow these steps.
Growing Miniature Roses
Miniature roses deliver all the punch of full size roses in a size that suits any garden. They may look delicate, but miniature roses are hardier than many tea roses and much easier to grow. Great as a specimen, an edger or in containers, mini roses are easy care plants that bloom throughout the season.
Miniature roses deliver all the punch of full size roses in a size that suits any garden. They may look delicate, but miniature roses are hardier than many tea roses and much easier to grow. Great as a specimen, an edger or in containers, mini roses are easy care plants that bloom throughout the season.
Growing Catmint (Nepeta)
Catmint (Nepeta) is extremely hardy, drought tolerant and virtually maintenance free. All this and nepeta repeat blooms sporadically throughout the summer. Such a wonderful garden plant should be more widely appreciated and used by gardeners. Take another look here, at the pleasure of growing nepeta and its usefulness in any garden design.
Catmint (Nepeta) is extremely hardy, drought tolerant and virtually maintenance free. All this and nepeta repeat blooms sporadically throughout the summer. Such a wonderful garden plant should be more widely appreciated and used by gardeners. Take another look here, at the pleasure of growing nepeta and its usefulness in any garden design.
Annual Flowering Vines
Flowering vines are great for adding height or a softening, trailing effect, as well as a great deal of color in the landscape. These annual vines grow fast and bloom throughout the season.
Flowering vines are great for adding height or a softening, trailing effect, as well as a great deal of color in the landscape. These annual vines grow fast and bloom throughout the season.
Polygonatum
Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum) is an elegant Native American woodland plant. The small, tubular white flowers of Polygonatum dangle underneath the leaves. But it's the plant form that makes Solomon's Seal such an interesting plant. Once established, Polygonatum slowly spreads out and creates a nodding blanket of foliage that turns a golden yellow in autumn. Here are some tips on getting Solomon’s Seal to grow in your garden.
Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum) is an elegant Native American woodland plant. The small, tubular white flowers of Polygonatum dangle underneath the leaves. But it's the plant form that makes Solomon's Seal such an interesting plant. Once established, Polygonatum slowly spreads out and creates a nodding blanket of foliage that turns a golden yellow in autumn. Here are some tips on getting Solomon’s Seal to grow in your garden.
Choosing Plants for Pots
Growing plants in containers is a great way to keep color exactly where you want it. Here are a few techniques that will help you design beautiful containers and keep them looking good.
Growing plants in containers is a great way to keep color exactly where you want it. Here are a few techniques that will help you design beautiful containers and keep them looking good.
Petunia Varieties
Petunias have done a 180 in recent years. They are much more tolerant of rain and many don't need any deadheading at all. They mound, they trail and they bloom their hearts out. How do you know what type of petunia to buy? Here's a petunia 101 on which types of petunias are best for your garden, hanging baskets and groundcovers.
Petunias have done a 180 in recent years. They are much more tolerant of rain and many don't need any deadheading at all. They mound, they trail and they bloom their hearts out. How do you know what type of petunia to buy? Here's a petunia 101 on which types of petunias are best for your garden, hanging baskets and groundcovers.
Evergreen Privacy Hedge
There are many evergreen trees and shrubs that make excellent hedges, privacy screens and wind or noise breaks. Some mature quickly into dense hedges and others develop with you, over time. Choose an evergreen that suits your time frame for growth and maintenance. Here are 10 of the best evergreens for creating a hedge.
There are many evergreen trees and shrubs that make excellent hedges, privacy screens and wind or noise breaks. Some mature quickly into dense hedges and others develop with you, over time. Choose an evergreen that suits your time frame for growth and maintenance. Here are 10 of the best evergreens for creating a hedge.
Growing Sage
Sage is one of those wonderful Mediterranean herbs that only asks for sun and warmth and then takes care of itself. Being an evergreen, even northern gardeners are able to harvest fresh sage leaves at Thanksgiving. And it's beautiful enough not to have on display in the herb garden or the perennial bed. Here are some tips for growing great sage.
Sage is one of those wonderful Mediterranean herbs that only asks for sun and warmth and then takes care of itself. Being an evergreen, even northern gardeners are able to harvest fresh sage leaves at Thanksgiving. And it's beautiful enough not to have on display in the herb garden or the perennial bed. Here are some tips for growing great sage.
Growing Cannas
Cannas are tropical and subtropical flowering plants with large, banana like leaves. Cannas can be grown as annuals in cooler regions, where they add an instant touch of the tropics to flower gardens. Easy care and dramatic effect make planting cannas worthwhile for any garden border. They can even be grown in pots and
Cannas are tropical and subtropical flowering plants with large, banana like leaves. Cannas can be grown as annuals in cooler regions, where they add an instant touch of the tropics to flower gardens. Easy care and dramatic effect make planting cannas worthwhile for any garden border. They can even be grown in pots and
Deer Resistant Perennials
There are no deer proof plants, only plants that deer don't prefer. Even that varies from garden to garden. When deer are hungry, they will eat your plants. The only real deer deterrent is a fence. However, here are some perennial plants that are rarely eaten by deer, giving them the reputation of being deer resistant.
There are no deer proof plants, only plants that deer don't prefer. Even that varies from garden to garden. When deer are hungry, they will eat your plants. The only real deer deterrent is a fence. However, here are some perennial plants that are rarely eaten by deer, giving them the reputation of being deer resistant.
