Gardening Advice
If you’re wondering how to grow potatoes in raised beds, you’re in the right place. Raised beds provide the loose, well-draining soil that potatoes love—making them one of the easiest and most productive crops to grow.Preparing Raised Beds for Potatoes
Whether raised beds are on the ground or standing, they must be at leaast 12 inches deep. Credit: Jennifer J Taylor
A successful…
Milkweed is the only host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars, but not all milkweed species are equally suited to every garden. Native Asclepias varieties vary in height, bloom color, moisture preference, and regional adaptability. Choosing the right milkweed for your climate and growing conditions increases the likelihood of attracting monarchs while supporting a wider range of …
Worm castings—sometimes called vermicast or vermicompost—are nature’s supercharged fertilizer. These tiny nuggets of worm poop are packed with nutrients, beneficial microbes, and organic matter that improve soil health, boost plant growth, and even help repel pests. Whether you’re starting seeds, amending garden beds, or brewing compost tea, worm castings are a simple, natural way to give your…
When should you plant garden peas? Gardeners often repeat the advice to “plant peas as soon as the ground can be worked,” and for good reason. Peas are cool-season crops that thrive in cold soil and can tolerate frost, making early spring the best time to get them in the ground.In my garden, that usually means mid- to late March, while gardeners in warmer southern climates can often plant…
Coco coir may sound like a trendy drink, but coco coir for gardening is one of the most effective and sustainable soil amendments available. Made from coconut husks, coco coir improves water retention, aeration, and soil health while resisting pests and disease. Learn more about coconut coir and how to use it in your garden properly.What Is Coco Coir Used For? Coco coir is used to improve…
Bone meal is one of the best, most readily available sources of fertilizer for your plants. Discover its benefits for plant growth and how properly to use it in your garden.Blood meal, bone meal, feather meal, fish meal, kelp meal, soybean meal … The fertilizer at your local garden center is full of choices—often too many choices! Let’s talk about bone meal, which provides phosphorus, one of…
Wish you could do less mowing? Tired of suffering through the hassle of keeping your grass green? Hardy, low-growing ground covers are an increasingly popular alternative to grass. Before you throw down more grass seed, discover 12 lawn alternatives—from a carpet of moss to stepable ground covers.Grass has its place, but it’s also a resource-heavy plant, requiring constant irrigation, mowing…
Want to enjoy forsythia blooms indoors before spring arrives? Forcing branches of this spring-flowering shrub is easy and lets you enjoy early color inside while your garden is still dormant. Follow these five simple steps for beautiful indoor blooms.How do you force forsythia branches indoors?Cut healthy branches at least 12 inches long with fat flower buds.Soak branches in tepid…
Got allergies? Knowing the best plants for allergies—and which plants to avoid—can make gardening far more enjoyable. From early spring through fall, allergens like pollen and mold can trigger reactions, but smart plant choices and habits can help reduce symptoms.Depending on what triggers your allergic reactions—tree pollen, dust, mold spores, grasses, weeds, or strongly scented flowers—…
If you garden to feed your family, planning which vegetables to grow for a well-stocked pantry ensures you’ll have enough fresh and stored produce to last through winter. From potatoes and sweet potatoes to kale and winter squash, these tips help maximize your harvest and preserve it for the months ahead.Why Grow Your Own VegetablesThough we are far from self-sufficient, this year we…
Spring may be calling, but in many parts of the country—especially cooler regions—it’s important not to rush the season. Early spring gardening is all about taking a gentle approach, allowing soil to dry, plants to wake naturally, and beneficial insects to emerge safely. After seeing gardens already in full bloom in warmer climates, it can be tempting to dive right in, but patience pays off.…
I am always amazed when I see known invasives being sold at garden centers, online, and in catalogs. Here are 10 silent invaders you should never bring home to grow in your yard—plus, some substitute plants to grow instead.10 Common Invasive PlantsAutumn OliveAutumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) is often sold in wildlife packages or for erosion control. Birds do love their berries,…
