Gardening Advice
When do you prune your hydrangea? It depends. If your hydrangea blooms on “old” wood, you should NOT cut back in the fall, or you will sacrifice next year’s flowers! See our handy chart on when to prune common types of hydrangea.When to Prune HydrangeasHydrangeas should be pruned based on whether they bloom on old or new wood. Bigleaf, oakleaf, mountain, and climbing hydrangeas bloom on…
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…
Don’t be tempted to start planting too soon! Average spring frosts are just a rough guide. Springcasting is a way to predict and track the progress of spring across the continent—as defined by plants. See when spring “officially” makes it to your neck of the woods.During an unusually warm stretch of weather in March, I was greatly tempted to start planting. Thankfully, I did…
Seeds must germinate for gardens to exist. But what makes a seed germinate? A few key ingredients make for successful sprouting, but if you ignore them, you may have poor germination. Let’s dig in to understand how seeds germinate!Germination is the process a seed goes through when it “wakes up” from its dormant state and starts to grow. Seeds are self-contained systems that contain most of…
Spring ephemerals are the first wildflowers to bloom in early spring woodlands. These delicate native plants—like trillium, bloodroot, Dutchman’s breeches, and Virginia bluebells—emerge before trees leaf out, taking advantage of the brief sunlight that reaches the forest floor. Learn how these early spring wildflowers grow, how they’re pollinated, and why they disappear by summer.A sure sign…
How many times have you heard the advice to “plant in well-draining soil”? It seems like whenever you are shopping for plants or reading about gardening, the term “well-draining” soil always comes up as the best location for planting. What exactly is this, and how is it identified?What Is Well-Draining Soil?The ability of soil to drain depends on its structure. Soils that drain well…
If you’ve ever wondered how to build a garden bed that waters itself, improves soil over time, and recycles yard debris all at once, hügelkultur might be your answer. This centuries-old gardening method—popular in permaculture systems—uses buried logs, branches, and organic matter to create a raised, mound-shaped bed that acts like a living sponge.As the wood slowly decomposes, it stores…
If you’ve ever searched for a natural way to control slugs, beetles, or aphids, you’ve probably come across diatomaceous earth (DE). This fine, powdery substance is made from the fossilized remains of microscopic aquatic organisms called diatoms. Though it feels soft like flour, diatomaceous earth is made of sharp silica particles that can damage insects’ outer layers, causing them to …
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…