Freezing Herbs
Freezing is a quick and easy way to preserve fresh garden herbs. We usually think of drying herbs to keep them, but many herbs, like basil, mint and chives, don't dry easily. Freezing these herbs will preserve their garden fresh flavor for months. Here are some simple steps for air drying herbs.
Freezing is a quick and easy way to preserve fresh garden herbs. We usually think of drying herbs to keep them, but many herbs, like basil, mint and chives, don't dry easily. Freezing these herbs will preserve their garden fresh flavor for months. Here are some simple steps for air drying herbs.
SmVegetableGarden
You don’t need a farm to grow fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits. You don’t really even need a garden. Plant breeders know that after taste, home gardeners want a high yield in a small space. So they’ve been developing more varieties that can grow in a small foot print or even live in containers all year long.
You don’t need a farm to grow fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits. You don’t really even need a garden. Plant breeders know that after taste, home gardeners want a high yield in a small space. So they’ve been developing more varieties that can grow in a small foot print or even live in containers all year long.
Pruning Clematis
Clematis vines need to be pruned to encourage new growth and more flowers. When to prune your clematis depends on when it blooms. Here are some tips.
Clematis vines need to be pruned to encourage new growth and more flowers. When to prune your clematis depends on when it blooms. Here are some tips.
Deer Resistant Plants
If deer are in your area, sooner or later they will find your garden. Plant wisely by choosing deer resistant plants. Use the lists here to help find plants deer don't like.
If deer are in your area, sooner or later they will find your garden. Plant wisely by choosing deer resistant plants. Use the lists here to help find plants deer don't like.
Flowering Plants for Dry Garden
10 perennial plants that may surprise you with their drought tolerance. While water is crucial to growing healthy plants,these perennials that can withstand periodic dry spells. Sooner or later every garden will experience a period of drought.
10 perennial plants that may surprise you with their drought tolerance. While water is crucial to growing healthy plants,these perennials that can withstand periodic dry spells. Sooner or later every garden will experience a period of drought.
Zone_Changes
The USDA Hardiness Zone Map has been used by gardeners to determine what plants will survive in their garden climate. The latest revisions by the American Horticulture Society, add zones and take into consideration more than just annual low temperatures. Other hardiness measures include: length of cold spells in the winter, airflow patterns, the effect of large bodies of water like oceans and lakes and heat factors and how these things effect garden plants.
The USDA Hardiness Zone Map has been used by gardeners to determine what plants will survive in their garden climate. The latest revisions by the American Horticulture Society, add zones and take into consideration more than just annual low temperatures. Other hardiness measures include: length of cold spells in the winter, airflow patterns, the effect of large bodies of water like oceans and lakes and heat factors and how these things effect garden plants.
Top 10 Fall Blooming Flowers
Fall blooming flowers come in rich colors that extend the gardening season. here are tips for choosing and growing the best fall flowers, in your garden.
Fall blooming flowers come in rich colors that extend the gardening season. here are tips for choosing and growing the best fall flowers, in your garden.
Mint
Plants in the mint family are very hardy perennials with vigorous growth habits. Mint, left to its own devices, will spread quickly and become a nuisance. However, it is very popular as a flavorful herb and the plants can be grown easily. Just try to chose a spot where you won’t mind the rampant growth or grow it in a confined space.
Plants in the mint family are very hardy perennials with vigorous growth habits. Mint, left to its own devices, will spread quickly and become a nuisance. However, it is very popular as a flavorful herb and the plants can be grown easily. Just try to chose a spot where you won’t mind the rampant growth or grow it in a confined space.
Insects and Diseases of Plants
Diseases and insect pests of garden plants. Photos of insects, insect damage and diseases, with brief description of the pest and the damage it can do to plants in the garden.
Diseases and insect pests of garden plants. Photos of insects, insect damage and diseases, with brief description of the pest and the damage it can do to plants in the garden.
Garden Maintenance
Deadheading fading flowers is an easy way to keep your garden blooming and looking fresh. The examples shown here are flowers that benefit from regular deadheading.
Deadheading fading flowers is an easy way to keep your garden blooming and looking fresh. The examples shown here are flowers that benefit from regular deadheading.
Growing Sedum
Border Sedum or Showy Stonecrop is a must for every perennial garden. The sturdy stems, succulent leaves and clusters of flower buds are attractive all season and light up a fall garden. Growing Sedum is easy; almost mistake proof. There are Sedum varieties to blend with every color scheme and trailing Sedum to fill container gardens. Here are some tips for growing great Sedum.
Border Sedum or Showy Stonecrop is a must for every perennial garden. The sturdy stems, succulent leaves and clusters of flower buds are attractive all season and light up a fall garden. Growing Sedum is easy; almost mistake proof. There are Sedum varieties to blend with every color scheme and trailing Sedum to fill container gardens. Here are some tips for growing great Sedum.
Beets - How to Grow Beets
Beets are a fast growing crop that can be grown just about anywhere. Although beets are known as a root crop, all parts of the beet plant are edible. Grow beets in the garden in spring and fall and have them to eat all year.
Beets are a fast growing crop that can be grown just about anywhere. Although beets are known as a root crop, all parts of the beet plant are edible. Grow beets in the garden in spring and fall and have them to eat all year.
Plants for Clay Soil
Gardening in clay soil is a challenge that can be met. Their are many plants that will grow very well in clay soil and some that will even help improve it. Rugged natives and tough, tap rooted plants can make a garden even in the difficult conditions posed by clay. Here are some to get you started.
