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.
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.
Pruning Lilacs
Pruning lilacs doesn't just keep their size in check, it rejuvenates the plant and encourages more blooming. Here's how to prune lilac plants.
Pruning lilacs doesn't just keep their size in check, it rejuvenates the plant and encourages more blooming. Here's how to prune lilac plants.
Growing Petunias
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Annual Flowers for Heat and Humidity
Heat and humidity are not always kind to plants. These 12 flowering annuals can stand up to extreme conditions, even in full sun, without a lot of extra fuss and care.
Heat and humidity are not always kind to plants. These 12 flowering annuals can stand up to extreme conditions, even in full sun, without a lot of extra fuss and care.
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.
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.
How to Grow Potatoes
Growing potatoes 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 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.
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.
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..
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.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are colorful cool season flowers that grow easily in most gardens and climates.
Snapdragons are colorful cool season flowers that grow easily in most gardens and climates.
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.
Growing Strawberries in Containers
How to grow strawberries in containers. Tips for getting the most from strawberry plants grown in pots.
How to grow strawberries in containers. Tips for getting the most from strawberry plants grown in pots.
Harvesting 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Drying Herbs
Air drying herbs is an easy way to preserve and store your garden herbs, with minimal loss of flavor and quality. Here are some simple steps for doing it.
Air drying herbs is an easy way to preserve and store your garden herbs, with minimal loss of flavor and quality. Here are some simple steps for doing it.
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.
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.
Low Maintenance Plants
The trick to finding low maintenance perennial plants is choosing plants suited to your growing conditions and getting them well established. Here are 10 good candidates.
The trick to finding low maintenance perennial plants is choosing plants suited to your growing conditions and getting them well established. Here are 10 good candidates.
Pruning Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas need pruning, to keep them in shape and flowering profusely. But timing when to prune hydrangeas determines how well they will flower or if they will flower at all. Here's some help.
Hydrangeas need pruning, to keep them in shape and flowering profusely. But timing when to prune hydrangeas determines how well they will flower or if they will flower at all. Here's some help.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Basil - Growing & Using
Basil is an easy to grow tender annual. The hardest thing about growing basil is choosing which varieties to grow. Here are some suggestions for great basil varieties and how to grow them.
Basil is an easy to grow tender annual. The hardest thing about growing basil is choosing which varieties to grow. Here are some suggestions for great basil varieties and how to grow them.
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.
Heuchera
Heuchera plants have come a long way from the traditional Coral Bells. Heuchera are wonderful foliage plants that grow in a wide range of hardiness zones. Here are some tips to keep your Heuchera growing.
Heuchera plants have come a long way from the traditional Coral Bells. Heuchera are wonderful foliage plants that grow in a wide range of hardiness zones. Here are some tips to keep your Heuchera growing.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Shade Tolerant Vegetables
Almost all vegetables grow best in full sun, but there are a few that can tolerant partial shade and even some that appreciate being shaded in the heat of summer. Here are the best bets for shade tolerant vegetables.
Almost all vegetables grow best in full sun, but there are a few that can tolerant partial shade and even some that appreciate being shaded in the heat of summer. Here are the best bets for shade tolerant vegetables.
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. Pruning brambles 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. Pruning brambles is actually a simple procedure, if you follow these steps.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Torenia
Torenia's bright and quirky upturned flowers give rise to many common names, like wishbone and clown flower. Torenia is a profuse blooming annual that starts flowering early in the season and keeps up the show through fall, with minimal deadheading. Most varieties form a mound that eventually trails down the sides of pots. Torenia is deer resistant and very attractive to hummingbirds.
Torenia's bright and quirky upturned flowers give rise to many common names, like wishbone and clown flower. Torenia is a profuse blooming annual that starts flowering early in the season and keeps up the show through fall, with minimal deadheading. Most varieties form a mound that eventually trails down the sides of pots. Torenia is deer resistant and very attractive to hummingbirds.
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.
Growing Oregano
Oregano is a hardy perennial plant that will grow easily in your garden for many years. Tips for which varieties to grow and how to get the most from them.
Oregano is a hardy perennial plant that will grow easily in your garden for many years. Tips for which varieties to grow and how to get the most from them.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Passion Flowers
Exotic, tropical Passion flowers evoke the south seas, but they can actually be grown in much milder areas. Here are some tips for growing passion flowers in your garden.
Exotic, tropical Passion flowers evoke the south seas, but they can actually be grown in much milder areas. Here are some tips for growing passion flowers in your garden.
