Getting a jump start on growing dahlias by starting the tubers indoors in pots offers many advantages for gardeners. By potting up the tubers and getting them actively growing 4-6 weeks before transplanting outside, you can maximize blooms even in short season gardens or small spaces. In this complete guide, I’ll explain when and how … Read more
Hydrangeas are beloved flowers that brighten up gardens with their large, colorful blooms. Their soft colors and full flower heads have made them a quintessential flower for many yards and gardens. Hydrangeas are available in so many gorgeous varieties from mopheads to lacecaps in white, pink, blue and purple shades. But many hydrangea plants are … Read more
Okra is a warm-weather loving vegetable that thrives during hot, humid summers. While many gardeners directly sow okra seeds outdoors after the last spring frost date, did you know you can also start okra indoors from seed weeks earlier? Starting okra indoors allows for an earlier harvest So, can you start okra indoors? The short … Read more
A weed-choked pond can quickly become an eyesore and make recreational activities like swimming, boating, and fishing difficult Fortunately, with the right approach, you can get rid of pond weeds for good In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the best methods for removing various types of aquatic weeds from your pond. Why Remove Pond … Read more
California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) are beautiful wildflowers that grow abundantly across the western United States. Their vibrant orange blooms add a splash of color to gardens and hillsides. Once the flowers fade, seed pods develop that contain hundreds of tiny poppy seeds. Learning how to harvest these seeds allows you to collect them for culinary … Read more
How Far Apart to Plant Lettuce in a Raised Bed for Optimal Growth Growing lush, healthy lettuce is a joy for any gardener. And raised beds offer key advantages for lettuce cultivation. Their loose, fertile soil, drainage, and warmth help lettuce thrive. But to maximize yields in this prime space, proper planting technique is essential. … Read more
Growing cut flowers from seed allows you to fill your garden with beauty for a fraction of the cost of buying flowers, It’s also very rewarding to be able to create gorgeous bouquets using blooms you’ve nurtured from seed yourself When choosing which cut flowers to grow, it’s important to select varieties that have long, … Read more
Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits to grow in home gardens. However, protecting the berries from rot and pests while keeping the plants healthy can be a challenge. Traditionally, gardeners have used straw as mulch around strawberry plants. But what if you can’t get straw or want to try other options? Thankfully, there … Read more
As an Alabama gardener, I know that growing luscious, sweet strawberries in our climate can be done with a little effort and know-how Nothing beats the flavor of a sun-ripened, just-picked strawberry! Follow this simple guide to grow a bountiful strawberry patch right in your own backyard. Choosing the Right Strawberry Variety The key first … Read more
A beautiful, lush lawn is a dream for many homeowners. But establishing or improving grass growth can be tricky, especially when your yard has poor quality soil. This is where mixing grass seed and topsoil comes in handy. Topsoil contains essential organic matter that grass needs to develop strong roots and thrive. However, should you … Read more