Gardening in clay soil is a challenge that can be met. Their are many plants that will grow very well in clay soil and some that will even help improve it. Rugged natives and tough, tap rooted plants can make a garden even in the difficult conditions posed by clay. Here are some to get you started.
Growing Moss
Moss looks wonderful in the garden, especially on rocks and rock walls. It gives any garden a sense of age and weight. Getting moss to grow on rocks or on the ground in your garden simply requires you give the moss the growing conditions it needs and have some patience while it gets established.
Moss looks wonderful in the garden, especially on rocks and rock walls. It gives any garden a sense of age and weight. Getting moss to grow on rocks or on the ground in your garden simply requires you give the moss the growing conditions it needs and have some patience while it gets established.
Growing Okra
Okra is grow for its long, pointed seed pods, which are used in gumbos and soups. Okra is a warm season vegetable that can easily be grown in home vegetable gardens. Its flowers resemble hibiscus and okra makes a nice ornamental plant as well.
Okra is grow for its long, pointed seed pods, which are used in gumbos and soups. Okra is a warm season vegetable that can easily be grown in home vegetable gardens. Its flowers resemble hibiscus and okra makes a nice ornamental plant as well.
Pest ID Web Sites
When insect pests attack your garden plants, the first line of defense is to identify the insect. To control insects in your garden, you need to know what kind of insect you are dealing with, what plants it favors and what time of year to expect it. These web sites provide photos for identifying pests and most also give info on controlling the garden pests.
When insect pests attack your garden plants, the first line of defense is to identify the insect. To control insects in your garden, you need to know what kind of insect you are dealing with, what plants it favors and what time of year to expect it. These web sites provide photos for identifying pests and most also give info on controlling the garden pests.
Roses for Shade
Rose growers recomend at least 5 -6 hours of full sun for growing roses. If your garden doesn't provide that much sun, you may still be able to grow select varieties of roses. No rose will thrive and bloom without some sun, but there are roses that will do just fine with a little shade. Here are some top rosarian picks of roses able to perform in partial shade.
Rose growers recomend at least 5 -6 hours of full sun for growing roses. If your garden doesn't provide that much sun, you may still be able to grow select varieties of roses. No rose will thrive and bloom without some sun, but there are roses that will do just fine with a little shade. Here are some top rosarian picks of roses able to perform in partial shade.
Companion Planting
Companion planting is an age old gardening technique of pairing two or more plants to gain some type of benefit, especially companion vegetable planting. Some companion plantings work, others disappoint. Here are some tips for companion planting with vegetables and herbs to repel insect pests.
Companion planting is an age old gardening technique of pairing two or more plants to gain some type of benefit, especially companion vegetable planting. Some companion plantings work, others disappoint. Here are some tips for companion planting with vegetables and herbs to repel insect pests.
Blossom End Rot
Ripening tomatoes that turn black and soft on their side not attached to the stem are affected with blossom end rot. As with so many tomato problems, water is a key factor here. Is there any saving the rotting tomatoes?
Ripening tomatoes that turn black and soft on their side not attached to the stem are affected with blossom end rot. As with so many tomato problems, water is a key factor here. Is there any saving the rotting tomatoes?
Viburnums
Viburnums have long been one of the most popular flowering landscape shrubs. You can find a variety to suit any garden need. Bloom times span early spring through June and are followed by attractive fruit and outstanding fall foliage.
Viburnums have long been one of the most popular flowering landscape shrubs. You can find a variety to suit any garden need. Bloom times span early spring through June and are followed by attractive fruit and outstanding fall foliage.
Growing Asparagus
Asparagus is one of the few perennial plants for the home vegetable garden. Plant it once and it keeps on growing. There is some up front work to be done by the vegetable gardener, before you can enjoy an asparagus harvest, but a well-established asparagus bed can produce for decades. Here are some tips for growing great asparagus plants.
Asparagus is one of the few perennial plants for the home vegetable garden. Plant it once and it keeps on growing. There is some up front work to be done by the vegetable gardener, before you can enjoy an asparagus harvest, but a well-established asparagus bed can produce for decades. Here are some tips for growing great asparagus plants.
Perovskia
Perovskia, or Russian Sage, is a widely popular perennial garden favorite. The foliage is finely cut gray-green leaves that are slightly scented. When fully in bloom it looks like a purple haze. As you can see here, these plants are very easy to grow.
Perovskia, or Russian Sage, is a widely popular perennial garden favorite. The foliage is finely cut gray-green leaves that are slightly scented. When fully in bloom it looks like a purple haze. As you can see here, these plants are very easy to grow.
Companion Planting for Roses
When choosing companion plants for your roses, consider aesthetics, growing conditions, and plant health. Rose companion plants should look good with roses and require similar growing conditions. Here are more tips from the New York Botanical Garden on what plants to grow with your roses.
When choosing companion plants for your roses, consider aesthetics, growing conditions, and plant health. Rose companion plants should look good with roses and require similar growing conditions. Here are more tips from the New York Botanical Garden on what plants to grow with your roses.
Easter Lilies
Tips for keeping your beautiful, fragrant Easter lily blooming throughout the holiday and perhaps even keeping it growing in your garden.
Tips for keeping your beautiful, fragrant Easter lily blooming throughout the holiday and perhaps even keeping it growing in your garden.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels Sprouts are a long season crop that actually tastes better when hit with a slight frost. So although they are a late harvest, they are a relatively long one. Because of their fondness for cool weather, Brussels Sprouts are a fall crop in warmer climates. Here are more tips for growing Brussels sprouts.