Pothos
Pothos is arguably the easiest houseplant to grow. Pothos is tolerant of low light conditions and erratic watering. Pothos are also high on the list of plants that can help purify indoor air. Here's how to keep your pothos growing.
Pothos is arguably the easiest houseplant to grow. Pothos is tolerant of low light conditions and erratic watering. Pothos are also high on the list of plants that can help purify indoor air. Here's how to keep your pothos growing.
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.
How to Plant Peonies
Peonies can live and thrive for decades, with minimal care. Peonies bloom in the late spring, but they do best when planted or transplanted in the fall. For the most part, planting peonies is pretty straight forward. However there are a few special needs peonies have, that are best accommodated at planting time.
Peonies can live and thrive for decades, with minimal care. Peonies bloom in the late spring, but they do best when planted or transplanted in the fall. For the most part, planting peonies is pretty straight forward. However there are a few special needs peonies have, that are best accommodated at planting time.
Broccoli
Broccoli is not the easiest crop to grow, but it is very rewarding because the harvest season is so long. Side shoots keep coming throughout the summer. Here are some tips to get you growing.
Broccoli is not the easiest crop to grow, but it is very rewarding because the harvest season is so long. Side shoots keep coming throughout the summer. Here are some tips to get you growing.
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.
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.
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 add zones and provide more detailed information.
The USDA Hardiness Zone Map has been used by gardeners to determine what plants will survive in their garden climate. The latest revisions add zones and provide more detailed information.
Persian Shield
Persian Shield has luminous purple leaves washed with silver. You can grow Persian Shield as a houseplant or use it in borders and containers. Tips for growing Persian Shield.
Persian Shield has luminous purple leaves washed with silver. You can grow Persian Shield as a houseplant or use it in borders and containers. Tips for growing Persian Shield.
Viburnums
Viburnums have long been one of the most popular flowering landscape shrubs, blooming from spring to June, followed by beautiful berries and fall color. You can find a variety to suit any garden need.
Viburnums have long been one of the most popular flowering landscape shrubs, blooming from spring to June, followed by beautiful berries and fall color. You can find a variety to suit any garden need.
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.
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.
Roses from Cuttings
Ever wonder if you could root and grow branches from your favorite rose bush? With a little care, roses root very easily. You won't always get exactly what you started with, but it's fun trying. And here's how.
Ever wonder if you could root and grow branches from your favorite rose bush? With a little care, roses root very easily. You won't always get exactly what you started with, but it's fun trying. And here's how.
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.
Growing Violas
Violas and pansies are such stalwarts that gardeners take them for granted . These cool season bloomers are great for spring and fall gardens and for bridging the seasons in warmer areas, where they’ll bloom right through the winter. Newer violas have bolder colors and larger flowers that bloom longer. Even better, the new violas and pansies exhibit better heat and cold tolerance than the remarkably hardy varieties where familiar with. Read how to grow the best violas for your garden.
Violas and pansies are such stalwarts that gardeners take them for granted . These cool season bloomers are great for spring and fall gardens and for bridging the seasons in warmer areas, where they’ll bloom right through the winter. Newer violas have bolder colors and larger flowers that bloom longer. Even better, the new violas and pansies exhibit better heat and cold tolerance than the remarkably hardy varieties where familiar with. Read how to grow the best violas for your garden.
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.
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.
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.
Starting a Vegetable Garden
How to Start a Vegetable Garden. Ideas for where to site it, how to prepare to plant and choosing vegetables to grow.
How to Start a Vegetable Garden. Ideas for where to site it, how to prepare to plant and choosing vegetables to grow.
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.
How to Grow Asparagus
Asparagus is one of the earliest spring vegetables. Since it is perennial, it's important to get it off to a good start. If you are thinking of growing asparagus, here's some help.
Asparagus is one of the earliest spring vegetables. Since it is perennial, it's important to get it off to a good start. If you are thinking of growing asparagus, here's some help.
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.
Sweet Alyssum
Easy to grow Sweet Alyssum is a delicate carpet of tiny flowers with a subtle, sweet fragrance. Here are some tips for growing Sweet Alyssum plants in your garden or in containers.
Easy to grow Sweet Alyssum is a delicate carpet of tiny flowers with a subtle, sweet fragrance. Here are some tips for growing Sweet Alyssum plants in your garden or in containers.
Shade Garden Perennials
Shade gardens can be woodland retreats or unexpected bursts of color. Plants you might not associate with shade can actually be used to brighten partially shaded sites. Here are some top choices.
Shade gardens can be woodland retreats or unexpected bursts of color. Plants you might not associate with shade can actually be used to brighten partially shaded sites. Here are some top choices.
