Growing plants from seeds can be an enjoyable and cost-effective way to add beautiful flowers, tasty vegetables, and fragrant herbs to your garden However, getting those tiny seeds to successfully sprout and grow into seedlings involves paying close attention to factors like consistent moisture, proper soil temperature, and adequate light exposure One common question for … Read more
Mulching is an essential gardening task that helps suppress weeds, retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and protect plants. As a passionate gardener myself, I frequently get questions from fellow gardeners about whether it’s okay to put new mulch on top of existing old mulch. Based on my years of experience and research, the short answer … Read more
Amaryllis bulbs produce gorgeous, trumpet-shaped flowers during the winter months. Their spectacular blooms make amaryllis a popular gift plant for the holidays But what do you do with the bulbs once the flowers fade? Can you save amaryllis bulbs and get them to bloom again next year? The good news is you don’t have to … Read more
Drying pumpkin on a stick is a unique way to create decorative accents for the fall season. The miniature, pumpkin-shaped fruits are actually a type of ornamental eggplant that can be grown in the garden or purchased for drying. With the right harvesting and preservation techniques, these cute “pumpkins” on their natural vines can be … Read more
Spring is the perfect time to start planting flowers from seed. With the cold winter months behind us it’s time to look forward to colorful blooms and fragrances in our gardens. When choosing flower seeds to plant in spring, focus on varieties that can withstand cooler nighttime temperatures and that bloom in late spring or … Read more
Rhubarb is a hardy perennial vegetable that has been a staple in home gardens for generations. The tart, red stalks add vibrant color and zingy flavor to everything from pies, jams, and compotes, to chutneys, sauces, and cocktails. While rhubarb is low-maintenance, it does require splitting every 4-6 years to maintain vigor. Here’s a step-by-step … Read more
Chives are a versatile herb that can provide a punch of oniony flavor to dishes ranging from omelets to baked potatoes. With their grass-like leaves and purple blossoms, they are also an attractive addition to flower beds and herb gardens. When planted in the right spot and paired with beneficial companion plants, chives will thrive … Read more
Transplanting strawberry plants is a great way to keep your strawberry patch healthy and productive for years to come. As a perennial fruit strawberries will continue producing year after year if properly maintained. An important maintenance task is periodically transplanting strawberries to prevent overcrowding and refresh the patch with new runner plants. This helps maximize … Read more
Many home gardeners wonder if they can plant sweet potatoes and potatoes together While they may seem similar since they both have “potato” in their names, sweet potatoes and potatoes actually come from completely different plant families However, despite not being closely related, sweet potatoes and potatoes make great companion plants in the garden! An … Read more
Camellias are classic flowering shrubs that have been prized in gardens for centuries. Their showy flowers, glossy evergreen foliage, and variety of forms, sizes, and colors make camellias perfect for adding elegance and interest to any landscape. While camellias can be purchased from nurseries, propagating your own from cuttings is a very rewarding way to … Read more