Brussels Sprouts are a long season crop that actually tastes better when hit with a slight frost. So although they are a late harvest, they are a relatively long one. Because of their fondness for cool weather, Brussels Sprouts are a fall crop in warmer climates. Here are more tips for growing Brussels sprouts.
New Garden
When starting a first garden - Start Small. Here's a bottom line Step-by-Step primer to get you growing and tips to pass along to gardening friends who need some help getting started.
When starting a first garden - Start Small. Here's a bottom line Step-by-Step primer to get you growing and tips to pass along to gardening friends who need some help getting started.
Dividing Bearded Iris
Bearded Iris are tall, elegant additions to the flower border, but they are also relatively high maintenance. You can help cut down on the incidence of soft rot and borer damage through regular division of the iris rhizomes, every 2-3 years. This will also keep bearded iris performing and blooming at its best. Dividing iris isn't hard. Start by carefully digging and lifting the rhizomes, as shown here.
Bearded Iris are tall, elegant additions to the flower border, but they are also relatively high maintenance. You can help cut down on the incidence of soft rot and borer damage through regular division of the iris rhizomes, every 2-3 years. This will also keep bearded iris performing and blooming at its best. Dividing iris isn't hard. Start by carefully digging and lifting the rhizomes, as shown here.
Poinsettias
Poinsettias are popular holiday decorations and gifts. Knowing how to keep Christmas poinsettia plants in bloom longer and how to force them to rebloom next Christmas, requires some special care.
Poinsettias are popular holiday decorations and gifts. Knowing how to keep Christmas poinsettia plants in bloom longer and how to force them to rebloom next Christmas, requires some special care.
Windowsill Herbs
Many herb plants can be easily grown indoors, in a sunny windowsill or under lights. Here are tips for the best herbs to grow and how to keep them growing.
Many herb plants can be easily grown indoors, in a sunny windowsill or under lights. Here are tips for the best herbs to grow and how to keep them growing.
Why do tomatoes crack
A common tomato growing problem is fruit that cracks or splits open as the tomato ripens. How can you prevent future tomatoes from cracking and is the cracked fruit still edible?
A common tomato growing problem is fruit that cracks or splits open as the tomato ripens. How can you prevent future tomatoes from cracking and is the cracked fruit still edible?
Indeterminate Tomatoes
Most of the tomato varieties grown in home gardeners are considered indeterminate varieties, or vining tomatoes. They continue growing until they are killed by frost and keep setting fruit throughout the growing season.
Most of the tomato varieties grown in home gardeners are considered indeterminate varieties, or vining tomatoes. They continue growing until they are killed by frost and keep setting fruit throughout the growing season.
How Much Mulch?
Knowing how much mulch or amendment to purchase for your garden is always a bit of a guess, but you can make it an educated one by using a couple of easy measurements and calculations. Here's how to know how many bags, pounds or cubic yards of mulch will actually give you 3inches of coverage.
Knowing how much mulch or amendment to purchase for your garden is always a bit of a guess, but you can make it an educated one by using a couple of easy measurements and calculations. Here's how to know how many bags, pounds or cubic yards of mulch will actually give you 3inches of coverage.
Interplanting Veggies & Flower
Vegetable gardens benefit greatly from the addition of some flowers and herbs. It's not just aesthetics, interplanting flowers and herbs creates some benefits that can protect your vegetables from insects and even make them more productive.
Vegetable gardens benefit greatly from the addition of some flowers and herbs. It's not just aesthetics, interplanting flowers and herbs creates some benefits that can protect your vegetables from insects and even make them more productive.
More Plants From Cuttings
Increase the plants in your home and garden by taking cuttings from existing plants and rooting them to make more plants.
Increase the plants in your home and garden by taking cuttings from existing plants and rooting them to make more plants.
Starting a Vegetable Garden
How to Start a Vegetable Garden
How to Start a Vegetable Garden
Tomatoes - Growing Tomatoes
Tips for growing great tomatoes and trouble shooting tomato growing problems.
Tips for growing great tomatoes and trouble shooting tomato growing problems.
Spittlebug
Spittlebugs are so named because the nymph can whip up a frothy covering to protect itself. All you are likely to see of spittlebugs is the foam on a plant leaf or stem joint. Spittlebugs look unsightly, but they don’t really do much damage. To control spittle bugs,
Spittlebugs are so named because the nymph can whip up a frothy covering to protect itself. All you are likely to see of spittlebugs is the foam on a plant leaf or stem joint. Spittlebugs look unsightly, but they don’t really do much damage. To control spittle bugs,
Garden Soil
Soil is often viewed as the boring part of gardening. While garden soil will never be glamourous or even as interesting as choosing plants, there is a whole world under our Wellingtons that literally and figuratively is the foundation for our gardens. New gardeners are cautioned to put money and effort into improving their soil before they even consider planting, but few appreciate this wisdom. Here's why you should.
Soil is often viewed as the boring part of gardening. While garden soil will never be glamourous or even as interesting as choosing plants, there is a whole world under our Wellingtons that literally and figuratively is the foundation for our gardens. New gardeners are cautioned to put money and effort into improving their soil before they even consider planting, but few appreciate this wisdom. Here's why you should.
Designing a Small Garden
Examples of well exectued small garden designs. Photos of small flower gardens, borders, conainers and vegetable gardens.
Examples of well exectued small garden designs. Photos of small flower gardens, borders, conainers and vegetable gardens.
