Gardening Advice

One way to protect your plants from insect attacks is to use trap crops. What are trap crops? Learn about how trap crops work, examples of trap crops (such as nasturtium, marigolds, and dill), and 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 to keep…

Garlic is an unexpectedly easy crop to grow at home if you get the timing right. Let’s talk about when to harvest garlic—and what to look for before harvesting. Plus, I’ll show you how to cure your garlic for long-term storage.To grow the best garlic bulbs, you want rain early in the season. Unfortunately, where I live, it has been hot and dry almost all summer. With garlic, as harvest…

If you can’t visit the tropics, try growing your own citrus trees in containers! Dwarf citrus varieties will grow year-round if kept in the right conditions. They all bear edible fruit and have glossy, evergreen leaves and delicious-smelling flowers. (The scent is heavenly!) Learn how to care for your indoor citrus trees.There are many kinds of citrus that work well as container plants. Even…

Up the “wow” factor in your landscape by adding some ornamental grasses. The soothing sounds and hypnotic movement of these graceful plants on a breezy day add enjoyment to the garden, plus they are truly low-maintenance plants. See some of our top picks!About Ornamental GrassOrnamental grasses stay attractive all season long and make striking accents or background plantings. They grow…

If you are itching to get your hands dirty but have few gardening supplies on hand, take a look around the house and yard. You may find many items that can be repurposed into just what you need. Here are some cheap tips and tricks!Collect plastic and waxed containers to start seeds in. Plastic clamshells that greens come in make great community pots for starting seeds. Mushroom boxes, muffin…

Are any of these badly-behaving trees or shrubs near your home? Here are the worst (and best) trees to plant close to your house. Plus, we’ll explain why you don’t want trees and shrubs closing in on your home and offer general guidelines on how far away a tree needs to be.Planting Trees and Shrubs Near the HouseWe all enjoy landscaping around our home. And it’s not just about …

Whether you have run out of garden space or you don’t have garden space, you can always grow crops in pots! For example, tomatoes make an ideal container plant when grown in five-gallon buckets. Here are some ideas plus our list of the best vegetables to grow in buckets, bags, or baskets!After I have planted every square inch of my garden I always find that there is something I have…

If you’ve been thinking of ditching the chemicals and going organic, this is the year to do it! There are many good reasons to grow an organic garden, but health tops the list. The food is fresher and more nutritious, plus you want edible crops free from chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Here are 8 simple steps for starting an organic garden.Our grandparents grew “…

As gardeners, we are connected to all people who have come before us, caring for the Earth and learning how to best grow crops. Ready for the best gardening techniques? Let’s have a look at some age-old gardening wisdom that’s still relevant today.A Long History of GardeningGourds, beans, and peppers were being cultivated in Mexico by 5,500 BC, and by 5,000 BC, maize was being…

Are you looking for ways to add a touch of happiness and compassion to your garden? Look no further than pink flowers!  Pink blooms come in a wide variety of shades, from soft and calming to bright and bold. This article explores 20 beautiful pink flowering plants to add a pop of color to your garden.Why We Love Pink Flowers in the GardenPink flowers are a beloved addition to any…

Primroses are hearty, rugged little perennial flowers that come in a rainbow of colors! These shade-lovers bloom from early spring through summer—for color all season long. Here are 9 types of pretty primroses.About PrimrosesThere is nothing demure about primroses; they light up the landscape with carnival bright colors like egg yolk yellow, royal blue, magenta, and bright crimson.…

Garter snakes are a gardener’s friend! Harmless to humans, they eat the pests that wreak havoc in your garden. Learn more about the shy but helpful gardening helper who just wants to live peacefully in harmony with you—and eat your slugs!I found a snake skin in my garden a few weeks ago. While other people might have been freaked out, it made me happy to know…