Growing Asparagus
Asparagus is one of the few perennial vegetable crops for the home garden. Plant it once and it keeps on growing. 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 growing. A well-established asparagus bed can produce for decades. Here's how to grow great asparagus.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Succession Planting - Four Way
Succession planting in vegetable gardening is a way to extend your harvest by either staggering your plantings or planting varieties with staggered maturing dates. Here's how it works.
Succession planting in vegetable gardening is a way to extend your harvest by either staggering your plantings or planting varieties with staggered maturing dates. Here's how it works.
Osteospermum
Osteospermum is a tongue-twisting name for a pretty daisy-like flower with unusual color petals and very often, a blue center. Also called African Daisies, these plants make profuse blooming garden plants. Tips for planting and caring for Osteospermum plants.
Osteospermum is a tongue-twisting name for a pretty daisy-like flower with unusual color petals and very often, a blue center. Also called African Daisies, these plants make profuse blooming garden plants. Tips for planting and caring for Osteospermum plants.
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 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 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 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.
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.
Interplanting Veggies & Flowers
Vegetable gardens benefit greatly from the addition of some flowers and herbs. It's not just beauty, interplanting 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 beauty, interplanting can protect your vegetables from insects and even make them more productive.
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.
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.
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.
Gardening Basics
A little planning goes a long way, when starting a garden. Here's some guidance for deciding where to put it, what you'll need, where to begin and what to plant.
A little planning goes a long way, when starting a garden. Here's some guidance for deciding where to put it, what you'll need, where to begin and what to plant.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spring Rose Care
A bit of spring rose care will mean healthier roses throughout the growing season. Although roses may bloom even if gardeners neglect them entirely, they will have fewer problems and more blooms if you do some spring rose pruning and feeding, as outlined below. The efforts you make in caring for your roses in the early spring will mean that many fewer problems to tend to during the growing season.
A bit of spring rose care will mean healthier roses throughout the growing season. Although roses may bloom even if gardeners neglect them entirely, they will have fewer problems and more blooms if you do some spring rose pruning and feeding, as outlined below. The efforts you make in caring for your roses in the early spring will mean that many fewer problems to tend to during the growing season.
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.
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.
Small Vegetable Garden
Gardening in a small space can present some challenges, but you can still grow a lot of great food, with a few of these simple techniques.
Gardening in a small space can present some challenges, but you can still grow a lot of great food, with a few of these simple techniques.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Using Dwarf Evergreens
The term 'Bones of the Garden' can be difficult to understand, let alone accomplish. Garden Bones refers to using something architectural to define the structure of a garden. Most often we see it in large-scale estate or public gardens, but it is doable in more humble gardens too. One of the best tools for adding bones to your garden design is dwarf conifers. Structural, eye catching, easy to grow and diverse, dwarf conifers show a garden means business. Here are some of the best.
The term 'Bones of the Garden' can be difficult to understand, let alone accomplish. Garden Bones refers to using something architectural to define the structure of a garden. Most often we see it in large-scale estate or public gardens, but it is doable in more humble gardens too. One of the best tools for adding bones to your garden design is dwarf conifers. Structural, eye catching, easy to grow and diverse, dwarf conifers show a garden means business. Here are some of the best.
Lady's Mantle
Lady’s Mantle is an old-fashioned flower still popular today for it’s fuzzy, cupped leaves that hold water droplets after a rain and the frothy sprays of dainty yellow flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. Lady’s Mantle is also used in making lotions and soaps. Lady’s Mantle is a long-lived perennial flower that is fairly low maintenance.
Lady’s Mantle is an old-fashioned flower still popular today for it’s fuzzy, cupped leaves that hold water droplets after a rain and the frothy sprays of dainty yellow flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. Lady’s Mantle is also used in making lotions and soaps. Lady’s Mantle is a long-lived perennial flower that is fairly low maintenance.
Thinning Vegetable Seedlings
Vegetable plants that are seeded directly in the garden often sprout too close together. When that happens, the vegetable plant seedlings will need to be thinned out and given space to grow. Here's a list of which vegetables to thin and how far to space them
Vegetable plants that are seeded directly in the garden often sprout too close together. When that happens, the vegetable plant seedlings will need to be thinned out and given space to grow. Here's a list of which vegetables to thin and how far to space them
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?
Lilacs
Tips on growing, caring for and pruning lilacs.
Tips on growing, caring for and pruning lilacs.
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.