Hybrid Tea Roses
Hybrid tea roses are the most popular rose in the world and perhaps the most popular flower. Hybrid teas have all the virtues you look for in a flower: beauty, fragrance and easy care. As with any other type of plant, not all hybrid teas are created equal. However, the idea that hybrid teas are fussier than other rose types is unwarranted. The key, as always, is to choose a variety suited to your climate and zone.
Hybrid tea roses are the most popular rose in the world and perhaps the most popular flower. Hybrid teas have all the virtues you look for in a flower: beauty, fragrance and easy care. As with any other type of plant, not all hybrid teas are created equal. However, the idea that hybrid teas are fussier than other rose types is unwarranted. The key, as always, is to choose a variety suited to your climate and zone.
How to Grow Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia are easy to establish, naturalize well and require little maintenance other than deadheading. Black-eyed Susan's come in a rich array of yellows, golds, oranges and russets. For a dependable, long season bloomer that brings a smile to faces, you can’t go wrong with Rudbeckia. Here are some tips for choosing and growing Black-eyed Susans, Brown-eyed Susans and all the Gloriosa Daisies in between.
Rudbeckia are easy to establish, naturalize well and require little maintenance other than deadheading. Black-eyed Susan's come in a rich array of yellows, golds, oranges and russets. For a dependable, long season bloomer that brings a smile to faces, you can’t go wrong with Rudbeckia. Here are some tips for choosing and growing Black-eyed Susans, Brown-eyed Susans and all the Gloriosa Daisies in between.
Scale Insects
Scale are tiny parasitic insects that adhere to plants and live off the plant’s sap. They look like bumps on the plant’s stem and are often mistaken for a disease. There are some 7,000 species of scale insect, varying in color and size.
Scale are tiny parasitic insects that adhere to plants and live off the plant’s sap. They look like bumps on the plant’s stem and are often mistaken for a disease. There are some 7,000 species of scale insect, varying in color and size.
Dealing with Rose Diseases
Despite a gardener’s best efforts, roses can often become infected with fungus diseases. Luckily, few fungus problems will kill your rose bush and most can be handled with low toxicity and minimal effort. Here are the top four rose diseases and how to handle them.
Despite a gardener’s best efforts, roses can often become infected with fungus diseases. Luckily, few fungus problems will kill your rose bush and most can be handled with low toxicity and minimal effort. Here are the top four rose diseases and how to handle them.
Asparagus Feature
Asparagus is one of the few perennial vegetable crops for the home garden. Plant it once and it keeps on gorwing. There is some up front work to be done, before you can enjoy the harvest, but a well-established asparagus bed can produce for decades. Here’s how to grow great asparagus.
Asparagus is one of the few perennial vegetable crops for the home garden. Plant it once and it keeps on gorwing. There is some up front work to be done, before you can enjoy the harvest, but a well-established asparagus bed can produce for decades. Here’s how to grow great asparagus.
Determinate Tomatoes
Determinate tomato varieties tend to reach a fixed height and ripen all their fruit in a short period of time.
Determinate tomato varieties tend to reach a fixed height and ripen all their fruit in a short period of time.
How to Harden Off Plants
Young, pampered seedlings that were grown either indoors or in a greenhouse will need a period to adjust
Young, pampered seedlings that were grown either indoors or in a greenhouse will need a period to adjust
Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)
Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)
Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)
Bleeding Heart plants (Dicentra) are spring blooming flowers for a shady part of the garden. Bleeding Hearts are perennial plants with heart shaped pink or white flowers with a tear shaped drop at the bottom. Bleeding Heart can be grown in many areas and will self-sow in cooler climates. Bleeding Heart plants combine beautifully with other spring blooming flowers.
Bleeding Heart plants (Dicentra) are spring blooming flowers for a shady part of the garden. Bleeding Hearts are perennial plants with heart shaped pink or white flowers with a tear shaped drop at the bottom. Bleeding Heart can be grown in many areas and will self-sow in cooler climates. Bleeding Heart plants combine beautifully with other spring blooming flowers.
Organic Pesticides
Profiles of the most commonly used organic garden pesticides, including Sevin, insecticidal soap and oils and neem.
Profiles of the most commonly used organic garden pesticides, including Sevin, insecticidal soap and oils and neem.
Fragrant Roses
All roses are beautiful, but fragrant roses are extra special. And who would be better qualified than the 'All America Rose Selections' to clue us into some great growing roses with exceptional fragrance. Here are their picks from the last 5 decades.
All roses are beautiful, but fragrant roses are extra special. And who would be better qualified than the 'All America Rose Selections' to clue us into some great growing roses with exceptional fragrance. Here are their picks from the last 5 decades.
Rose Suckers
Rose bushes are often grafted onto hardier root stocks. Sometimes the root stocks can send up new growth that overtakes the original rose bush. This growth is called suckers can needs to be removed.
Rose bushes are often grafted onto hardier root stocks. Sometimes the root stocks can send up new growth that overtakes the original rose bush. This growth is called suckers can needs to be removed.
Shade Gardening
Shade gardening offers the opportunity to work with a diverse variety of plants and to garden in a cool spot both the gardener and the plants will appreciate. There are shade plants suitable to the different degrees of shade. It is possible to create a shade garden with color and interest, if you choose appropriate shade garden plants. Here are some tips and suggestions for making the most of your shade garden.
