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Gardening Advice

Close-up of orange poppies

Winter Sowing Flowers: How to Start Seeds Outdoors in Snow

Some flowers prefer winter sowing. (Yes, in the snow!) Learn which flower varieties need an extended period of cold to germinate and how to winter-sow outside in recycled milk jugs in January or February to jump-start a beautiful flower garden (and do it for pennies).What Is Winter Sowing?Those of us in cold climates don’t usually think of January and February as times to plant seeds…
A variety of seed packets

How Long Do Seeds Last? Seed Viability

How long do garden seeds last? How do you tell if your old seeds are still good? Let’s find out!Wintertime is the season when these questions matter. The gorgeous seed catalogs arrive in the mail, tempting you with beautiful photographs.But before you go crazy, it’s time to inventory your leftover seeds to avoid duplication and determine viability.How Long Do Vegetable…
the history of the wreath, green holiday wreath on a snowy background

The Story Behind Your Christmas Wreath

This time of year, Christmas wreaths are hung in every place imaginable—from doors and fences to lampposts and windows—even the front grille of the car! How did a round bit of greenery come to symbolize the holidays?Wreaths are part of many ancient traditions dating back to the earliest civilizations. The circle is a symbol of immortality; throughout history, wreaths have been…

New Year's Resolutions for Gardeners

A new year means a brand-new growing season. Winter’s quiet may not be as exciting as summer’s first tomato ripening or spring’s first flower opening, but it’s a time of promise, optimism, and a tangible sense of opportunity. Here are my eight gardening resolutions. I hope they inspire your plans!My garden has disappeared under a thin coverlet of white, which,…
Kitten knocking over plant

10 Tips to Keep Cats Away From Houseplants

I have two indoor cats that are curious kittens. They like to knock over pots, uproot my plants, and drag them around the house. Now that they are older, these incidents happen less often, but they still like to nibble on the leaves, often to the detriment of their tummies. Here are tips on keeping your cats out of your houseplants!I’ve also written about how I keep my cats away from the outdoor…

7 (Better) Alternatives to Salt for Deicing Driveways

Before you pour salt on your driveways to melt snow and ice, consider its impact on your plants, pets, pavement, and water quality. Explore seven less harmful ways to melt ice—as well as ways to use less salt!Rock salt (sodium chloride) has been the conventional choice to melt ice on driveways and sidewalks as salt has a lower freezing point than water. Rock salt is effective to…
natural holiday decor, table scape with pomegranates

Natural Christmas Decorations From the Garden

Are you decking your halls? Go natural this Christmas! It’s time for nature’s greenery to make a comeback. Look no further than your backyard and garden for a ready source of interesting foliage, berries, dried flower heads, and seedpods. Discover our ideas, straight from nature! Take a holiday from spending. Beauty is everywhere, including outside your own window!…
Hawaiian Flower Bouquet

Hawaiian Flowers: 22 of the Most Beautiful Flowers Of Hawaii

Who doesn’t treasure Hawaii? It’s a group of tropical islands filled with a stunning variety of flora and fauna! Say aloha to these 22 tropical beauties! (And, yes, you can grow some of these flowers for your own garden paradise!)Hawaii’s Floral DiversityAbout 1,000 species of plants are native to Hawaii, and about half of those are found nowhere else in the world. Sadly, almost one-…

Terrarium Ideas for Beginners: Indoor Mini Gardens in a Jar

Why not try your hand at creating a terrarium? These miniature gardens under glass have been experiencing a revival—and we can see why. It’s a mini ecosystem at work. An entire forest in a jar! Learn how to make a terrarium in 5 steps and bring joy all year long.What Are Terrariums?Originally popularized during the Victorian era, terrariums have made a big comeback. A terrarium is a…

How to Grow a Bonsai Tree

A few years ago, I was given a beautiful bonsai container and decided to try my hand at growing a compact plant that would fit. I had an old azalea growing in a pot that was too small, and I thought it would be perfect for my experiment. Here’s what I learned about bonsai—a living art form—and how to start and grow a bonsai tree. I envisioned my pretty pink azalea looking something…

How Long Does It Take to Grow a Christmas Tree?

These days, many of us find our Christmas trees at a garden supply store or a local church, selling them as a fundraiser. Ever wonder where they get the trees? Christmas tree farms, of course! But it’s not always easy. Growing Christmas trees is similar to producing any other agricultural crop. It’s serious business that requires a lot of hard work over the years! Learn more about our…

Grow These Gorgeous Succulents Indoors—Perfect for Dry Winter Homes

When cold weather rolls in and your indoor air turns desert-dry, most houseplants start to struggle—but succulents absolutely thrive. These tough, water-storing beauties actually prefer warm, sunny windowsills and low humidity, making winter their time to shine. From jade plants to living stones, succulents come in bizarre, charming, and downright stunning forms—and they’re some of the…
Get inspired by Robin Sweetser’s backyard gardening tips and tricks. Robin has been a contributor to The Old Farmer’s Almanac and the All-Seasons Garden Guide for many years. She and her partner Tom have a small greenhouse business and also sell plants, cut flowers, and vegetables at their local Farmer’s Market.
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