Harvesting Vegetables
There are no precise guidelines for when to harvest your vegetables, but here are some rules of thumb to help you pick when they are at maximum flavor.
There are no precise guidelines for when to harvest your vegetables, but here are some rules of thumb to help you pick when they are at maximum flavor.
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.
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.
Growing Rhubarb
Is rhubarb a vegetable? A fruit? An ornamental plant? It’s a very ornamental vegetable that is usually prepared and eaten much like a fruit. All that and it’s perennial in many areas. Rhubarb is a cool season crop that is grown for its fibrous leaf stalks, which are a wonderful sweet-tart treat. These tips should help you get your rhubarb started right and growing well.
Is rhubarb a vegetable? A fruit? An ornamental plant? It’s a very ornamental vegetable that is usually prepared and eaten much like a fruit. All that and it’s perennial in many areas. Rhubarb is a cool season crop that is grown for its fibrous leaf stalks, which are a wonderful sweet-tart treat. These tips should help you get your rhubarb started right and growing well.
Plant Hardiness Maps
The USDA has released their new Plant Hardiness Zone Maps. Using 30 years of data, the new maps better reflect regional differences and are much easier to read. See what's changed.
The USDA has released their new Plant Hardiness Zone Maps. Using 30 years of data, the new maps better reflect regional differences and are much easier to read. See what's changed.
Freezing Herbs
We usually think of drying herbs, but some herbs, like chives, don't dry easily. Freezing these herbs will preserve their fresh flavor for months. Here are some simple steps for how to freeze fresh herbs.
We usually think of drying herbs, but some herbs, like chives, don't dry easily. Freezing these herbs will preserve their fresh flavor for months. Here are some simple steps for how to freeze fresh herbs.
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?
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.
Dry Shade Annuals
Annual plants that will grow and flower in dry shade.
Annual plants that will grow and flower in dry shade.
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.
Container Ornamental Grasses
Growing ornamental grasses in containers is a great way to feature grasses without the worry of them spreading or taking over the garden. The downside is that when growing grasses in containers, their hardiness is raised by about 2 zones. An ornamental grass hardy to Zone 5, when planted in the ground, will only survive to Zone 7 in a pot. However, you can always grow container grasses as annuals. Here are my top ten picks for ornamental grasses grown in containers.
Growing ornamental grasses in containers is a great way to feature grasses without the worry of them spreading or taking over the garden. The downside is that when growing grasses in containers, their hardiness is raised by about 2 zones. An ornamental grass hardy to Zone 5, when planted in the ground, will only survive to Zone 7 in a pot. However, you can always grow container grasses as annuals. Here are my top ten picks for ornamental grasses grown in containers.
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
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.
How Much to Plant
It's time to plan the vegetable garden, but how much should you plant per person? How much to plant depends on a number of factors. Here are some guidelines.
It's time to plan the vegetable garden, but how much should you plant per person? How much to plant depends on a number of factors. Here are some guidelines.
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.
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.
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.
Gaillardia
Gaillardia, or Blanket Flower, looks like a large, colorful daisy. Gaillardia plants are drought tolerant, tough plants that bloom non-stop in shades of gold, red and 2-tones.
Gaillardia, or Blanket Flower, looks like a large, colorful daisy. Gaillardia plants are drought tolerant, tough plants that bloom non-stop in shades of gold, red and 2-tones.
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.
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.
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.
Preventing Weeds
A better idea than pulling weeds is to keep them out of your garden in the first place. You can't stop every bird from dropping a weed seed here and there, but there are several things you can do to limit the amount of weeds brought into your garden and prevent weeds from getting out of control.
A better idea than pulling weeds is to keep them out of your garden in the first place. You can't stop every bird from dropping a weed seed here and there, but there are several things you can do to limit the amount of weeds brought into your garden and prevent weeds from getting out of control.
Black-Eyed Susan Vine
Black-eyed Susan vine is quick growing and easy to care for. The tubular flowers are often seen in orange, but they also come in soft yellow, white and a scattering of other colors. Tips for growing Thunbergia alata, Black-eyed Susan vine.
Black-eyed Susan vine is quick growing and easy to care for. The tubular flowers are often seen in orange, but they also come in soft yellow, white and a scattering of other colors. Tips for growing Thunbergia alata, Black-eyed Susan vine.
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,
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.
Black Walnut Toxicity
Black walnuts (Juglans nigra L.) make beautiful shade trees and a pleasant tasting, if messy, hard to
Black walnuts (Juglans nigra L.) make beautiful shade trees and a pleasant tasting, if messy, hard to
Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)
Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)
Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)