Shade gardening offers the opportunity to work with a diverse variety of plants and to garden in a cool spot both the gardener and the plants will appreciate. There are shade plants suitable to the different degrees of shade. It is possible to create a shade garden with color and interest, if you choose appropriate shade garden plants. Here are some tips and suggestions for making the most of your shade garden.
Slug Control for the Garden
Slugs hide under leaves and do a lot of damage in the garden, before you even know they're there. Here’s what some readers recommend. What are your tips for getting rid of and controlling slugs in your garden?
Slugs hide under leaves and do a lot of damage in the garden, before you even know they're there. Here’s what some readers recommend. What are your tips for getting rid of and controlling slugs in your garden?
How-tos for Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are easy to grow, but can frustrate you by not blooming. Here are some tips for caring for hydrangeas, getting them to bloom and new hydrangea varieties that are even easier to grow
Hydrangeas are easy to grow, but can frustrate you by not blooming. Here are some tips for caring for hydrangeas, getting them to bloom and new hydrangea varieties that are even easier to grow
Deterring Birds
Birds are usually welcome in the garden, until they become a nusiance. Besides eating your fruits and berries before you get a chance, they can make an ugly, slippery mess of things. Here are some ways to deter birds from staining, pecking and nesting in your home.
Birds are usually welcome in the garden, until they become a nusiance. Besides eating your fruits and berries before you get a chance, they can make an ugly, slippery mess of things. Here are some ways to deter birds from staining, pecking and nesting in your home.
Growing Lettuce in Summer
Summer is thought of as a cool season crop, bolting with the first hint of heat. Here are a few tricks to prolong the lettuce harvest throughout the summer season.
Summer is thought of as a cool season crop, bolting with the first hint of heat. Here are a few tricks to prolong the lettuce harvest throughout the summer season.
Peas Please
Peas fresh from the garden have a short season of glory. Here are tips for extending pea season, growing healthy, productive pea plants and making the most of the peas you grow.
Peas fresh from the garden have a short season of glory. Here are tips for extending pea season, growing healthy, productive pea plants and making the most of the peas you grow.
Achillea
Achillea often get taken for granted because they are such a dependable, low maintenance perennial plant. There are many varieties of Yarrow and there is sure to be one or two suited to growing in your garden.
Achillea often get taken for granted because they are such a dependable, low maintenance perennial plant. There are many varieties of Yarrow and there is sure to be one or two suited to growing in your garden.
Hens and Chicks
Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) are low growing evergreen succulent plants that look a little like rubbery roses. They are considered alpine or rock garden plants, because of their hardiness and drought resistance. The original rosette, the ‘Hen’ produces tiny rosette offsets that are known as the ‘Chicks’. Hens and chicks are perfect for rocky areas and very easy to grow.
Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) are low growing evergreen succulent plants that look a little like rubbery roses. They are considered alpine or rock garden plants, because of their hardiness and drought resistance. The original rosette, the ‘Hen’ produces tiny rosette offsets that are known as the ‘Chicks’. Hens and chicks are perfect for rocky areas and very easy to grow.
Soilless Potting Mix
Starting plants from seed is a lot of fun, but it’s not so much fun to watch them wither and die shortly after germination. One way to gain an advantage is to use a sterile potting mix, because you never know what problems come along with soil from the garden. If you’re going with a potting mix anyway, you might want the further advantages a soilless mix brings. Here’s a rundown on what’s in the potting mix if you leave out the soil, and why you’d bother to in the first place.
Starting plants from seed is a lot of fun, but it’s not so much fun to watch them wither and die shortly after germination. One way to gain an advantage is to use a sterile potting mix, because you never know what problems come along with soil from the garden. If you’re going with a potting mix anyway, you might want the further advantages a soilless mix brings. Here’s a rundown on what’s in the potting mix if you leave out the soil, and why you’d bother to in the first place.
Bay Laurel
Best known as a seasoning, bay laurel is an evergreen shrub or tree that is native of the Mediterranean area. Although bay can grow into a tall tree, it is often kept smaller by pruning or by confining it in a container. Bay is very easy to grow. In the spring, bay has small yellow flowers which develop into purple berries in the fall.
Best known as a seasoning, bay laurel is an evergreen shrub or tree that is native of the Mediterranean area. Although bay can grow into a tall tree, it is often kept smaller by pruning or by confining it in a container. Bay is very easy to grow. In the spring, bay has small yellow flowers which develop into purple berries in the fall.
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
It is always confusing knowing whether to prune flowering trees and shrubs in the spring or wait until they bloom. Most spring bloomers should be trimmed after blooming, but not all. Here's a list of common landscape trees and shrubs and when to prune them.
It is always confusing knowing whether to prune flowering trees and shrubs in the spring or wait until they bloom. Most spring bloomers should be trimmed after blooming, but not all. Here's a list of common landscape trees and shrubs and when to prune them.
Hydrangea Colors
Hydrangeas have a reputation for being chamaeleons, but not all hydrangeas change color. Generally you will need to grow Big Leaf Hydrangeas, Hydrangea macrophylla, to get the pink or blue color you are seeking. You needn’t become a chemist, but you will need to understand why your hydrangeas change color. Here's why.
Hydrangeas have a reputation for being chamaeleons, but not all hydrangeas change color. Generally you will need to grow Big Leaf Hydrangeas, Hydrangea macrophylla, to get the pink or blue color you are seeking. You needn’t become a chemist, but you will need to understand why your hydrangeas change color. Here's why.
Growing Garlic
Garlic is very easy to grow in the home garden. There are hundreds of garlic varieties and the only way you are gong to get to taste them is if you grow them yourself. Read on to learn what types of garlic to grow and how to grow and store your garlic.
