Gardening Advice

Think you don’t have room to grow your own crispy cucumbers for summer salads? Think again! They will grow just fine in a big pot and, in some cases, will do even better than if planted in the garden. Container growing gives you more control over the conditions. You can place the pot where it will get the most sun and where it will be convenient for you to water and keep an eye on, such…

The smell of Bengay and Icy Hot mixed with bug spray is a sure sign that the gardening season is in full swing. Yes, cases of “gardener’s back” or “weeder’s wrist” or “pruner’s neck” are going around. Here’s how to avoid the hazards of gardening!I’m not exaggerating. Repetitive motions like pruning and weeding can injure muscles, tendons, and nerves, turning what is supposed to be…

One way to protect your plants from insect attacks is to use trap crops. What are trap crops? We’ll explain how they work, give examples of trap crops (such as nasturtium, marigolds, and dill), and tell you which beetles and other insect pests they control.What is a Trap Crop?Basically, a trap crop consists of sacrificial plants that draw the harmful bugs away from the plants you want…

When summer arrives, so do the biting bugs! Can plants alone really repel mosquitoes and other nuisance insects in the garden? Here’s what the science says, as well as a list of plants with insect-repellent properties.Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance, as there are many mosquito-borne diseases out there, including viruses such as West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Dengue. It’…

Which perennial flowers bloom all summer? Whether you live in the South, Northeast, Midwest, or West, see our list of perennials to plant for colorful flowers from summer to fall. Perennials That Bloom All SummerNonstop blooming is easy to create just by planting the right varieties for your location. Try some of these regional favorites and enjoy season-long brilliant color. Most…

Love that one special tomato you grow every summer? Saving its seeds ensures you’ll always have it, even if it disappears from catalogs. With many older varieties fading out, seed saving is a smart, sustainable way to keep your favorites growing for generations—just like gardeners have done for centuries..Benefits of Saving Tomato SeedsIt is a process that is easy enough to do and will…

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

Gardening is not for pansies! It is a strenuous activity and none of us are getting any younger. Here are a few tips to make your chores easier and more comfortable to do.Assess the situation. Just how much can you lift and how far can you bend? What chores are painful or put too much stress on your already sore parts? How long can you work before tiring? Remember, gardening …

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

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

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

Potatoes can take up quite a bit of space in your garden. One solution is to grow potatoes in containers! Gardeners have had success growing spuds in everything from trash cans to burlap bags. Learn how to plant potatoes in pots and, importantly, how to harvest these tasty little treasures!You can start growing potatoes in pots in early spring! Wait at least 2 weeks after the last spring…