Garlic is very easy to grow in the home garden. There are hundreds of garlic varieties and the only way you are gong to get to taste them is if you grow them yourself. Read on to learn what types of garlic to grow and how to grow and store your garlic.
Growing Caladiums
Caladiums are tropical perennials grown for their spectacularly colorful foliage. Who needs flowers when the leaves are splotched and speckled with rose, cream, burgundy and flame red? Caladiums are heat lovers, but they can easily grow in cooler climates in summer and even make great houseplants. Learn the in and outs for caring for your colorful Caladiums.
Caladiums are tropical perennials grown for their spectacularly colorful foliage. Who needs flowers when the leaves are splotched and speckled with rose, cream, burgundy and flame red? Caladiums are heat lovers, but they can easily grow in cooler climates in summer and even make great houseplants. Learn the in and outs for caring for your colorful Caladiums.
Deadheading Garden Flowers
Deadheading flowers is a garden maintenance task that must be done if you want to have flowers throughout the garden season. The more you deadhead your flowers, the more new flower buds will be set. Deadheading all makes your whole garden look better.
Deadheading flowers is a garden maintenance task that must be done if you want to have flowers throughout the garden season. The more you deadhead your flowers, the more new flower buds will be set. Deadheading all makes your whole garden look better.
Ripening Green Tomatoes
There are always green tomatoes left on the vine in the fall. Deciding whether to pick green tomatoes is a tough call. And then there’s the problem of how to get green tomatoes to ripen. Here are some tips to keep your tomato plants healthy into the fall season and for getting those green tomatoes to ripen on the vine or how to salvage the obstinate green tomatoes you actually have to pick while still green.
There are always green tomatoes left on the vine in the fall. Deciding whether to pick green tomatoes is a tough call. And then there’s the problem of how to get green tomatoes to ripen. Here are some tips to keep your tomato plants healthy into the fall season and for getting those green tomatoes to ripen on the vine or how to salvage the obstinate green tomatoes you actually have to pick while still green.
Growing Amaryllis
Most amaryllis will go dormant naturally and re-bloom sometime during winter. However, many people prefer to force their amaryllis into bloom for the holiday season. Many ‘prepared’ bulbs are sold in the fall, ready to pot up and have in time for Christmas. Here are directions for forcing your Amaryllis for holiday display, as well as general care for your amaryllis plant.
Most amaryllis will go dormant naturally and re-bloom sometime during winter. However, many people prefer to force their amaryllis into bloom for the holiday season. Many ‘prepared’ bulbs are sold in the fall, ready to pot up and have in time for Christmas. Here are directions for forcing your Amaryllis for holiday display, as well as general care for your amaryllis plant.
Reading a Fertilizer Label
How to make sense of the numbers on your plant fertilizer bag and choose the right product for your plants.
How to make sense of the numbers on your plant fertilizer bag and choose the right product for your plants.
Tomato Plant Problems
Growing tomatoes are subject to a lot of diseases. Many tomato problems don't show themselves until the fruit starts to ripen? With blossom end rot, green shoulders and tomato cracking, what can be done to save the ripening tomatoes? How can these problems be reduced with future tomatoes?
Growing tomatoes are subject to a lot of diseases. Many tomato problems don't show themselves until the fruit starts to ripen? With blossom end rot, green shoulders and tomato cracking, what can be done to save the ripening tomatoes? How can these problems be reduced with future tomatoes?
Herb Gardening
How to grow herbs depends on what herbs you are growing. Since the plants that are considered “herbs” are such a large and varied lot, there are no hard and fast general rules for growing herbs. But with the exception of the handful of shade loving herbs, they all share these 3 growing conditions.
How to grow herbs depends on what herbs you are growing. Since the plants that are considered “herbs” are such a large and varied lot, there are no hard and fast general rules for growing herbs. But with the exception of the handful of shade loving herbs, they all share these 3 growing conditions.
Plant Pruning FAQ
Most plants benefit from some sort of regular pruning and maintenance. The trick is in know when to prune what. It’s confusing, but rarely fatal. Pruning at the wrong time of year may result in less flowers and fruits, but it usually won’t harm the plant in the long run To help you take the guess work out of pruning, here is a series of articles to help you learn when to prune the plants in your garden.
Most plants benefit from some sort of regular pruning and maintenance. The trick is in know when to prune what. It’s confusing, but rarely fatal. Pruning at the wrong time of year may result in less flowers and fruits, but it usually won’t harm the plant in the long run To help you take the guess work out of pruning, here is a series of articles to help you learn when to prune the plants in your garden.
Growing Bamboo
Does the idea of bamboo growing in your garden spark fear or longing in you? How bad can bamboo be if all the garden magazines are touting it? Bamboo can be grown successfully and safetly in home gardens, but you need to know what kind of bamboo you are getting and you need to take care that it doesn't take over.
Does the idea of bamboo growing in your garden spark fear or longing in you? How bad can bamboo be if all the garden magazines are touting it? Bamboo can be grown successfully and safetly in home gardens, but you need to know what kind of bamboo you are getting and you need to take care that it doesn't take over.
Small Garden Design
Garden design for a small space has its pros and cons over grand scale gardening. In small garden design, the gardener can pay attention to detail. You can keep on top of maintenance, while still having time to sit and enjoy your small garden. The principles of good garden design still apply, but you’ll need to tweak them slightly. Virtually any plant or garden style can be worked into a small garden space.
Garden design for a small space has its pros and cons over grand scale gardening. In small garden design, the gardener can pay attention to detail. You can keep on top of maintenance, while still having time to sit and enjoy your small garden. The principles of good garden design still apply, but you’ll need to tweak them slightly. Virtually any plant or garden style can be worked into a small garden space.
Garden Design FAQ
Gardening is often called the only living art form. Like any form of art, designing a garden is subjective. Although gardening successfully requires learning certain skills, in the end, a garden’s beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There are no fixed rules to garden design. But there are a few elements of composition that will serve the garden designer well, when combining plants. And the only way to get good at garden design is to do it.
Gardening is often called the only living art form. Like any form of art, designing a garden is subjective. Although gardening successfully requires learning certain skills, in the end, a garden’s beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There are no fixed rules to garden design. But there are a few elements of composition that will serve the garden designer well, when combining plants. And the only way to get good at garden design is to do it.
Dividing Perennial Plants
Sooner or later your perennial plants will need to be divided. You'll notice them dieing out in the center or floppy over. When that happens, follow the steps here.
Sooner or later your perennial plants will need to be divided. You'll notice them dieing out in the center or floppy over. When that happens, follow the steps here.
ContainerPhotos
Gardening in pots and containers offers many advantages. A container lets you experiment with plant combinations and color. You can easily swap out plants with the season. Many container gardens are portable. You can let them follow the sun, or use them to fill in gaps in a border. And container gardens fit just about anywhere. So there's no excuse not to have a garden.
Gardening in pots and containers offers many advantages. A container lets you experiment with plant combinations and color. You can easily swap out plants with the season. Many container gardens are portable. You can let them follow the sun, or use them to fill in gaps in a border. And container gardens fit just about anywhere. So there's no excuse not to have a garden.
Passion Flowers
Passion flowers are exotic looking topical plants that can actually be grown in much milder areas. There are many different passion flower plants. Some passion flowers are vines, some produce edible fruits. Here are some tips for growing passion flowers at home.
Passion flowers are exotic looking topical plants that can actually be grown in much milder areas. There are many different passion flower plants. Some passion flowers are vines, some produce edible fruits. Here are some tips for growing passion flowers at home.
A Cut Flower Garden of Perennial Favorites
A free garden design for a perennial cutting garden. Complete with specified plants and alternaives. Many perennials will repeat flower if kept dead headed, which is exactly what a cutting garden is for. And since not all perennial flowers bloom at the same time, your bouquets and arrangements will take on a seasonal flair and provide you with ever changing variety. Here's a garden design of perennial cutting flowers you can duplicate in your own yard.
A free garden design for a perennial cutting garden. Complete with specified plants and alternaives. Many perennials will repeat flower if kept dead headed, which is exactly what a cutting garden is for. And since not all perennial flowers bloom at the same time, your bouquets and arrangements will take on a seasonal flair and provide you with ever changing variety. Here's a garden design of perennial cutting flowers you can duplicate in your own yard.
Purple Foliage Plants
Foliage has taken center stage in the garden. Purple foliage not only provides color all season, it blends well and highlights other colors in the garden. There seems to be a never ending stream of new purple plants for sale. Here are the top choices of plantsman Tim Wood, resident horticulturist for Spring Meadow Nursery. purple foliage plants, purple plants, plants with purple or red leaves,
Foliage has taken center stage in the garden. Purple foliage not only provides color all season, it blends well and highlights other colors in the garden. There seems to be a never ending stream of new purple plants for sale. Here are the top choices of plantsman Tim Wood, resident horticulturist for Spring Meadow Nursery. purple foliage plants, purple plants, plants with purple or red leaves,
Growing Radishes
Even the humble globe-shaped radish offers a good amount of variety. They can be round or oblong, hot or mild, red, pink, purple, white or bi-colored. Radishes are quick growing and fairly easy, if you follow a few radish growing guidelines.
Even the humble globe-shaped radish offers a good amount of variety. They can be round or oblong, hot or mild, red, pink, purple, white or bi-colored. Radishes are quick growing and fairly easy, if you follow a few radish growing guidelines.
Dry Shade Annuals
Annual plants that will grow and flower in dry shade.
Annual plants that will grow and flower in dry shade.
Using Wood Ash in the Garden
Is wood ash good for garden soil? Will it do more harm than good? That depends on your soil and, of course, on the wood that was burned. Here are some thoughts to consider before you put wood ash on your garden plants.
Is wood ash good for garden soil? Will it do more harm than good? That depends on your soil and, of course, on the wood that was burned. Here are some thoughts to consider before you put wood ash on your garden plants.
Gaillardia, Blanket Flower
Gaillardia, Blanket Flower Photo
Gaillardia, Blanket Flower Photo
The Year of the Chile Pepper
Growing hot chili peppers is easy and possible almost anywhere. But the real enjoyment of growing your own hot peppers is harvesting them and using them. Here are some tips.
Growing hot chili peppers is easy and possible almost anywhere. But the real enjoyment of growing your own hot peppers is harvesting them and using them. Here are some tips.
Saving Tomato Seeds
Seed saving is the only way to make sure you have seeds of your favorite plants to grow each year. Tomato seeds need special handling to ensure good germination. Here's how to begin saving tomato seeds.
Seed saving is the only way to make sure you have seeds of your favorite plants to grow each year. Tomato seeds need special handling to ensure good germination. Here's how to begin saving tomato seeds.